By FCF Staff

M-1 Global’s response to Dana White’s announcement Thursday that Fedor Emelianeko will be released from Strikeforce continues, as the fighter’s management group is saying that the Russian heavyweight was never under contract with the Zuffa promotion. In keeping with comments that M-1 Global’s Director of Operations Evgeni Kogan made on his Twitter account earlier, the official was quoted saying the following in a statement from the company:

“Dana White announced earlier today that Fedor is no longer a Zuffa fighter. Truth is Fedor was never under contract with Zuffa. Last Saturday night fans were treated to one of the most exciting and unpredictable rounds of MMA action in recent history between two legends of the sport. Congratulations to Hendo and we are open to a rematch on SHOWTIME. The people at SHOWTIME have been excellent to work with and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

Neither Showtime nor Strikeforce have made any official comments regarding Emelianenko, although it seems clear that the former Pride champion will no longer be competing on Strikeforce cards that are co-promoted with M-1 Global.

After a pre-fight, UFC 133 presser in Philadelphia today, White reportedly informed journalists that Emelianenko’s tenure with Strikeforce was over. According to a report from MMA Fighting, the UFC President was quoted saying that Emelianenko was “being cut.”

M-1 Global currently has a broadcasting agreement with Showtime, and is scheduled to promote an event with the television network on October 14^th.

Emelianenko competed four times on events that were co-promoted by Strikeforce and M-1 Global and went 1-3.

Since the 34 year-old heavyweight incurred his third straight defeat at the hands of Dan Henderson last Saturday night, the accomplished veteran has not announced whether he will continue to fight.