Joe Rogan Claims Russian Gangsters Blocked UFC's Fedor vs. Velasquez Superfight

Longtime UFC commentator alleges powerful outside forces intervened to prevent the highly anticipated heavyweight matchup.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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According to Joe Rogan, the UFC tried to sign Russian MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko during the same period that Cain Velasquez was in his prime as the promotion's dominant heavyweight champion. Rogan claims that the UFC "had to deal with Russian gangsters" who wanted a stake in the promotion, leading to a "very contentious" negotiation that ultimately prevented the superfight from happening.

Why it matters

The potential matchup between Fedor Emelianenko and Cain Velasquez was widely considered one of the greatest 'what if' scenarios in MMA history, pitting two all-time great heavyweights against each other in their respective primes. Rogan's allegations shed new light on the complex power dynamics and outside influences that once shaped the sport's business landscape.

The details

Rogan claims the UFC tried to sign Fedor Emelianenko during the same period that Cain Velasquez was the promotion's dominant heavyweight champion. However, the UFC "had to deal with Russian gangsters" who wanted a piece of the promotion, leading to a "very contentious" negotiation that ultimately prevented the superfight from materializing.

  • In the late 2000s, when Cain Velasquez was in his prime as UFC heavyweight champion.

The players

Joe Rogan

A longtime UFC commentator who revealed the details about the failed Fedor vs. Velasquez matchup negotiations.

Fedor Emelianenko

A legendary Russian MMA fighter who was considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, but never competed in the UFC.

Cain Velasquez

A former UFC heavyweight champion who was widely regarded as the most dangerous heavyweight in the world during his prime.

UFC

The leading MMA promotion that tried to sign Fedor Emelianenko and book the superfight with Cain Velasquez.

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What they’re saying

“UFC didn't get Fedor. He was at the same time where Cain Velasquez was in his prime, and that was the fight they tried to put together. The UFC had to deal with Russian gangsters, and these gangsters wanted a piece of the promotion, which the UFC wasn't willing to give. It got very contentious. The UFC had to increase security.”

— Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator (Yardbarker)

The takeaway

Rogan's revelations highlight the complex power dynamics and outside influences that once shaped the MMA landscape, preventing some of the sport's most anticipated matchups from coming to fruition. The failed Fedor vs. Velasquez negotiations underscore how factors beyond the fighters' control can impact the sport's biggest events.