The posturing continues, Fedor claims UFC contract too restrictive

Negotiations are all about leverage and it is quickly becoming apparent that neither Fedor nor the UFC holds any leverage over the other. 

Right now, it appears that the UFC's strategy is a mix public condemnation and talk of inevitability. The former appears an attempt to challenge Fedor to fight the best in the world while the latter is an attempt to cut the legs out from Fedor's management. Neither seem to be working. 

Today Fedor said this to Inside MMA (video after the jump). 

"At the present time, I don't think so, I don't think you'll see me in the UFC, just because the terms, and the manner in which those terms are offered, are not acceptable today."    

That sound you just heard was the sighs of a thousand MMA fans. Once again it looks like the ball is back in the UFC's court. 

If a deal between the UFC and Fedor is ever going to get done there will have to be compromises on both sides. The question is who will take the first step?

Neither side truly needs the other so there is little incentive to make serious compromises, thus the we are permanently stuck at an impasse. 

Personally I believe the UFC will have to be the proactive party, as Fedor is a modern day Cincinnatus and no attempts to stir his passions, other than raw nationalism, will get him into the UFC.