Even in Defeat the Fedor Story Continues to Fascinate

Fedor is still one of the most interesting stories in MMA today. The shocking, upset loss to Fabricio Werdum has only reaffirmed that fact as the entire community  scrambles to answer that principle question of "what next?" 

Do we have the answers? Nope.

Does anyone have the answer? Not really, but that's what has always made Fedor such an engrossing story. It's always been a mystery as to what Moriarty -- pardon, Fedor will do. While the upset loss has shattered the mythos of Fedor as some Russian cyborg it does open up new opportunities that could enhance or diminish his legacy.

Not since PRIDE was purchased by Zuffa has there ever been a moment where things have suddenly changed and the possibilities seem endless.

Prior to the loss it appeared that Fedor was running out of opponents and a permanent impasse was on the horizon. While that threat is still present there is now a rare opportunity for  the story to fundamentally change. In the immediate eyes turn to Fedor's one remaining fight in Strikeforce. Will the promotion go with Werdum or will M-1 be more inclined for a fight with Overeem? What about the dark horse of a "King Mo" fight at a catch-weight, perhaps a precursor to a move in weight class?

Further down the road, does Fedor even re-up with Strikeforce after his last fight? Unlike before there are fights for him that will generate interest beyond the zombie refrain of "Fedor is fighting, must watch" but Showtime lost their one big narrative to sell. While there might be renewed interest in who Fedor can fight that might not translate into dollar bills as many believe the reason eyeballs tuned in was due to the myth of "The Last Emperor".

Like the phoenix can that myth be reborn? Yes it can, but not solely in Strikeforce.

That's right, the fabled "Fedor to the UFC" story is alive and well. As M-1 lost their sole negotiating tactic it opens up the possibility that M-1 will be willing to compromise (co-promotion was the guise the discussion centered on but it was never really about slapping M-1's logo on the mat). Of course, the UFC would have to actively court the Russians, something they might not be as eager to do. 

Still, if Fedor finished his contract with Strikeforce and entered the UFC and won several bouts the myth could easily be reborn. Despite all the "what ifs" that path, while satisfying to many fans, is rife with risk. Such a path could easily  have the opposite effect as Fedor could lose several fights and tarnish his legacy.

Unfortunately there aren't any answers yet. But with any moment where the possibilities are endless it's hard not to watch with excitement.

SBN coverage of Strikeforce and M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Werdum