Justinian
10-12-2004, 20:54
To my fans all over the world:
Submitted by: Royce Gracie
Posted On 12/09/2004
With regards to the contract dispute between DSE and me, I would like to explain to you what that is all about. As you all know, I announced that I would fight Akebono at Dynamite!! on December 31, 2004 in Osaka, Japan. Although DSE alleges that I breached the contract with DSE, I did not. I have always negotiated with DSE in good faith. On September 2004, DSE talked to me about the 2005 Pride Middleweight Grand Prix, but we never reached any agreement. DSE also told me that they did not want me to fight for their event on December 31, 2004. On October 2004, I received from FEG an offer for Dynamite!! on December 31, 2004 which I told DSE about. I honored my contract with DSE. I waited for DSE's answer, but DSE did not give me an answer before the deadline under the contract between DSE and me. DSE did not tell me the names of DSE’s fighters, the date of the fight or other important conditions. DSE was never willing to match FEG’s offer. I can firmly say that I have sincerely and appropriately dealt with DSE.
The reason why I fight in a ring is that I would like as many people as possible to feel the spirit of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and enjoy watching Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. FEG gave me a perfect opportunity to fulfill my wish. Through the fight with Akebono, who weighs three times more than I, I am certain that I can show you the spirit and skills of 'the best of martial arts' Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and that you will have a lot of fun watching and experiencing it. This way, you will understand that this 'reckless' challenge makes a new history of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. I was truly expecting DSE to talk to me about such a meaningful opponent and opportunity in response to FEG’s offer. Unfortunately, DSE did not show their intention to set up a fight for me and never even gave me a single name of a fighter.
For the future, I would like to make it clear that I do not care who my promoter is. I would be happy to be seated at a negotiation table in good faith if any promoter (whether DSE, FEG or others) seriously provides me with an opportunity where I can fulfill my wish. I will continue to discipline myself as a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu fighter and I promise that you will enjoy and be satisfied with my life-risking bouts.
Sincerely,
Royce Gracie
http://news.adcombat.com/images/articles/8200/Royce%20Akebono.JPG
http://news.adcombat.com/article.html?id=8200
Submitted by: Royce Gracie
Posted On 12/09/2004
With regards to the contract dispute between DSE and me, I would like to explain to you what that is all about. As you all know, I announced that I would fight Akebono at Dynamite!! on December 31, 2004 in Osaka, Japan. Although DSE alleges that I breached the contract with DSE, I did not. I have always negotiated with DSE in good faith. On September 2004, DSE talked to me about the 2005 Pride Middleweight Grand Prix, but we never reached any agreement. DSE also told me that they did not want me to fight for their event on December 31, 2004. On October 2004, I received from FEG an offer for Dynamite!! on December 31, 2004 which I told DSE about. I honored my contract with DSE. I waited for DSE's answer, but DSE did not give me an answer before the deadline under the contract between DSE and me. DSE did not tell me the names of DSE’s fighters, the date of the fight or other important conditions. DSE was never willing to match FEG’s offer. I can firmly say that I have sincerely and appropriately dealt with DSE.
The reason why I fight in a ring is that I would like as many people as possible to feel the spirit of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and enjoy watching Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. FEG gave me a perfect opportunity to fulfill my wish. Through the fight with Akebono, who weighs three times more than I, I am certain that I can show you the spirit and skills of 'the best of martial arts' Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and that you will have a lot of fun watching and experiencing it. This way, you will understand that this 'reckless' challenge makes a new history of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. I was truly expecting DSE to talk to me about such a meaningful opponent and opportunity in response to FEG’s offer. Unfortunately, DSE did not show their intention to set up a fight for me and never even gave me a single name of a fighter.
For the future, I would like to make it clear that I do not care who my promoter is. I would be happy to be seated at a negotiation table in good faith if any promoter (whether DSE, FEG or others) seriously provides me with an opportunity where I can fulfill my wish. I will continue to discipline myself as a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu fighter and I promise that you will enjoy and be satisfied with my life-risking bouts.
Sincerely,
Royce Gracie
http://news.adcombat.com/images/articles/8200/Royce%20Akebono.JPG
http://news.adcombat.com/article.html?id=8200