Extreme Rumor: Zuffa Bought Pride?

[LEONARD]

This is extremely preliminary, but the source is very good and has broken a lot of news early in the past...

If you don't check the UG forum, you should...it's one of the best. Many fighters post there and lots of news breaks there. Lots of guys with inside info there...
http://mma.tv/tuf/index.cfm?ac=ListMessages&PID=1&TID=965614&FID=1

Discussion about that thread here:
http://www.sherdog.net/forums/showthread.php?t=493202

I have no doubt that Zuffa has been trying to buy Pride, but I'll believe it when I see it...

[DarkReign]

Jesus, this just keeps getting better and better (if true).

[IX_Equilibrium]

I read about that a few days ago. The amount, 60 million, seems way too low. However, I know that DSE is falling on hard times.

http://www.sherdog.com/news/interviews.asp?n_id=6530

Ceo doesn't exactly distance himself from UFC here, and I was suprised he predicted more fighters may follow cro cop.

[desflood]

Nothing would please Dana White more than to take out the competition. He's a brilliant businessman, but he's also an egotistical power-hungry son of a bitch :lol

[LEONARD]

Yea, Sakakibara has said some odd stuff lately, which tends to make me believe the rumors more than I normally would...

I guess we'll have to stay tuned!

[IX_Equilibrium]

Another thing that makes me believe the rumor may be true, UFC 67's website is using PRIDE videos of Mirko.

http://67.ufc.com/

[LEONARD]

Good point!!

and at UFC 66 they didn't even have a picture of him... :dizzy

[cornbread]

Another thing that makes me believe the rumor may be true, UFC 67's website is using PRIDE videos of Mirko.

http://67.ufc.com/

That's some interesting shit. I've never seen UFC utilize any Pride video or images and vice versa. There's no reason why competing orgs would release the rights to that material.

This is very interesting.

[dallaskd]

awesome.

[dallaskd]

http://www.sherdog.com/news/interviews.asp?n_id=6530

[LEONARD]

http://www.sherdog.com/news/interviews.asp?n_id=6530

Sak said a few things in there that were odd...

[LEONARD]

Here's a summary of all of this (170 pages in a nutshell):

-BobSappFan, who is well known for breaking major stories on this board and on the UG stated that he had two sources confirm that Zuffa has just purchased PRIDE FC.

-Pride president Sakakibara denied the rumor saying that PRIDE WAS NEVER FOR SALE.

-An employee of UFC.com confirmed, on the UG, that the UFC bought Pride.

-Pride footage of Crocop popped up on UFC.com

- A number of professional fighters, on the UG, confirmed that the UFC had bought Pride.

-Dana White, on the UG, said that the thread started was "wrong wrong wrong." Not outright denying the rumors, but denying that the threadstarter was accurate.

- BOBSAPPFAN ALSO SAID THAT WANDY SILVA VS CHUCK LIDDELL IS PLANNED FOR THE SPRING. HE ASKED DANA WHITE ON UG IF THAT WAS THE CASE BUT GOT NO RESPONSE.

- Pride footage on UFC.com dissapeared.

-BobSappFan reiterated that he trusted his main source with his life, and that a 3rd source had confirmed the story to him. He also added that if the story did not pan out he would reveal his main source.

-BobSappFan then went on to break the story that teh Gracie Fighting Championship event in Flroida was called off. The rest of the MMA world followed later with this story.

- Dave Meltzer reported that the UFC had not purchased Pride but that they were in talks.

- A PROFESSIONAL FIGHTER WITH THE CALL SIGN FROSTY_COLES SAID THE DEAL WAS DONE AND THAT THE UFC DID BUY PRIDE.

- Word came out that the UFC had made three offers to Pride. The second of which was $110 mill.

- Sakakibara stands by the fact that Pride is not for sale, despite the fact that Meltzer reported on the Observer that DSE attempted to sell it to Vince McMahon. WWE officials corroborated.

-Josh Gross stated that his sources claim that the deal was ALMOST made last week but at the last minute Pride gained additional finances from US and Korean TV, and thus the deal was backed out of by Pride. He stated his sources as being within Pride and including Sakakibara (who has been saying that Pride is not for sale).

------------

Stay tuned...

[LEONARD]

LOL...check the UFC.com page...

Crocop beating up Barnett right in the middle...

Notice the photoshopping...

Color of gloves changed to black
Ring replaced with cage

and why would they choose a picture of him GnP'ing???

and the video of him kicking the bag and intro'ing himself is back up now...

BTW...he wants to be called "Mirko Crocop" in the UFC...Filipovic is gone...

[IX_Equilibrium]

hmmmm....

Another rumor is Gomi is good to go and fight in UFC after Las Vegas show with blessing from Sakakibara and co.

[LEONARD]

Yea, I saw that...that would be sweet, but I'll believe it when I see it...

[LEONARD]

The latest from Dave Metzler of the Wrestling Observer - "There were rumors running rampant last week that Zuffa had either purchased or was about to purchase PRIDE. To the best of my knowledge no sale has gone down yet, but it is believed that a sale may be imminent. Most likely, Zuffa would open up a brand new company in Japan and then purchase the PRIDE assets. The belief is that a new, untouched company buying the assets would open up the door to the new group getting a TV deal again. Zuffa would likely hire a staff and continue running the promotion as a separate entity, similar to the WEC deal."

Hmmmm...

Random MMA hit:

This is the first Interview with Forrest since his loss to Jardine...
http://www.mmacast.com/media/ForrestGriffin.mp3

[LEONARD]

Latest...

UFC offer for Pride turned down, Pride US president trying to buy it
http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=3371
http://ufcjunkie.com/2007/02/02/report-ufc-made-official-offer-to-purchase-pride-fighting-championships/

[LEONARD]

It looks like this might finally be happening...except it's the Fertita's instead of Zuffa?? Stay tuned...

http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=3631

The rumors swirling around the sale of Pride FC have been ongoing for quite some time, but things flared up again on Monday when Sherdog.com started talking about strong rumors from some of their sources, who said that the deal has finally been struck.

MMAWeekly has confirmed with our own sources, including sources in Japan that are extremely close to the situation, that the deal has indeed been reached. From what we understand, Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta have come to an agreement that would put Pride in their hands. But remember, that is an agreement, not a finalized transaction. As with any business transaction as complex as the purchase of one company by another, things are never 100% finalized until the proverbial keys to the front door have finally changed hands.

With that said, unless something changes at the eleventh hour, it appears that Pride will soon fall under the ownership of the Fertitta brothers. According to our sources, the purchase is believed to include fighter contracts, Pride’s video library, and the Pride FC name brand. The issue of fighter contracts is one of the more touchy points, as there can be variables in each individual contract that will have to be dealt with, and no information has come forth that states which fighters would be included.

It was not immediately clear when the deal would be announced, although it is believed that Nobuyuki Sakikabara, the President & CEO Of Dream Stage Entertainment (Pride’s present owner), is traveling to the United States this week in regards to matters related to the agreement.

[LEONARD]

but Jerry (Gary) Millen calls BS... (Can't believe much of what he says after the things Bas said about him on Sherdog radio the other day!)

http://www.graciefighter.com/?page=news

In an exclusive interview, Pride USA Vice President, Jerry Millen, commented on the speculation that Pride has been bought by the Zuffa organization.

"It's bullshit. You can't beleive what you read on the internet and as a matter of fact I just got off the phone with Japan and unless I'm being lied to Pride has not been sold and is not being sold to anyone, especially to Zuffa. We are in the process of making some ground breaking deals that will be bringing in large sums of revenue to the company and making it stronger than ever."

[cornbread]

Holy shit guys. It looks like it might actually be happening.


http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=7048

Thursday, March 22, 2007
by Sherdog.com Staff

PRIDE CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara informed staff inside the Japanese promoter's Los Angeles office Wednesday that he was stepping down as part of an agreement to sell the company to Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, who own the UFC.

According to a report by Dave Meltzer at wrestlingobserver.com, Sakakibara suggested only minor points separate the deal, which Sherdog.com first rumored on Monday, from reaching its conclusion. No contract has been signed, the report said.

While Sakakibara appears to be leaving a company he's been a part of since its inception in 1997, the man who stepped in as PRIDE CEO after Naoto Morishita committed suicide told his staff that the company would remain intact and autonomous from the UFC, but that hurdles no longer remain between UFC versus PRIDE cards, Meltzer reported.

[LEONARD]

Yep...I'm fired up about it...they'll keep the Pride name and shows in Japan, but be able to share fighters back and forth for the matchups we've wanted to see forever. :ihit :ihit :ihit

Shogun will be the Pride and UFC LHW champ as soon as he gets his shot at Hendo and the Chuck/Rampage winner... :fro

Here is a rough translation of a PRIDE 3/23/07 news release:

On 3/27 at PRIDE will hold a press conference. For our many fans, mass media, and for all persons concerned we will make a history making announcement. The main press conference will not be just for journalist related but one where fans can participate. Admission is free. For those interested, please assemble at the Roppongi Hills Arena at 5pm on the 27th.

[desflood]

Holy crap.

[cornbread]

Yep...I'm fired up about it...they'll keep the Pride name and shows in Japan, but be able to share fighters back and forth for the matchups we've wanted to see forever. :ihit :ihit :ihit

Shogun will be the Pride and UFC LHW champ as soon as he gets his shot at Hendo and the Chuck/Rampage winner... :fro

[/B]

It's really a win-win situation if it works out this way. Pride can keep being
Pride and we can finally see the dream matches we've been waiting for.

[desflood]

PRIDE-UFC Crossover: Pieces Falling Into Place

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March 23, 2007
by Stephen Martinez ([email protected])

With discussion running rampant in the mixed martial arts community about the impending sale of PRIDE FC to Zuffa owners Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, and with all clues pointing to an agreement that gives Zuffa partial to total control over PRIDE, many fans are still left wondering about the future of the Japanese promotion and many of its top fighters.

Will PRIDE still run shows? What about their champions or regular fighters? And what about those plans for the upcoming lightweight grand prix?

Sources close to both the Chute Boxe and Brazilian Top Team camps in Japan and Brazil have indicated to Sherdog.com that current PRIDE CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara was recently in Brazil to meet with representatives from the two Brazilian powerhouse gyms in an attempt to sign their stars to new deals with the Japanese promotion.

Fighters like Wanderlei Silva (Pictures), Mauricio Rua (Pictures) and Ricardo Arona (Pictures) were, since 2006, under seven-fight contracts with the Japanese promotion, including three fights in PRIDE's upcoming middleweight tournament to be held this year.

When the promotion was rocked courtesy of Japanese tabloid Shukan Gendai, which launched a negative campaign against Dream Stage Entertainment and PRIDE back in 2006 regarding an alleged yakuza scandal, DSE took a big sponsor hit when Fuji TV decided to cut any ties with the MMA promotion.

Sakakibara and Co. were forced to renegotiate new contracts with many of the top stars because those signed in 2006 had already lost their value due to PRIDE's sudden shift in direction.

In Curitiba, home of the Chute Boxe squad, Sakakibara met with Chute Boxe leader Rudimar Fredigo as well as Brazilian stars Wanderlei Silva (Pictures) and "Shogun" Rua to secure their services for the upcoming PRIDE and UFC merge.

We learned that Chute Boxe's bomber "Shogun" Rua has signed a new four-fight deal with PRIDE that includes an interesting twist: two fights in the PRIDE ring and two fights inside the UFC ‘s Octagon.

While we don't know all the details about specific dates or money purses, we understand that "Shogun" Rua's new contract guarantees the Brazilian double what he previously made with the Japanese promotion, which should put the total value of the deal around $1 million.

Also his two fights with PRIDE are going to be held this year, with one fight secure for the end of the year in PRIDE New Year's Eve Otoko Matsuri extravaganza.

On the other side, ex-PRIDE 205-pound champion Wanderlei Silva (Pictures) didn't reach an agreement with DSE about his future with the company because the Japanese promotion was offering a substantive pay cut, around 30 percent less from what he was previously making.

According to a source, Silva was looking to sign a contract that included a share of pay-per-view sales, similar to what other already-established UFC fighters like Tito Ortiz (Pictures), Chuck Liddell (Pictures) and Randy Couture (Pictures) have been guaranteed in the past. But this attempt was met with negative responses from the promotion.

After visiting Southern Brazil, Sakakibara and Co. attended meetings in Rio de Janeiro with representatives from Brazilian Top Team.

Once in Rio, we learned that Sakakibara, on behalf of PRIDE and UFC, signed BTT grappler Ricardo Arona (Pictures) to a four-fight deal as well. While details from Sakakibara's meeting with BTT and contract specification with Arona remain unclear, it's important to mention he was likely offered a contract that reflected the same parameters as the deal signed by "Shogun" Rua, including possible cross promotion fights inside the Octagon.

The fate of other Brazilian Top Team members with the new PRIDE-UFC partnership still remains unclear.

Murilo Bustamante (Pictures) is scheduled to participate in the main event of the upcoming DEEP 29th Impact in Tokyo against Ryuta Sakurai (Pictures) in a rematch from PRIDE Bushido 6. Another BTT member, Edson Drago (Pictures), is rumored to participate in the same card as well against Wes Sims (Pictures).

Meanwhile, Paulo Filho (Pictures) recently did an interview with Brazilian magazine Tatame where he stated that PRIDE was basically done, going as far as to said that he was looking forward to fight in U.S. soil soon. Filho's current contract with PRIDE ends in May, making the Brazilian fighter a potential free agent soon.

As for brothers Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (Pictures) and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (Pictures), their future with PRIDE or any attempts to land in UFC remain uncertain.

As for details regarding the future of PRIDE as a promotion, Sherdog.com has been told PRIDE will continue to run its regular series of shows in Japan as scheduled, just under Zuffa management.

As previously reported by Dave Meltzer, Sakakibara will step down from his position while securing that regular members and staff from DSE will remain.

Though specific details about the deal between the Fertittas and Sakakibara have yet to surface, we learned that other major players in the MMA business were on the last minute run to purchase PRIDE, including ProElite and K-1. But in the last minute both offers were rejected by Sakakibara and DSE, choosing instead to go with the Fertittas.

This prompted both ProElite and K-1's MMA brand HERO'S to join forces in order to combat the Las Vegas-based owners of Zuffa, which promotes both the Ultimate Fighting Championship and WEC.

Also, at this moment it seems the only difference between the relationship with UFC and WEC and the future relationship of UFC and PRIDE is that fans will be rewarded with more cross-promotional matches between fighters from both organizations.

All of this paired with past conflicts between the promoters about the exchange of fighters leads us to believe that any future cross-promotional fights will be held on American soil under the UFC banner.

Concerning the upcoming May 22 PRIDE Lightweight Grand Prix, Sakakibara told the Japanese media: "It's an immense task to narrow it down to 16 fighters, but I want to gather members who show no inferiority to decide the world's best fighter."

We still don't know what role Zuffa is going to play in the upcoming tournament, future PRIDE matchmaking or who is going to be in charge of DSE now that Nobuyuki Sakakibara is stepping down, but this and many other questions will be probably answered next week when Sakakibara and DSE are scheduled to hold a press conference regarding the upcoming PRIDE 34 show and the future of the company.

[LEONARD]

PRIDE-UFC Crossover: Pieces Falling Into Place

http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=7055

With discussion running rampant in the mixed martial arts community about the impending sale of PRIDE FC to Zuffa owners Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, and with all clues pointing to an agreement that gives Zuffa partial to total control over PRIDE, many fans are still left wondering about the future of the Japanese promotion and many of its top fighters.

Will PRIDE still run shows? What about their champions or regular fighters? And what about those plans for the upcoming lightweight grand prix?

Sources close to both the Chute Boxe and Brazilian Top Team camps in Japan and Brazil have indicated to Sherdog.com that current PRIDE CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara was recently in Brazil to meet with representatives from the two Brazilian powerhouse gyms in an attempt to sign their stars to new deals with the Japanese promotion.

Fighters like Wanderlei Silva (Pictures), Mauricio Rua (Pictures) and Ricardo Arona (Pictures) were, since 2006, under seven-fight contracts with the Japanese promotion, including three fights in PRIDE's upcoming middleweight tournament to be held this year.

When the promotion was rocked courtesy of Japanese tabloid Shukan Gendai, which launched a negative campaign against Dream Stage Entertainment and PRIDE back in 2006 regarding an alleged yakuza scandal, DSE took a big sponsor hit when Fuji TV decided to cut any ties with the MMA promotion.

Sakakibara and Co. were forced to renegotiate new contracts with many of the top stars because those signed in 2006 had already lost their value due to PRIDE's sudden shift in direction.

In Curitiba, home of the Chute Boxe squad, Sakakibara met with Chute Boxe leader Rudimar Fredigo as well as Brazilian stars Wanderlei Silva (Pictures) and "Shogun" Rua to secure their services for the upcoming PRIDE and UFC merge.

We learned that Chute Boxe's bomber "Shogun" Rua has signed a new four-fight deal with PRIDE that includes an interesting twist: two fights in the PRIDE ring and two fights inside the UFC ‘s Octagon.

While we don't know all the details about specific dates or money purses, we understand that "Shogun" Rua's new contract guarantees the Brazilian double what he previously made with the Japanese promotion, which should put the total value of the deal around $1 million.

Also his two fights with PRIDE are going to be held this year, with one fight secure for the end of the year in PRIDE New Year's Eve Otoko Matsuri extravaganza.

On the other side, ex-PRIDE 205-pound champion Wanderlei Silva (Pictures) didn't reach an agreement with DSE about his future with the company because the Japanese promotion was offering a substantive pay cut, around 30 percent less from what he was previously making.

According to a source, Silva was looking to sign a contract that included a share of pay-per-view sales, similar to what other already-established UFC fighters like Tito Ortiz (Pictures), Chuck Liddell (Pictures) and Randy Couture (Pictures) have been guaranteed in the past. But this attempt was met with negative responses from the promotion.

After visiting Southern Brazil, Sakakibara and Co. attended meetings in Rio de Janeiro with representatives from Brazilian Top Team.

Once in Rio, we learned that Sakakibara, on behalf of PRIDE and UFC, signed BTT grappler Ricardo Arona (Pictures) to a four-fight deal as well. While details from Sakakibara's meeting with BTT and contract specification with Arona remain unclear, it's important to mention he was likely offered a contract that reflected the same parameters as the deal signed by "Shogun" Rua, including possible cross promotion fights inside the Octagon.

The fate of other Brazilian Top Team members with the new PRIDE-UFC partnership still remains unclear.

Murilo Bustamante (Pictures) is scheduled to participate in the main event of the upcoming DEEP 29th Impact in Tokyo against Ryuta Sakurai (Pictures) in a rematch from PRIDE Bushido 6. Another BTT member, Edson Drago (Pictures), is rumored to participate in the same card as well against Wes Sims (Pictures).

Meanwhile, Paulo Filho (Pictures) recently did an interview with Brazilian magazine Tatame where he stated that PRIDE was basically done, going as far as to said that he was looking forward to fight in U.S. soil soon. Filho's current contract with PRIDE ends in May, making the Brazilian fighter a potential free agent soon.

As for brothers Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (Pictures) and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (Pictures), their future with PRIDE or any attempts to land in UFC remain uncertain.

As for details regarding the future of PRIDE as a promotion, Sherdog.com has been told PRIDE will continue to run its regular series of shows in Japan as scheduled, just under Zuffa management.

As previously reported by Dave Meltzer, Sakakibara will step down from his position while securing that regular members and staff from DSE will remain.

Though specific details about the deal between the Fertittas and Sakakibara have yet to surface, we learned that other major players in the MMA business were on the last minute run to purchase PRIDE, including ProElite and K-1. But in the last minute both offers were rejected by Sakakibara and DSE, choosing instead to go with the Fertittas.

This prompted both ProElite and K-1's MMA brand HERO'S to join forces in order to combat the Las Vegas-based owners of Zuffa, which promotes both the Ultimate Fighting Championship and WEC.

Also, at this moment it seems the only difference between the relationship with UFC and WEC and the future relationship of UFC and PRIDE is that fans will be rewarded with more cross-promotional matches between fighters from both organizations.

All of this paired with past conflicts between the promoters about the exchange of fighters leads us to believe that any future cross-promotional fights will be held on American soil under the UFC banner.

Concerning the upcoming May 22 PRIDE Lightweight Grand Prix, Sakakibara told the Japanese media: "It's an immense task to narrow it down to 16 fighters, but I want to gather members who show no inferiority to decide the world's best fighter."

As for rumors, some of the fighters mentioned to participate are Hayato Sakurai (Pictures), Sami Berik (Pictures), Tatsuya Kawajiri (Pictures), Marcus Aurelio (Marcus Aurelio' class='LinkSilver'>Pictures), Shinya Aoki (Pictures), Takanori Gomi (Pictures), Nick Diaz (Pictures), Gilbert Melendez (Pictures), Luiz Azeredo (Pictures), David Bielkheden (Pictures), Fabricio Monteiro (Pictures), David Baron (Pictures), Luiz Firmino (Pictures), Milton Vieira (Pictures), Luciano Azevedo (Pictures) and Cristiano Marcello (Pictures).

We still don't know what role Zuffa is going to play in the upcoming tournament, future PRIDE matchmaking or who is going to be in charge of DSE now that Nobuyuki Sakakibara is stepping down, but this and many other questions will be probably answered next week when Sakakibara and DSE are scheduled to hold a press conference regarding the upcoming PRIDE 34 show and the future of the company.

[LEONARD]

the only thing that's going to suck is if they unify the rules...UFC rules instituted in Japan... :madrun

[Mr Dio]

Nipponese pride is SHATTERED!!! :lol

Only an idiot would think pride wouldn't get Hiroshima'd. :lol

[LEONARD]

Looks like a done deal...will be run separately from the UFC...I like this setup :fro

http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=3669

FERTITTAS BUY PRIDE

The Japanese newspapers reported today in Tokyo, Japan that the UFC has bought Pride. The UFC/Pride rumor has been circulating for awhile, but the deal appears to be done. One of the newspapers in Japan, SportsHochi, reported that the Fertittas, who owns Zuffa which operates the UFC, will start a new company thus disbanding DSE (Dream Stage Entertainment, which has been the company that Pride has operated under). DSE/Pride President Nobuyuki Sakikabara, who brought Pride to the United States and was successful in making the Pride brand one of the most compelling MMA promotions in the world, is reportedly resigning from his position.

The new company that Pride will operate under apparently will not be run by UFC or Zuffa, but will be it's own entity owned by the Fertittas. Thus Pride and the UFC being run separately. But, it is being reported that the two promotions will do a joint super show once a year. SportsHochi reports that Pride 34 on 4/8 will be the last Pride show run by DSE.

So will Pride be a Japanese or a United States promotion? Apparently, Pride looks to continue to do shows in both Japan and the United States. Intentions are to still have the Light Weight Grand Prix starting in May. The GP being made up of 3 shows, all taking place in Japan. And, the New Years Eve show is still in the plans to take place in Japan. There are also plans to do 2-3 more shows in the United States this year.

There will be a press conference held in Tokyo, Japan at the Roppongi Hills Arena on Tuesday 3/27 which will be open to the press and fans alike.

[IX_Equilibrium]

Hopefully they will get rid of all of the gimmicky fighters and the associations with pro wrestling.

[LEONARD]

What % of the fighters are "gimmicky"??

[IX_Equilibrium]

What percentage? To find that out I'd have to know the total number of fighters on Prides' payroll. Mathematics aside, if only one or more gimmick fighters are on a card, its one or more too many.

[LEONARD]

Well, I was being sarcastic about the % of course...

I don't mind the occasional "freak fight" given how great the rest of their product is. I see people discuss freak fights in a negative light all the time but they're so infrequent I don't see what the big deal is really...

Butterbean vs Zulu at Pride 34 should be interesting... (although Butterbean did beat James Thompson who isn't THAT bad)

and I don't mind if a pro wrestler takes up MMA. I love seeing them get their asses kicked. Curious to see is Brock Lesnar is any good in K-1 Heros. I don't care to see pro wrestlers getting a fight with no MMA training though...

[IX_Equilibrium]

I see people discuss freak fights in a negative light all the time but they're so infrequent I don't see what the big deal is really...




It's just personal preference, but I think it's just goofy, and think that is takes away from the legitimacy of the sport.

[LEONARD]

It's just personal preference, but I think it's just goofy, and think that is takes away from the legitimacy of the sport.

It does some...I think it's just a difference in culture...they love that stuff in Japan, even if only 1 out of 25 fights.

The freak fight appeals to me more than seeing Danny Abbadi fight, so I don't really have a problem with it... :lol

[dallaskd]

Well, I was being sarcastic about the % of course...

I don't mind the occasional "freak fight" given how great the rest of their product is. I see people discuss freak fights in a negative light all the time but they're so infrequent I don't see what the big deal is really...

Butterbean vs Zulu at Pride 34 should be interesting... (although Butterbean did beat James Thompson who isn't THAT bad)

and I don't mind if a pro wrestler takes up MMA. I love seeing them get their asses kicked. Curious to see is Brock Lesnar is any good in K-1 Heros. I don't care to see pro wrestlers getting a fight with no MMA training though...

Butterbean isnt THAT bad...If he could slim down and develop a ground game he might be able to become an average MMA fighter. Ken Shamrock did pro wrestling and MMA. Though, he was a REAL all american wrestler before.

[Mr Dio]

Butterbean isnt THAT bad...If he could slim down and develop a ground game he might be able to become an average MMA fighter. Ken Shamrock did pro wrestling and MMA. Though, he was a REAL all american wrestler before.


He fits right in with pride.
Now at least pride has a chance of being a semi-decent org., sad thing is it'll prob still be tailored to those people over there and the clowns here.

[desflood]

It’s official: Japanese-based PRIDE Fighting Championships has been sold to Frank and Lorenzo Fertittas, owners of Zuffa LLC (the UFC’s parent company). The organization will be operated under the direction of Zuffa.

Effective April 8 (PRIDE’s next show), Dream Stage Entertainment and PRIDE CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara will resign.

The Fertittas, with UFC president Dana White and matchmaker Joe Silva, made the announcement today at Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills Arena.

From today’s Associated Press report:

To buy the company, the brothers created a new entity called Pride FC Worldwide Holdings LLC. The newly formed company will take over Pride assets, including its trademarks, video library and valuable roster of fighters, from Dream Stage. The Fertitta brothers, who own Las Vegas-based Zuffa LLC, the parent company of UFC, intend to keep the well-known Pride name and promote fights under that brand.

“This is really going to change the face of MMA,” Lorenzo Fertitta said. “Literally creating a sport that could be as big around the world as soccer. I liken it somewhat to when the NFC and AFC came together to create the NFL.”

Lorenzo Fertitta promised that MMA fans will see the fights everyone wants, essentially promising that cross-promotion fights between UFC and PRIDE fighters will happen.

As previous reports stated, the purchase price for the fight organization was in the $65 million range. The company took a financial hit when Fuji Television Inc. dropped PRIDE from its broadcast schedule. (Tabloid news reported that PRIDE had connections to the Japanese mob, and though PRIDE denied the accusation, the damage was done.)

From the AP:

Company executives declined to comment on the sales price, but a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that brothers Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta will purchase the Japan-based Pride for less than $70 million.

Well folks, this appears to be great news for UFC fans for no other reason that the promise of superfights between the UFC’s and PRIDE’s top stars.

Additionally, PRIDE fans should take solace in knowing the Fertittas have pledged to pump more money into the organization so that it can continue to grow internationally.

http://www.ufcjunkie.com/

[tlongII]

It’s official: Japanese-based PRIDE Fighting Championships has been sold to Frank and Lorenzo Fertittas, owners of Zuffa LLC (the UFC’s parent company). The organization will be operated under the direction of Zuffa.

Effective April 8 (PRIDE’s next show), Dream Stage Entertainment and PRIDE CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara will resign.

The Fertittas, with UFC president Dana White and matchmaker Joe Silva, made the announcement today at Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills Arena.

From today’s Associated Press report:

To buy the company, the brothers created a new entity called Pride FC Worldwide Holdings LLC. The newly formed company will take over Pride assets, including its trademarks, video library and valuable roster of fighters, from Dream Stage. The Fertitta brothers, who own Las Vegas-based Zuffa LLC, the parent company of UFC, intend to keep the well-known Pride name and promote fights under that brand.

“This is really going to change the face of MMA,” Lorenzo Fertitta said. “Literally creating a sport that could be as big around the world as soccer. I liken it somewhat to when the NFC and AFC came together to create the NFL.”

Lorenzo Fertitta promised that MMA fans will see the fights everyone wants, essentially promising that cross-promotion fights between UFC and PRIDE fighters will happen.

As previous reports stated, the purchase price for the fight organization was in the $65 million range. The company took a financial hit when Fuji Television Inc. dropped PRIDE from its broadcast schedule. (Tabloid news reported that PRIDE had connections to the Japanese mob, and though PRIDE denied the accusation, the damage was done.)

From the AP:

Company executives declined to comment on the sales price, but a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that brothers Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta will purchase the Japan-based Pride for less than $70 million.

Well folks, this appears to be great news for UFC fans for no other reason that the promise of superfights between the UFC’s and PRIDE’s top stars.

Additionally, PRIDE fans should take solace in knowing the Fertittas have pledged to pump more money into the organization so that it can continue to grow internationally.

http://www.ufcjunkie.com/


I saw that. UFC just bought out Pride. Pride had better fighters, but UFC was more financially savvy. UFC gets the knockout between the two organizations, but the fans are the true winners!

[LEONARD]

I'm really liking this arrangement...we'll finally get to see some of the fights we've always wanted...

:fro

"White previously said in an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal that Pride will be adopting the UFC's rules and weight classes."

Not crazy about this, but I guess it has to happen (especially the weight class differences). I hope they at least keep the ring in Japan...

[sa_butta]

Holy crap, this is going to kick ass. We will get to see all the fights we have dreamed of.

[LEONARD]

Pride had better fighters

Oh hell... :lol Watch yourself man!!! ;)

I predict that within 1 yr all UFC belts except for WW will be held by previous Pride fighters. Without knowing who all will have had UFC title fights by then, it's hard to say who or in what timeframe, but I'll take a shot...

HW- Crocop
LHW - Shogun
MW - Filho (or Henderson)
WW - GSP (hard to say which Pride guys will fit nicely at 170 lbs, and if any of them can takeout GSP...division TBD) Sakurai probably has the best chance (he really struggles to make 161 lbs as it is)
LW - Melendez

:fro

[sa_butta]

As long as Liddell beats Rampage this will set
up a Liddell Shogun match-up.

[LEONARD]

I still find it funny that 2-3 days ago Dana says:

“No Deal in Place to Buy PRIDE”

"I ran Wanderlei Silva out there and said he was going to fight Chuck Liddell because Mr. Sakakibara said it was done. So take that for what its worth."

"Like most things," he said, "about 70 percent of what you hear is bullshit."

Yet he's in Japan yesterday... :lol

That was a quick turn to finalize a deal and book a flight... :smokin

[LEONARD]

From WrestlingObserver.com http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=19057:

"Pride would continue holding matches in the ring and be, as Fertitta called it, a "Japanese-centric" organization while UFC would be an "American-centric" organization. The only significant change talked about would be worldwide unified rules would be put in place, which would be the same rules UFC fights under, with the elimination of knees to the head on a downed fighter, stomps and soccer kicks in Pride, but adding elbows. White said Pride would keep its judging criteria for fights in Japan, but obviously, when running in the U.S., would use the commission-dictated ten-point-must system. Pride will also have weight classes change for worldwide consistency, and will crown champions at 155, 170, 185, 205 and heavyweight. Currently Pride has champions at 161 (Takanori Gomi), 183 (Dan Henderson), 205 (Henderson) and heavyweight (Fedor Emelianenko)."

At least they'll keep the ring, unify the weight classes, and NOT use a 10 pt must scoring system...

and UFC President Dana White on his nonrole with the latest Zuffa-related acquisition of its biggest rival, PRIDE FC, as well as his thoughts on the future fruits of the deal as told to NBCSports.com:

“Someone else will run Pride. I will come over to Japan with all my guys and kick their asses as I’ve waited to do for seven years. I think that when fighters fight, obviously money is great, as well as everything that goes along with it, but at the end of the day, it’s about legacy. Pride and the UFC have all the best fighters in world in all the different weight classes. Finally, we’re going to find out who the best fighter in the world is. And whoever wins that is going to be looked at as the best heavyweight, best light-heavyweight. That’s what’s going to come out of this. The fans win, the organizations win and the fighters win.”

[Mr Dio]

Less than $70 million for the "best"...... :lol :lol :lol

[LEONARD]

Press Conf Videos
http://evilmaster-mma.blogspot.com/2007/03/pride-press-conference-video.html

Details of Conf Call
http://evilmaster-mma.blogspot.com/2007/03/details-of-prideufc-conference-call-in.html

Fujita vs Monson
http://evilmaster-mma.blogspot.com/2007/03/shot-heard-round-world-pride-and-ufc.html

LOL...Fujita and Dana White in a staredown...THAT is lame. And Fujita is gonna hammer Monson...

[desflood]

I predict that within 1 yr all UFC belts except for WW will be held by previous Pride fighters. Without knowing who all will have had UFC title fights by then, it's hard to say who or in what timeframe, but I'll take a shot...

HW- Crocop
LHW - Shogun
MW - Filho (or Henderson)
WW - GSP (hard to say which Pride guys will fit nicely at 170 lbs, and if any of them can takeout GSP...division TBD) Sakurai probably has the best chance (he really struggles to make 161 lbs as it is)
LW - Melendez
Unless Fedor has signed long-term with Bodog, I'm gonna pick him for heavyweight. Or has he and I missed it? No, threads on Sherdog do not count as confirmation :lol

Otherwise, I agree completely with your picks.

[LEONARD]

Unless Fedor has signed long-term with Bodog, I'm gonna pick him for heavyweight. Or has he and I missed it? No, threads on Sherdog do not count as confirmation :lol

Otherwise, I agree completely with your picks.

I went with Crocop because I doubt that Fedor will fight for a UFC title within the next year...

Fedor did sign longterm with Bodog according to the source (Japanese newspaper) in that Sherdog thread. The Sherdog thread is just pointing it out and translating it...

also posted here:
http://evilmaster-mma.blogspot.com/2007/03/fedor-long-bodog-contract.html

with this:
http://www.graciemag.com/?c=144&a=6717

as the source... (reporting on the same Japanese article)

Don't immediately discount Sherdog threads....Brandon Vera posted there and broke some news on himself yesterday. Lots of fighters post there and at the UG forum... ;)

and Fedor is still under contract with Pride too. The Bodog thing is because he wants to fight some in Russia and his Red Devil team has been heavily involved with Bodogfight since it started...

[LEONARD]

History of Pride...good stuff...
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1j7er_the-history-of-pride-fc

[desflood]

I went with Crocop because I doubt that Fedor will fight for a UFC title within the next year...
Good point.

[LEONARD]

Details of Conf Call
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sports/other/boxingmma/article_1633234.php

CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Question: Can you explain what will Pride and the UFC look like after this?

Dana White: They are going to be completely separated. The UFC will run separately from Pride. Most of the employees are still in place at Pride and we are going to continue to run them as competitors and two separate entities.

Question: But there will be mega-fights and fighters and champions (from the UFC and Pride) going against each other at some point?

White: That's what we are talking about. Obviously, there is a lot that needs to be worked out. What we would like to see, finally, is the Super Bowl of mixed martial arts where we could, finally, line up all the guys in all the different weight classes to fight each other and see who the best in the world is. We'd do that once a year. We don't know exactly how that will be done, yet. But that's what we are thinking about doing.

Question: Can you explain to us how difficult and how complicated these negotiations were? Have they been ongoing for a long time?

Lorenzo Fertitta: Mr. Sakakibara, if you would like to, feel free to chime in. We've had a relationship with Dream Stage Entertainment and Mr. Sakakibara going on about six years. While certainly we have been fierce competitors at the same time we respected each other as both the premiere organizations in the world for mixed martial arts. About 10 months ago we started talking about some type of strategic alliance that we could put together that would assure the future of MMA because as everyone knows there are a lot of newfound competitors with really no experience and no history and they are trying to jump into this sport. UFC and Pride are really the foundation of the sport and we believe by entering in this transaction and coming together there really is no No. 3, 4 or 5. These are clearly the two best organizations in the world and we are going to put on mega-fights that are going to take mixed martial arts to the next level. Mr. Sakakibara.

Nobuyuki Sakakibara: I have the same feelings.

Question: Will Pride mainly be in Japan or will they continue to have cards in the U.S. and would the UFC go to Japan? Will there be any geographical separation?

White: We'll do both. We'll do shows in Japan. We'll do shows in the United States. The UFC is going global. We'll be in Japan and everywhere else also.

Fertitta: Expect Pride to be global as well. That's the reason for the name, Pride Worldwide.

Question: There are slight differences in the two brands. Do you think they will continue to go the same route or do you anticipate making changes to Pride?

White: Pride will be the same. Pride is going to stay Pride and UFC is going to stay UFC. The only difference is everyone is going to get to see all the fights they've wanted to see for years, the big mega-fights.

Fertitta: The reality is UFC is very much an American-centric product. Pride is a very Japanese-centric branded product and that's the way we intend to keep them.

Question: I guess my last question is there anything else left to buy.

Fertitta: No. Because nothing else matters.

Question: When UFC purchased the WEC, it said it would run that as a separate entity, but it still brought over some fighters like Quinton Jackson. I was wondering if that was going to be the same thing here. If so, are there going to be any of the Pride fighters coming to the UFC?

White: Quinton Jackson isn't in the WEC, he's in the UFC. That was when we purchased the WFA. The WFA was dead and it wasn't a good show anyway. We shut that down and rolled some of the fighters over to the new company. Pride and the UFC are the two biggest and best organizations in the world with all of the best fighters in the world. This is a dream come true for fans.

Question: Will any Pride fighters become UFC regulars?

White:No. I mean, the Pride fighters are Pride fighters and the UFC fighters are UFC fighters. But I don't know. To answer that question honestly, who knows? Some guys get cut and end up somewhere else. You never know what's going to happen long term. But right now, the guys that are in Pride are staying in Pride.

Question: Having competition for the fighters. If there is competition for the fighters' services, you tend to have more people and better athletes don't you?

Fertitta: No. The reality is there is plenty of competition to go around. As I mentioned before, there are new promotions starting every day, which we're happy with because essentially what that does is creates a breeding ground that will eventually feed both UFC and Pride. At the end of the day, if you are a world-class fighter and you want to fight the best and you want to go against the best competition, you are going to eventually want to fight for UFC or Pride. So, I'm really not concerned about that. I think we've seen through the beginnings of "The Ultimate Fighter" show the ability for us to cultivate new talent. We've actually been pretty successful.

White: Guys are making more money now than they ever have. It's only going to get better now that Pride and UFC are together.

Question: I understand what you are saying, but my question would be now there are no competitiors for your fighters is that going to slow that train down.

Fertitta: There still will be a certain level of competition between a few companies going out and trying to sign fighters and who is going to fight for what company. I don't see that slowing down.

Question: You talked about this Super Bowl, but a lot of fans are interested in would you ever have Fedor (Emelianenko) fight Randy (Couture) on a regular UFC card? Would you think of that or would they remain separate until some Super Bowl?

White: I don't know the answer to that, yet. Obviously, Fedor is the Pride heavyweight champion and randy is the UFC heavyweight champion and if we were going to do that Super Bowl-type fight, that would be one of them. I don't know. I don't see us pulling Fedor over for one fight. I think it would have to be a Super Bowl-type fight.

Fertitta: Really what this does, a lot of people see the problems with boxing where you never see the best fight the best and certainly in the past because there was the different ownership with Pride and UFC that prohibited certain fights from happening. Now, we are basically going to see the best fight the best. We are going to give the fans what they want.

Question: Dana, what does this mean for you being the president of the UFC. Are you going to be the president of both Pride and UFC and continue to be the face and spokesperson for the sport?

White: No. Somebody else is going to run Pride. I'm going to go over to Japan with my guys and kick all of their (butts) like I've been waiting to do for years.

Question: What about the differences in the rules? When you do have that Super Bowl, which rules are going to win out? Does it depend on the country that the fight is taking place in?

White: We are going to follow the rules of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. What we've wanted all along, seriously us and Pride were very close. It's the same game of soccer that we play in the United States and it's the same game in Japan and England and Brazil. That's what we want for mixed martial arts. So we will follow the rules of the Nevada State Athletic Commission and the unified rules in the United States.

Question: Will we continue to see international fighters on the reality show "The Ultimate Fighter"?

White: I don't know. Maybe, we do "The Ultimate Fighter" in Japan or a Pride Fighting show.

Question: One question about the venues. I know that Pride is usually sponsored by Caesars and you guys are usually sponsored by MGM. Is that going to change? Are you going to open it up to more venues in Vegas and also do you see you guys getting sanctioned in New York state?

White: We're definitely going to get sanctioned in New York. We're working on that, right now. I don't know if Pride stays at Caesars or not. It depends on the deal.

Question: When you have the Super Bowl fights, will that unify the belts? How will the belt structure work when you have Pride and UFC fighting each other?

White: It's one of those things in my opinion why this thing is so great, when fighters fight, obviously, the money is great and the fame an everything that goes along with it, but at the end of the day it's about their legacy. Pride and the UFC have the best fighters in the world in all weight classes. Finally, we are going to find out who is the best fighter in the world. Whoever wins that fight will be looked at as the best heavyweight, the best light-heavyweight, the best middleweight in the world and possibly one of the best pound-for-pound of all-time. I think that is really what is going to come out of this. The fans win. Both of the organizations win. The fighters win.

Question: But there won't be just one heavyweight champion between the two of them?

White: It would still be a guy that would be the UFC champion and the other guy would still be the Pride champion.

Question: So, ultimately the public would make the decision?

White: Whoever would win. It's almost like when Pride has their Grand Prixs. They have their heavyweight champion and their Grand Prix winner and they have a fight between those two down the line.

Question: When will we see this first mega-fight?

White: That, we don't know.

Question: UFC is known for its marketing. Will we see Pride reality shows and pride magazine shows and things like that?

White: Anything is possible.

Question: What ultimately is going to be the biggest change from the way we see Pride, now?

White: I think the only change you'll see in Pride is you'll see pride against UFC once a year or whatever it is. All the employees that ran Pride before are still in place. It's going to look the same. It's going to feel the same. They will still go out and acquire international talent. Everything is going to be the same other than the fact that we will be able to put on mega-fights.

Question: Can you guys release the details of the cost of the transaction, etc.?

White: Nope. How much it cost?

Question: Yeah.

White: No.

Question: Someone said earlier that it was 10 months ago when this idea first came about. Whose idea was it and what was the reaction from the other organization?

Fertitta: Initially, what it was, and Mr. Sakakibara feel free to chime in here, but we had a dinner about 10 months ago to talk about the business and the future of MMA. We talked about the fact that the fans weren't getting to see essentially what they wanted. We wanted to put together a plan to figure out how we could deliver the best product to the fans. We actually had dinner at the Italian Restauant at our casino, the Red Rock Casino. We talked for a couple of hours and that was the beginning of our discussion. I don't know if Mr. Sakakibara wants to chime in here, but that's essentially how it started.

Question: When you guys realized that this whole thing was feasible, what was the reaction, what did you guys think?

Fertitta: It really took a lot from both sides for both parties to give and not be selfish on either side to really make this happen. It really took both parties, really staying focused on what the goal was, and that was making history. This is a history-making event. These two organizations coming together, and we are going to be putting on events that are going to blow people's minds."

Question: So you won't be buying Pride fighters' contracts? Pride fighters will remain Pride?

Fertitta: Well, no. I mean, all of the assets of Pride, including the fighter contracts, are being acquired. They are just going to be run as separate companies.

Question: I think earlier you said this was being done to insure the future of mixed martial arts. Can you elaborate on that?

Fertitta: I don't know how literal that is as far as the future of mixed martial arts. I think what I meant by that was the future of mixed martial arts, because of this combination, is going to be bigger and brighter. What we've created here is a global platform. The UFC is, obviously, very successful in North America. We're venturing out to Europe, to the U.K. where we haven't even had our fight, yet, and we've had a tremendous amount of success based on the initial ticket sales. The buzz is happening there. Now, by combining and bringing Pride in, which is a dominant player in Asia, it's really given us a true global platform. Now, the UFC will be able to enter Asia in a much more competitive way as well as we, obviously, know how to market in North America which will benefit the Pride brand. From Day One, the next Pride event that happens in North America is going to be huge. We have the platform. We know how that works. So, it's really allowing both brands to grow in a faster and more successful way instead of butting heads along the way.

Question: What impact will this have on the IFL?

White: The IF Who? The IFL has their own problems. The IFL is impacting the IFL. I don't even think of the IFL. We bought Pride today. The last thing I'm thinking about is the IFL. Pride and the UFC are the two biggest and most dominant organizations in the world with the best fighters in the world. All these other guys are No. 10 and 12.

Question: What kind of reaction have you gotten from some of the UFC fighters about the up-coming fights?

White: Not only the UFC fighters, but the Pride fighters. Like I said earlier, it's about cementing your place in history and the way you do that is by fighting the best fighters in the world. The questions have been out there for years. Who is better? The Pride fighters in their respective weight classes or the UFC fighters. And now everybody is going to find out. In some cases, some of the Pride fighters are going to win and some of the UFC fighters are going to win. What they do is cement their place in history, going down as the greatest fighters in their weight classes. It's a tremendous opportunity for everybody.

Question: Do you plan to implement the same weight classes as the Nevada State Athletic Commission in Pride?

White: Yes.

Question: Will Pride remain in the ring or take place in a cage?

White: Pride is not going to change at all, not one bit other than the fact that they are going to fight some UFC guys once a year, maybe.

Question: How about the rules in Japan?

White: We said that earlier too. It's going to be the unified rules.

Question: So that's a change?

White: That's not a change. Pride fights under the unified rules in the United States.

Question: How about drug testing in Pride?

White: They have drug testing now. They just had drug testing when they fought in Nevada.

Question: Will you allow elbows in Pride?

White: Unified rules.

Question: Will that be a yes or no to elbows, which weren't allowed in (Pride's) Las Vegas (events)?

White: Yes.

Question: What are your thoughts on Japanese television and its return to Pride?

White: We are very confident that we will be back on Japanese television, possibly Fuji TV, but we're very confident.

Question: What are your thoughts on the proposed alliance from some of your competitors such as K-1, EliteXC, BodogFight, Strikeforce and Cage Rage?

White: Which one of those is our competitor?

Question: All of them are having a press conference today at the L.A. Coliseum?

White: Yeah, that's scary.

Question: You mentioned that most of the pride employees have remained intact, but there has been an exchange of words between Pride president of production Jerry Millen and yourself. I'm curious to know what that tenor of that relationship is?

White: I don't know. No comment.

Question: I wanted to ask about the concept of these superfights? What's your thinking? Is it strictly UFC champion vs. Pride champion and is it only once a year and where do you see this happening?

Fertitta: This transaction has just taken place. We don't have all the details and particulars worked out. We need to sit down and strategize. Ultimately we want to put together the matchups the fans want to see. They will ultimately dictate what happens.

Question: When do you think it will happen?

Fertitta: I think it will happen fairly quickly. There is a certain path that both companies have put in place for their fighters. Those are going to have to take place. For instance, Georges St. Pierre is fighting for his title, Diego Sanchez against Josh Koscheck, then we have England. Pride has its fight scheduled. We'll have to see how soon these things pan out. It's hard to predict. That's thing about MMA. After those two events happen, we'll have a better idea. Right now, we don't know who are the winners and losers and who will be in a position to fight whom. One thing I do know is both entities have the best fighters in the world and there will always be a combination that we can put together that makes sense.

Question: What about the site?

White: The thing is Japanese have been wanting to see this and so have the Americans. So we can go back and forth. We cane do one in Japan and one in America. We can do one in the ring and one in the Octagon. It's all the stuff we have been talking about for years and dreamed about and now can finally happen.

Question: (Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer) Hi guys and congratulations on the deal. On the judging criteria, are you going to use the 10-point must system or is Pride going to keep its standard for its shows?

Fertitta: We were going to ask you questions since you know more about our business than anyone else. Sorry, what was the question.

Question: On the judging criteria, are you going to go with the 10-point must system or is pride going to stay with its standard of scoring and rounds?

White:I think Pride is going to stay the same and when we do these mega-fights we'll figure out exactly how we are exactly going to do it.

Question: What is the status of Fedor because there are stories that he might be going with Bodog? Is he signed with Pride?

White: He is signed with Pride. We're still figuring out all the details of that deal. We'll do everything we can to keep the Pride heavyweight champion intact.

Fertitta: The reality is if Fedor wants to fight the best fighters in the world, he's going to want to fight with us.

Question: Do you guys have any kind of plans to upgrade the Pride television in the U.S. for future Pride shows in the U.S.?

White: I think there are people in the U.S. that like Pride the way it is. Pride isn't the UFC. It's different. That's what makes it Pride.

Question: I'm talking about a new TV deal because I don't think Pride on FSN is going to be a big success in the U.S, without a new TV deal? And they were talking about doing 5-6 events this year in the U.S.?

White: We're going to look to make Pride bigger in the U.S. We'll do whatever makes sense for the business.

Question: What's your thoughts on tournaments? I don't think you cane do two fights in one night in Nevada, but that's a pretty popular thing in Japan?

White:That's a good question. I don't have an answer for that. There are a lot of things that we don't exactly know how they are going to work, yet. But as far as Pride, Pride is going to stay Pride.

[dallaskd]

^that article was awesome. reading it excites you. Dana is an awesome owner. I cant wait for the "Super Bowl" fights. Ill root for the UFC every time.

[LEONARD]

I just hope we really do see the matchups we deserve to see...

[tlongII]

I just hope we really do see the matchups we deserve to see...

I hope so too, but it makes a lot of business sense to keep the champions away from each other.

[LEONARD]

I hope so too, but it makes a lot of business sense to keep the champions away from each other.

Dana is talking a LOT of trash about UFC vs Pride still. If they lineup 5 mega-fights and get swept by Pride guys they'd have to do some serious re-thinking about the approach they're taking (since it doesn't seem that guys will be going back and forth much, or at all)...

I'm afraid we'll see the UFC's best vs good Pride guys, but not the best. Or they'll choose matchups style-wise that give them an edge...

We'll just have to wait and see... :toast

[desflood]

Just My Thoughts: Holy Smokes!

March 30, 2007
by Mike Sloan ([email protected])

Not since the day when Vanilla Ice teamed up with the Ninja Turtles for "Ninja Rap" has there been a partnership more paramount, more ground-breaking than the merger between UFC and PRIDE. Obviously there are so many more rocks to be overturned as this new deal irons itself out, but I'm happier than a fat kid in a vat of Skittles.

Days of crying over wishes that fall on deaf ears appear to be a thing of a terrible past. Instead of PRIDE's best warriors pillaging hordes of pro wrestling tomato cans and UFC's absurd ranking system we should finally be given the absolute best fighting. It now looks likely that the ultimate showdowns we've desired in all likelihood will become a reality.

Just a few super fights I'd kill a cat burglar for:

Dan Henderson vs. Chuck Liddell

How can this fight not happen? Provided, of course, Liddell gets past Quinton Jackson (Pictures) in May (more on that later in this column), this is an absolute must. For years fans and media have demanded either Wanderlei Silva (Pictures) against Liddell or Randy Couture (Pictures). Now that Silva is a victim of two straight brutal KO losses, he has gone from totally chic to totally geek. It's a no-brainer to pit PRIDE's new middleweight king against his UFC counterpart.

Fedor Emelianenko vs. Mirko Filipovic II

Without question this will happen. Considering Zuffa's insatiable appetite for rematches, pitting the world's No. 1 (Fedor) and No. 2 (Cro Cop) against one another for a second war is essentially signed, sealed and delivered. And both men will be paid handsomely, I might add. It will be one of the richest fights in MMA history up to that point (maybe even the richest) and it should be most-demanded fight since Donny Osmond and Danny Bonaduce.

Georges St. Pierre vs. Hayato Sakurai

Wow, let the fireworks begin! Two tough guys who love to throw down and gun for the KO basically every time a strike is flung. Well, more so Sakurai in that regard, but either way it's a war. GSP is a better striker in terms of smoothness and grace but Sakurai packs enough dynamite to implode a strip mall. No way does this go the distance and no way is this not a fight of the year candidate.

"Giant" Silva vs. Cheick Kongo

Kidding.

Mauricio Rua vs. Chuck Liddell

Another all-out war that could go either way is this guaranteed slugfest. Rua is far more aggressive than Liddell but "The Iceman" has that freakish punching power. It was a fight that seemed impossible to become a reality but now it's a just a matter of time before these two cats go toe-to-toe.

Randy Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

If ever there was an MMA chess match between two all-time greats, this is it. Would Couture's wrestling and ground-and-pound be able to counter Nog's premiere grappling and submissions? Once thought a mere pipe dream now becomes more and more likely.

Andrei Arlovski vs. Sergei Kharitonov

Two absolute terrifying strikers both with submission ability; you almost couldn't ask for a more entertaining fight. Sure these two aren't in the top five in regards to the best heavyweights on earth at this moment, but who would not want to see this one?

[tlongII]

I'd actually like to see Randy retire. He's my favorite fighter and I don't want to see him get hurt.

[IX_Equilibrium]

I'd actually like to see Randy retire. He's my favorite fighter and I don't want to see him get hurt.

Again, people are underestimating the fuck out of Randy.

If he is your favorite fighter, have a little faith. If goddamn Eddie Sanchez didn't get hurt against Crocop, I'm sure Randy will be fine. In fact, Couture has a much better shot that what 99% of people are giving him.

I picked him against Sylvia, and hell yes, I am picking him again against Cro-cop.

[LEONARD]

Just a few super fights I'd kill a cat burglar for:

Dan Henderson vs. Chuck Liddell

How can this fight not happen? Provided, of course, Liddell gets past Quinton Jackson (Pictures) in May (more on that later in this column), this is an absolute must. For years fans and media have demanded either Wanderlei Silva (Pictures) against Liddell or Randy Couture (Pictures). Now that Silva is a victim of two straight brutal KO losses, he has gone from totally chic to totally geek. It's a no-brainer to pit PRIDE's new middleweight king against his UFC counterpart.

Fedor Emelianenko vs. Mirko Filipovic II

Without question this will happen. Considering Zuffa's insatiable appetite for rematches, pitting the world's No. 1 (Fedor) and No. 2 (Cro Cop) against one another for a second war is essentially signed, sealed and delivered. And both men will be paid handsomely, I might add. It will be one of the richest fights in MMA history up to that point (maybe even the richest) and it should be most-demanded fight since Donny Osmond and Danny Bonaduce.

Georges St. Pierre vs. Hayato Sakurai

Wow, let the fireworks begin! Two tough guys who love to throw down and gun for the KO basically every time a strike is flung. Well, more so Sakurai in that regard, but either way it's a war. GSP is a better striker in terms of smoothness and grace but Sakurai packs enough dynamite to implode a strip mall. No way does this go the distance and no way is this not a fight of the year candidate.

Mauricio Rua vs. Chuck Liddell

Another all-out war that could go either way is this guaranteed slugfest. Rua is far more aggressive than Liddell but "The Iceman" has that freakish punching power. It was a fight that seemed impossible to become a reality but now it's a just a matter of time before these two cats go toe-to-toe.

Randy Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

If ever there was an MMA chess match between two all-time greats, this is it. Would Couture's wrestling and ground-and-pound be able to counter Nog's premiere grappling and submissions? Once thought a mere pipe dream now becomes more and more likely.

Andrei Arlovski vs. Sergei Kharitonov

Two absolute terrifying strikers both with submission ability; you almost couldn't ask for a more entertaining fight. Sure these two aren't in the top five in regards to the best heavyweights on earth at this moment, but who would not want to see this one?

I hope we see all of those. GSP vs Sak would be crazy...

Big Nog is supposedly 80% blind in his right eye, so I don't know that he could ever fight in the US.

He didn't mention any MW matchups.

Paulo Filho vs Anderson Silva - Filho would be a BEAST in a cage...

Dan Henderson vs Rich Franklin - the all-american white boys going at it...

Also Penn vs Aoki at LW...man, I can't wait for the Pride LW tourny this year... :fro


I'd actually like to see Randy retire. He's my favorite fighter and I don't want to see him get hurt.

Randy is a big boy and he feels like he can beat Crocop (hard to doubt him after his dismantling of Syliva). Hopefully that's the next fight after Gonzaga. I don't really want to see him get destroyed by CC either though...

[dallaskd]

Again, people are underestimating the fuck out of Randy.

If he is your favorite fighter, have a little faith. If goddamn Eddie Sanchez didn't get hurt against Crocop, I'm sure Randy will be fine. In fact, Couture has a much better shot that what 99% of people are giving him.

I picked him against Sylvia, and hell yes, I am picking him again against Cro-cop.

Hell ya. I hope Randy fucks Cro cop up. Never underestimate Captain America.

[IX_Equilibrium]

I hope to see another video like this before Randy's match with Crocop. (If it happens)
Good piece.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYB6M2k05wQ

[Mr Dio]

Hell ya. I hope Randy fucks Cro cop up. Never underestimate Captain America.


Don't be saying that!
You know who and his thing will try to go Hiroshima on you! :lol

[LEONARD]

Well, so far things aren't going well at all. The "deal" is apparently still not officially signed yet...

The LWGP has been cancelled? (or at least delayed) This coming after Dana announced that no UFC fighters would enter it...
http://www.sherdog.net/forums/showthread.php?t=573550

Pride fighters suing DSE? Jeez...
http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=4007

I think Dana is just going to keep signing away as many of the top guys as he can until Pride has nothing left for this "Super Bowl" of MMA that we were promised. Shogun being next on the list...maybe Minotoro too...

[LEONARD]

Finally a done deal??
http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=7639