Yes ... the UFC has finally bought Pride

[BoneCrusher]

The deal is now acknowledged by UFC's top executives today in a press conference. Most of us here at IM are pretty MMA savvy so I did a hack job on the press release and posted the good shit below. For a complete read hit this link.

The UFC, Pride, and WEC are all under Zuffa's roof. All will maintain their own branding.

Pride will adopt the MMA rules sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and Pride's weight classes will also shift to mirror those of the UFC.

Pride fights will continue in a ring, unlike the cage used by the UFC and WEC. And Pride will stick with its current judging system, which is not the traditional boxing "10-point must" system used by the UFC.

Tuesday's purchase means that fans could see Pride champion Fedor Emelianenko, considered the best MMA heavyweight in the world, take on UFC title-holder Randy (The Natural) Couture. It could also set the stage for Liddell, the reigning rock star of the UFC, to step up in weight to challenge the Russian.

Last November, the UFC purchased the assets of the World Fighting Alliance, picking its roster clean for the likes of light-heavyweight contender Quinton (Rampage) Jackson. Liddell is due to meet Jackson at UFC 72 on May 26 in Las Vegas.

At the same time, it purchased World Extreme Cagefighting, a California-based circuit. The UFC continues to operate WEC, with plans to go after the younger end of its 18-to-35 demographic with an edgier product that showcases lighter weight classes.

Plus the number of shows has grown, from five to 32 this year including the UFC and WEC.

 

[Goodfella9783]

That's cool that they're gonna keep the ring. And ouch for Randy facing Fedor Emelianenko.

 

[fufu]

That's cool that they're gonna keep the ring. And ouch for Randy facing Fedor Emelianenko.

Randy COTOURE?!?!?

 

[fufu]

I can't wait for Fedor to destory a whole new roster!

I'm glad they are sticking with the original rules of Pride.

 

[Goodfella9783]

Randy COTOURE?!?!?

Yeah that's what it said in the article posted by Bone. Randy's got some serious balls if he signs on for that

 

[fufu]

I wonder if Fedor will enter the octagon or stay in the Pride set up? I wonder how all of this will be decided.

 

[BoneCrusher]

So far it's been about what earns the best money. That won't change. So logically if the people wanna see Ice Man vs Axe Murderer then we'll see it. White has tried to get that fight before anyway.

 

[Goodfella9783]

They should do it in the octagon. This way, Fedor can take the UFC HW belt from Randy, setting up a rematch with Cro Cop. Except this time it will be in the Octagon with UFC rules

 

[emitecaps]

I think Crocop will get a match against Randy and destroy him setting up the rematch with Fedor. But if Randy has to fight either Fedor or Crocop he's basically screwed and it could finally retire him. I won't count him out but I don't think his chances are good.

 

[BoneCrusher]

I think Crocop will get a match against Randy and destroy him setting up the rematch with Fedor. But if Randy has to fight either Fedor or Crocop he's basically screwed and it could finally retire him. I won't count him out but I don't think his chances are good.

Randy changed the way I see him on that last fight. I don't know how many of Cro Cops fights you've seen but the rest of the MMA world considers him a one dimensional fighter. He's a strong fast striker with THE best high kick in his weight class, but Randy is not a can. It will be a good match up IMHO.

 

[Doublebase]

Randy's got some serious balls if he signs on for that

He just owned Tim Sylvia. He probably thinks he can take on the world. This will be interesting.

 

[AKIRA]

Randy changed the way I see him on that last fight. I don't know how many of Cro Cops fights you've seen but the rest of the MMA world considers him a one dimensional fighter. He's a strong fast striker with THE best high kick in his weight class, but Randy is not a can. It will be a good match up IMHO.

Actually, I have noticed it. I know he uses it cuz it works, but it can be outsmarted.

 

[ponyboy]

I don't know about this. Wrestling certainly declined sharply when one company took over because they don't have to compete for fan base anymore. This will probably do the same thing. Plus now they are going to have two (or more) PPV's every month? Overkill IMO. The big names will continue to be the big names but it's going to oversaturate things and make it less exciting.

 

[MCx2]

I don't know about this. Wrestling certainly declined sharply when one company took over because they don't have to compete for fan base anymore. This will probably do the same thing. Plus now they are going to have two (or more) PPV's every month? Overkill IMO. The big names will continue to be the big names but it's going to oversaturate things and make it less exciting.

I disagree 100%. Wrestling and MMA are 2 different beasts completely. Someone likened it to the AFL and the NFL merging in one of those articles. I think that's a better analogy.

 

[BoneCrusher]

I gotta be honest here ... I don't buck up for the PPV's I download the fights afterwards. BUT ... but. But if I did I'd want to get my monies worth. UFC cards suck because the quantity of fighters in the UFC line-up is too minimal. With this change the cards will be potentially the best they've been since back in the old days when you'd see three or four big name bouts AND three lesser bouts on one card. We'll see ...

 

[fufu]

imagine the possibilities...

 

[MCx2]

imagine the possibilities...

Exactly.

 

[Doublebase]

I'm excited.

 

[BoneCrusher]

It shows ...

 

[Andywit]

Randy is ace, to make a comback at his age and completely destroy Silvia, is amazing, Randy in my opinion has the heart to take on and beat the best (Except maybe chuck)