Quick Notes: Pride rules, Brandon Vera

Brandon Vera has posted on the Sherdog Forums that he is staying with the UFC. He has fired his manager, and is now looking for new management. His desired oponent is Crocop, and also has a desire to do some fighting at the light heaveyweight level (205).

- UFC and Pride rules will be unified. ie) no more Pride stomps or soccer kicks. What is Wanderlei going to do?

UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner recently confirmed that future events after Pride 34 will utilize the unified rules. mmaweekly

- Foot stomps, soccer kicks, and knees to the head of a downed opponent will no longer be allowed.
- Round times will change to 3 x 5-minute rounds and 5 x 5-minute rounds for championship fights (no more 10-minute first rounds).
- The use of colored penalty cards will be discontinued.
- Elbows will be allowed.
- Shoes, gis, and pants will not be allowed

- Pride matches will stay in a ring and UFC in a cage (octagon).

Pride FC Worldwide is born!

source MMAWeekly

Its Official, Fertittas have purchased Pride FC.

Solemn DSE/Pride President Sakikabara took the stage in the Roppongi Hills Arena were many fans came to gather outside in the cold what was to happen to their beloved Pride. Sakikabara said that “we had a very difficult year in 2006”, and there were many times that he wanted to quit but when he thought of the faces of the fighters, the fans, and his staff he was bolstered to keep going. “The Pride which I love and I wanted it to continue, I wanted to make sure the Pride ring which sometimes creates miracles to stay…” He said that he knew if he resigned that the problems with not being on TV in Japan would be solved and Pride's image would be clean, but he was more concerned with the fast changing MMA landscape especially the UFC as it had gained more power, and mentioning BoDog Fight. He likened his Pride organization to a rowboat compared to the other ships.

Sakikabara said that there were many offers during the road traveled to selling Pride, but it was the Fertittas that he trusted to take care of his “baby girl”. He said that the Fertitta who had acquired the UFC in 2001 was now a huge success and that Fertitta “respects and loves MMA.” He wanted someone with this strong love for the sport and who he could trust to run Pride in a desirable way. “Lorenzo respects Pride, Lorenzo loves Pride, and Lorenzo will make sure that Pride is here to stay.” I wanted to find a way to make Pride “immortal.” Sakikabara pointed out that it isn’t the UFC that is buying Pride, but the Fertittas. The Fertittas will have 100% ownership, unlike with their position with the UFC were they own most of the UFC and Dana White owns a portion. “As of Pride 34, which will be held on April 8th, I will resign my post as a representative of Pride.”

The employees of DSE ( DreamStage Entertainment ) will resign as well and they will then become employees of the new company that the Fertittas will form to operate Pride. In a small gathering with the press after the main press conference, Sakikabara said that the new company would be called Pride FC Worldwide. Trusting the Fertittas to keep Pride as a major brand, Sakakibara is looking forward to seeing the dream matches that are possible now. And he looks forward to see Pride “get broadcasting back.” “Don’t worry Pride stays here ….. and the spirit of Pride still originates from Japan.” Before leaving the podium Pres. Sakikabara left the words to everyone, “Please take good care of Pride.”Lorenzo Fertitta, owner of Zuffa and the UFC, came onto the stage after Takada said a few words, saying that he was happy to announce “the combination of the two biggest and two most important MMA organizations in the world.”

Lorenzo recounted how 7 years ago he watched a Pride PPV at home which included the epic battle between Sakuraba and Royce Gracie and that was the beginning of his “love affair” with Pride. And after coming to Japan and seeing Pride live he was “hooked on Pride forever.” “Bottomline, I’m a huge fan of MMA. This is not about business, this is not about making money. This is about putting together the dream fights that me and you as a fan have always wanted to see.” Continuing, Lorenzo Fertitta said, “The UFC is obviously like my baby, and now I have another and I love both just the same.” UFC President,Dana White, then took the stage saying,“Today is a great day for me. I’m very excited today.” Mentioning how over the years he has been “challenging Pride and Pride fighters to fight in the UFC.” And saying that he disagreed with Sakikabara about the competition from the other MMA organizations climbing up the ladder saying, “I laugh at that, I think they are all a joke. The only two companies in this world that matter are the UFC and Pride.”

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Quentin Rampage Jackson has also signed a 4 fight deal that replaces his current contract. His current contract would have ended after the Liddell fight. Good news for both camps.

More Buyout Rumours: K1 offer on Cage Rage

source MMAweekly

Sources close to Cage Rage have confirmed that K-1 has tabled an offer in the neighborhood of 10 million pounds as a takeover of the company and all its assets. The deal has apparently come about due in large part to the pending purchase of Pride FC by the UFC owners Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta and the severance of links between Cage Rage and Pride FC.

Cage Rage has recently been somewhat of a feeder show for Pride FC with several fighters under contract to Pride FC fighting on Cage Rage events.In a first for Cage Rage, the April 21st card will feature a K-1 rules kickboxing bout between James McSweeny and Michael McDonald. At the time of this writing, Dave O'Donnell and Andy Geer, principals at Cage Rage, were unavailable to comment due to ''being in Los Angeles for a business deal," but as soon as any more information is revealed we will let you know.

How this affects PRIDE contracted fighters such as James Thompson and K-1 refugee Bob Sapp is currently not known, but one thing is for sure, the UFC just got a step up in opposition for the British fans’ pennies.

Fertittas buy Pride: Official

source MMAWeekly

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.

Dana White vs Tito Ortiz Fight Today! -NOT!!!!

source UFCJunkie

*edit - Tito is a no show. Money looks like the reason.

The 3 round sparring match between UFC president Dana White and Tito Ortiz finally happens today. It won't air live, but the rumour is that it will air for free on SpikeTV on April 14. BTW, this is a fully sanctioned bout! Dana was a former amateur boxer and was also a trainer for Ortiz in the past, so its not like it plain Joe vs Pro.

In other news, Sam Hoger, of Ultimate Fighter fame has left the UFC and joined the IFL (International Fight League). He will be part of Pat Miletech's Iowa Silverbacks team.

Pride sold to UFC update: 3-22-07

source: Wrestling Observer

Here's is further indication that the purchase of Pride FC by the Fertittas is true:

Nobuyuki Sakakibara yesterday told several members of the U.S. Pride staff that the company is in the proces of being sold to Lorenzo & Frank Fertitta. He said the agreement in principal is done but there are still some minor points to be worked out and the contract is not signed. Sakakibara said he would be leaving the company but that everyone would be keeping their jobs. The company would be operated separately from UFC, but obviously UFC could use any Pride fighter for a big match that it needed.

UFC 72 Lineup

source MMAweekly

UFC 72: JULY 7, 2007 (location TBA)

• -Anderson Silva vs. Nathan Marquardt
• -Tito Ortiz vs. Rashad Evans
• -Sean Sherk vs. Hermes Franca

Note: While this event is tentatively scheduled for July 7th, the exact date of the event is subject to change.

UFC 71 Lineup

source MMAweekly

UFC 71: MAY 26, 2007 IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

• -Chuck Liddell vs. Quinton Jackson
• -Karo Parisyan vs. Josh Burkman
• -Ivan Salaverry vs. Terry Martin
• -Chris Leben vs. Kalib Starnes
• -Eric Schafer vs. Sean Salmon
• -Keith Jardine vs. TBA

UFC 70 Lineup

source MMAweekly

UFC 70: APRIL 21, 2007 IN MANCHESTER, ENGLAND AT M.E.N. ARENA

Main Card Bouts:

• -Mirko Cro Cop vs. Gabriel Gonzaga
• -Andrei Arlovski vs. Fabricio Werdum
• -Ryoto Machida vs. David Heath
• -Michael Bisping vs. Elvis Sinosic
• -Assuerio Silva vs. Cheick Kongo

Preliminary Bouts:

• -Dennis Siver vs. Jess Liaudin
• -Alessio Sakara vs. Victor Valimaki
• -Terry Etim vs. Matt Grice
• -Junior Assuncao vs. David Lee
• -Paul Taylor vs. Ediberto Crocota

Main card airs in the United States on Spike TV on Saturday, April 21st from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM (ET/PT) on tape delay.

FREE TV!!!

Pride April 8 Lineup

source MMAweekly

PRIDE: APRIL 8, 2007 IN JAPAN

• -Ricardo Arona vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou
• -Shinya Aoki vs. Brian Lo-A-Njoe
• -Zelg Galesic vs. Makoto Takimoto

Other possible participants:

• -Wanderlei Silva
• -Mark Hunt
• -Sergei Kharitonov
• -Kazuyuki Fujita-Ikuhisa Minowa
• -Eric "Butterbean" Esch
• -Wagner da Conceicao Martins (aka Zulu, Jr.)
• -Gilbert Yvel

Note: Pride is planning to air this event live on United States pay-per-view outlets, with a replay to follow in the usual Sunday night timeslot.

UFC Fight Night 9

source MMAweekly

UFC FIGHT NIGHT 9: APRIL 5, 2007 ON SPIKE TV
The Palms Casino in Las Vegas, NevadaMain

Card Bouts:

• -Joe Stevenson vs. Melvin Guillard
• -Kenny Florian vs. Dokonjonosuke Mishima
• -Antoni Hardonk vs. Justin McCully

Preliminary Bouts:

• -Drew Fickett vs. Keita Nakamura
• -Kuniyoshi Hironaka vs. Forrest Petz
• -Wander Braga vs. Kurt Pellegrino ** edit: no longer on card. 3/23
• -Naoyuki Kotani vs. Thiago Tavares
• -Wilson Gouveia vs. Seth Petruzelli
• -Roan Carneiro vs. Rich Clementi

Main card airs live on Spike TV on Thursday, April 5 from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM (ET/PT) as the lead-in to the premiere of The Ultimate Fighter 5

UFC 69 Lineup

source MMAweekly

UFC 69: APRIL 7, 2007 IN HOUSTON, TEXAS (Toyota Center)

Main Card Bouts:

• -George St. Pierre vs. Matt Serra
• -Diego Sanchez vs. Josh Koscheck
• -Mike Swick vs. Yushin Okami
• -Kendall Grove vs. Alan Belcher
• -Roger Huerta vs. Leonard Garcia

Preliminary Bouts:

• -Heath Herring vs. Brad Imes
• -Thales Leites vs. Pete Sell
• -Luke Cummo vs. Josh Haynes
• -Pete Spratt vs. Marcus Davis

Ultimate Fighter 5 Lineup

source: MMA Weekly

RUMORS FOR THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 5

-Confirmed First Coach: Jens Pulver

-Confirmed Second Coach: BJ Penn

-Format: Sixteen Lightweight (155-Pound)

Rumored Competitors:

• -Nathan Diaz
• -Matt Wiman
• -Alan Berubie
• -Joe Lauzon
• -Gray Maynard
• -Cole Miller
• -Wayne Weems
• -Corey Hill
• -Robert Emerson
• -Manvel Gambaryan
• -Marlon Sims
• -Noah Thomas
• -Andy Wang
• -Gabe Ruediger
• -Brandon Melendez
• -Brian Geraghty

(This list of participants was confirmed in mid-March)

Season premiere date on Spike TV: April 5, 2007

Never Submit (MMA movie) current lineup

source: UFCJunkie, IMDB

Never Submit
Director: James Hergott
Release Date: October 2007

A 22-year-old Judo champion trains to enter a Pride FC style MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) tournament after being haunted by the memories of his father's 1997 No-Holds-Barred fight.

Current Cast
Cam Gigandet (from the O.C. definately not MMA fighter)
Ken Shamrock
Cung Le
Andrei Arlovski
Michael McDonald
Wanderlei Silva
Nate Quarry
Josh Koscheck
Matt Lindland
Mauricio Rua
Mike Swick

March 19, 2007 - Pride bought by UFC owners?

How about this for a first post?

Fertitta Brothers Purchase PRIDE Fight Championships for $65 million!!
According to Sherdog's Beatdown show, PRIDE was just purchased by Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta for $65 million usd. Not only does $65 million seem kinda low, the big surprise is that it wasn't ZUFFA who purchased PRIDE, but rather the majority owners themselves. I guess it means that they will continue to run it as two seperate organizations, but hopefully cross organization battles!!!

More details as to follow ...

Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell vs Quentin "Rampage" Jackson set for UFC 71
According to Sherdog, Jackson's trainer has confirmed that the much anticipated rematch will be set for UFC on May 26 in Las Vegas. So much for the extra warmup matches for Rampage, I guess he thinks he's ready. Judging by his UFC debut, not even close ...

K-1 Great American Hero Debut featuring Brock Lesner
source MMAweekly

K1's Hero's (MMA division of K1) is looking like it will debut on June 2 in Los Angeles. The exciting news about this is that former WWF/WWE heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar will make his MMA debut. His oponent will be 7ft2 Korean giant Hong Man Choi.

Welcome to MMA Ownage!

Welcome to MMA Ownage!

Here you'll find the most up to date news happening in the MMA world. UFC, Pride, IFL, WEC, K1, Bodog Fight, Elite XC, KOTC and more!

Although all news will be discussed, my main focus will be on the 2 majors.

Enjoy, and lets get it on!