| Re: Huge Rumor: Fertitta Brothers Buy PRIDE for 65 Million? *Updated*
Fertitta Brothers Officially Purchase PRIDE
The Japanese newspapers reported today in Tokyo, Japan that the UFC has bought Pride. Rumors of the sale have been circulating for a while, but the deal now appears to be done. One of the newspapers in Japan, SportsHochi, reported that Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, who own UFC parent company Zuffa, will start a new company, thus disbanding Dream Stage Entertainment, the parent company of Pride. 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 will operate Pride apparently won't be run directly by UFC or Zuffa, but will be its own entity owned by the Fertittas, so that Pride and the UFC will operate separately. It is also being reported that the two promotions will hold a joint super show once per year. SportsHochi reports that Pride 34 on April 8th will be the last Pride show run by DSE.
Credit - MMANews |