A 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.”
thank you jesus
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