So its been talked about sometime now, Dana even mentioned it to us FC members at the afterparty, and hype is being built up on some possible candidates matching up for the Superbowl of MMA. So how does this thing play out? Does the champion from each division in each weight class square off from PRIDE and the UFC? Thats what I would want to see, a whole fight card of championship matches with the biggest belt on the line. But you have several things to consider..... there are different weight divisions in each organization. Will PRIDE have to adopt the UFC weight divisions or will there be a whole revised set of divisions?
UFC
Heavyweight = 205 lbs - 265 lbs
Light Heavyweight= 185 lbs - 205 lbs
Middleweight= 170 lbs - 185 lbs
Welterweight= 155 lbs - 170 lbs
Lightweight= 145 lbs - 155 lbs
PRIDE
Heavyweight= More than or equal to 205 lbs
Middleweight= Less than 205 lbs
Welterweight= Less than 183 lbs
Lightweight= Less than 160 lbs
Another thing to look at is under the new ownership, PRIDE will adapt to the "Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts" which the UFC already adheres to. This is going to eliminate soccer kicks and knees to the head while on the ground. All I have to say is "Chute Boxe". These guys dominate with these two techniques and now it will be stripped from there whole game. I don't think they will have a problem adapting but it will be interesting to see. Another thing I want to point out is are we going to see this Superbowl in a five-roped square ring or in an eights sided caged in octagon? And with PRIDE staying in Japan where will it be held? Just some food for thought as negotiations are still being rapped up. 2007 has definitely ended up being the year for MMA and with many questions still to be answered.
FelixUK
CrazyCorrie
UFC_lover
UFCFAN
rondogg
Jo_Rogerson
