Japan Media: UFC Owners Purchase PRIDE FC

The long-standing rumors took one more step to being confirmed. According to MMAWeekly.com, the Japanese media is beginning to report that the Fertitta brothers (UFC majority owners) have purchased Pride. The Tokyo newspaper, SportsHoci in particular is the first to report the story. Pride has had a press conference scheduled for Tuesday in Japan, according to reports to announce the new ownership group. UFC minority owner/promoter Dana White is believed to be attending the press conference although we won't know until tomorrow.

The current operating company for Pride, Dream Stage Entertainment will hold one last show under their regime. It will take place on April 8th. However, according to Japanese reports, Pride won't be disintegrated. The current plan is for UFC and their new purchase, Pride to co-exist. Pride will still hold regular shows in Japan and the occasional show in the United States. However the joint ownership between the two would lead towards one mega event during the year, similar to the Super Bowl or other such championship sporting events. Pride fighters against UFC fighters on one (obviously very much anticipated) show would likely do record numbers on pay per view and live attendance figures.

Still, either Pride or the UFC has not confirmed this. In fact, Dana White spoke during the weekend about how any possible negotiations with their once competitor were not going too smoothly. In any event, the official announcement (if there is one to be made) will be made tomorrow in Japan. If it goes as many people expect it to, it will rock the mixed martial arts world and the UFC would have no serious national or global competition. If the deal takes place, the number two MMA promotion in the United States is likely the EliteXC league (Elite Xtreme Combat). E.X.C. debuted in February with a special on Showtime and plans on holding more shows this year on the pay channel and pay per view.

What are still unclear about the possible deal are the status of Pride fighter's and their contracts. Will all the big names be transferred with the purchase or will the UFC have to negotiate separately with each of them? Would any of the Pride fighters be able to compete in the UFC or will they be required to remain under the Pride group's umbrella? These are just some of the many questions still left unanswered. Only time will tell if the press conference in Japan tomorrow will provide us with answers.