UFC eyes first outdoor event in Hawaii in 2008
by MMAmania.com on Jul 14, 2007 4:34 PM EDT
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Note: A more recent article in the Star-Bulletin recently notes that mixed martial arts will not be officially regulated in Hawaii until January 1, 2009 -- perhaps putting the plan UFC President Dana White mention below on hold.
Aloha Stadium -- the largest outdoor arena in Hawaii with a 50,000-seat capacity -- is the likely destination for a blockbuster show that includes stars from PRIDE FC and the UFC sometime in 2008, according to recent statements from UFC President Dana White in the Star-Bulletin.
Here's a snip from White:
"I'm working on that right now as a matter of fact. I've wanted to bring one there for a long time and now that we have acquired PRIDE, I think it's the perfect time to do that big stadium because it would pull a lot of Americans and a lot of Japanese fans. Next year, believe me [it will] happen. It will be our first outdoor fight. We've never done it before because it has always scared the (expletive) out of me."
This is a little confusing because White singles out PRIDE FC, but then the article talks about Hawaii natives and UFC fighters BJ Penn and Kendall Grove possibly being featured on the card if it happens.
Regardless, whether it's a UFC or PRIDE FC show -- or a mix of both -- it will no doubt be a hit in the "Aloha State." Hawaii has a strong connection to mixed marital arts thanks in large part to the ICON Sport promotion, which has been putting shows on since 1995 throughout the state.
For the fighters, an outdoor event like this will pose different challenges such as tiring faster and sweating more because of the hot conditions. Look no further than the BoDog shows from Costa Rica currently airing for proof of that.
The largest MMA crowd to date to attend a show in Hawaii is 12,000, which was established when BJ Penn defeated Renzo Gracie during the K-1: "World Grand Prix Hawaii" event at Aloha Stadium in 2005.
Something tells me that if and when the UFC invades Oahu that number is bound to be smashed.
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WOW!No shit Hawaii I can’t wait.It’s a perfect time for a second honeymoon with the wife and kids.cant fucking wait
by stand an bang on Jul 14, 2007 5:02 PM EDT reply actions
Hey bro I believe that pride fc 2003 had close to 60,000.
Kinda kicks the shit out of 12,000 ;)
by the truth on Jul 14, 2007 5:32 PM EDT reply actions
Yeah! I heard that Hawaii has a strong connenction to mixed “marital” arts too! But seriously, how can Dana promise to promote a blockbuster card when the Liddell-Silva Main Event somehow becomes a Liddell-Jardine Main Event?
by bk on Jul 14, 2007 5:44 PM EDT reply actions
Hey bro I believe that pride fc 2003 had close to 60,000.
Kinda kicks the shit out of 12,000 ;)
THAT “THE TRUTH” :-)
by stand an bang on Jul 14, 2007 5:48 PM EDT reply actions
nice, better background for a ppv is all that means to me. I’m sure they could get the ring girls to wear grass skirts or something.
by BLOodyMEss on Jul 14, 2007 5:54 PM EDT reply actions
Hey bro I believe that pride fc 2003 had close to 60,000.
Kinda kicks the shit out of 12,000 ;)
60,000 in Hawaii?
by Pat on Jul 14, 2007 8:13 PM EDT reply actions
Technically, the UFC wouldn’t be invading the Big Island, they’d be invading Oahu… unless they held the event at BJ Penn’s training facility in Hilo…
by Sean on Jul 15, 2007 10:27 AM EDT reply actions
Technically, the UFC wouldn’t be invading the Big Island, they’d be invading Oahu… unless they held the event at BJ Penn’s training facility in Hilo…
Word.
by UFCmania on Jul 15, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply actions
Would be a good excuse to fly out and take a much deserved vacation on the sand
by Stafo on Jul 15, 2007 4:15 PM EDT reply actions
60,000 in Hawaii?
Oh SH**, you’re right, it was in Japan. My bad.
by the truth on Jul 15, 2007 5:40 PM EDT reply actions
I’d like to see Joe Lauzon (against Diaz would be sweet) on that card as well, since he’s supposed to start training with BJ in Hawaii.
by MrFye on Jul 15, 2007 7:10 PM EDT reply actions
It would be good if they brought in “Charuto” to fight. He is loved in Hawaii because he trains with BJ in Hilo. I wouldn’t mind seeing Charuto fight Mayhem.
by pUniSHment on Jul 15, 2007 8:19 PM EDT reply actions
Just dont step on an Ice Pipe outside… or Dog the Bounty Hunter might preach to you.
by Luppers on Jul 16, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply actions
Outdoor fights is a good thing just like how it is for boxing from time to time throwing different factors at the fighters.
Is there any word on when this “Superbowl of MMA” is going to take place? I mean I guess it would be good for each year for there to be a sort of mega event where every fight on the card is a championship fight and or number one contender fight.
by Bizarro Tommy on Jul 17, 2007 12:08 PM EDT reply actions
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