Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta -- UFC majority owners -- have purchased PRIDE FC from Dream Stage Entertainment (DSE) and will continue to run the mixed martial arts promotion as a separate entity, according to an MMAWeekly.com report.
However, the two promotions will clash at least once per year for a joint supershow, showcasing some of the sickest match ups in the sport today.
Here's the snip:
"The Japanese newspapers reported today in Tokyo, Japan that the UFC has bought Pride. The UFC/Pride rumor has been circulating for awhile, but the deal appears to be done. One of the newspapers in Japan, SportsHochi, reported that the Fertittas, who owns Zuffa which operates the UFC, will start a new company thus disbanding DSE(Dream Stage Entertainment, which has been the company that Pride has operated under). 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."
According to the report, PRIDE 34 on April 8 will be the last PRIDE show under DSE ownership. Other events such as the lightweight grand prix and New Year's Eve show will remain on the calendar.
Tomorrow, March 27, there will be a DSE press conference, which will hopefully shed some more light on this latest development.
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