The Fertitta Brothers of ZUFFA officially acquire PRIDE FC
The Fertitta’ brothers have created a new “entity” called PRIDE FC Worldwide Holdings LLC, which will own and operate PRIDE. UFC and ZUFFA do not own PRIDE FC.
The newly formed company will take over PRIDE FC assets, including its trademarks, video library and valuable roster of fighters, from Dream Stage. The Fertitta brothers, who own Las Vegas-based Zuffa LLC, the parent company of UFC, appear to intend to keep the well-known PRIDE name and promote fights under that brand.
Fertitta said PRIDE will remain "Japanese-centric." Elbows are now a go in PRIDE FC, but knees to a downed fighter as well as stomps are gone. When PRIDE runs shows in the U.S., fights will be scored on the 10-point must system.
The newly formed company will take over PRIDE FC assets, including its trademarks, video library and valuable roster of fighters, from Dream Stage. The Fertitta brothers, who own Las Vegas-based Zuffa LLC, the parent company of UFC, appear to intend to keep the well-known PRIDE name and promote fights under that brand.
Fertitta said PRIDE will remain "Japanese-centric." Elbows are now a go in PRIDE FC, but knees to a downed fighter as well as stomps are gone. When PRIDE runs shows in the U.S., fights will be scored on the 10-point must system.
Lorenzo Fertitta, one of UFC's majority owners, said"This is really going to change the face of MMA. Literally creating a sport that could be as big around the world as soccer. I liken it somewhat to when the NFC and AFC came together to create the NFL."
Company executives declined to comment on the sales price, but a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that brothers Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta purchased PRIDE FC for less than $70 million.
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