Matlock's Fight Talk

Fear of PRIDE, Longing for PRIDE

“It cost a tremendous amount of money,” Dana White once said. “Far more than what Barry Bonds makes.”

Television failure. Asset valuation issues. Background checks. Fighter transfers. Contract rewrites. You cannot reduce the collapse of “new PRIDE” to a single cause.

So why did Lorenzo Fertitta spend that kind of money—and move as if he were in a hurry?

At PRIDE’s Las Vegas event, the Fertitta brothers were seated at ringside, watching the crowd erupt. One of them reportedly muttered:

“This is bad…”

An MMA monster had entered their territory. The promotion they admired had come to the United States. PRIDE inspired both fear and longing—an outsider force capable of reshaping the landscape. There were only two options: acquire it, or crush it.

Lorenzo acquired it.

But then came the misread Japanese market, the underestimation of Japanese television dynamics, and the steady absorption of PRIDE’s fighters into the UFC system. Admiration may have curdled into disappointment.

Japan could no longer support PRIDE on its own. America didn’t need PRIDE—America already had the UFC. PRIDE lost its place, stranded between markets.

In the end, PRIDE had become too big. For Sakakibara—and even for Lorenzo—it became a monster nobody could control.

PRIDE’s spirit has lived on, inherited by fighters and promotions everywhere. But PRIDE itself—emptied of that spirit—lies beside Lorenzo Fertitta. You could say it is “alive” in a brain-dead state. You could also say it is dead. And even if someone tried to breathe life into it again, regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome, the PRIDE of that era will not return.

What remains is the loss: PRIDE vanished. Fighters lost a stage. Staff lost their jobs.

And by sealing away PRIDE—by removing the only true rival—the UFC came to dominate the MMA market. Its asset value is now said to exceed 100 billion yen.

- kamipro, 2008, archive.org/details/kamipro-128/mode/2up

#PRIDEFC #UFC #MMA #MMAHISTORY

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 87

Matlock's Fight Talk

The best take

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 3

Matlock's Fight Talk

The Emperor’s New Year’s Day

At the New Year’s Eve event “Yarennoka! New Year’s Eve! 2007,” the dream matchup between Emelianenko Fedor and Choi Hong-man was realized. This miracle of cooperation produced a true dream card, and the “strongest emperor,” Fedor, fully demonstrated his “one-in-6-billion” ability. Overcoming the overwhelming difference in size, he secured a decisive submission victory with a beautiful armbar.
The approximately 23,000 spectators who gathered at Saitama Super Arena sent thunderous applause to Fedor, and with a broad smile and a triumphant fist pump, he presented a victory to Japanese fans for the first time in a year. As Fedor shared the joy with his Red Devil teammates in a celebratory circle, one world-famous action star joined them.

That man was Jean-Claude Van Damme—the globally renowned action actor who starred in films such as “Universal Soldier” and “Sudden Death.”
Even Mirko Cro Cop has said that watching Jean-Claude Van Damme’s movies in his youth inspired him to awaken to martial arts. Van Damme is a Hollywood celebrity with immeasurable influence across the world.
So why was he standing in the ring at “Yarennoka!”?
In fact, these two had previously appeared together publicly only once before. As reported in this magazine, they dined together—along with President Vladimir Putin—at a banquet following the April 2005 Bodog Russia event.
And so, on New Year’s Eve, the world’s strongest man and the world-famous action star were reunited.
#NewYears #MMA #PRIDEFC #Throwback #UFC

2 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 99

Matlock's Fight Talk

Interviewer:
Before this, in an interview on the PRIDE Official Website, you said that among Japanese fighters, you respect those like Sakuraba, Yoshida, and Tamura — fighters whose styles and philosophies you admire.

But you also said that you do not respect fighters whose actions, words, and fighting styles have been “poisoned by America.”

After watching yesterday’s fight, which category would Fujita fall into?

Fedor:
If we’re talking specifically about yesterday, it’s difficult to say that he is someone I can respect.

At the press conference where I first met Fujita-san, I felt he was a very respectable fighter — someone I could interact with respectfully.

But after yesterday’s match, when we faced each other in the ring, I extended my hand to him for a handshake, and he did not respond.

Perhaps he did it intentionally, with our upcoming match in mind. But regardless of the reason, behavior like that does not add shine to his career.

Interviewer: So you mean Fujita is a fighter “poisoned by America.”

Fedor:
In the sense I used the expression earlier, yes, that might be so.
To be clear: when someone fails to show respect in a situation where respect is due, and acts selfishly, that is what I describe as being “poisoned by America.”

Interviewer: And by “poisoned by America,” in terms of fighting style, what kind of style do you mean?

Fedor:
In PRIDE — as the name suggests — fighters step into the ring with their pride on the line, fighting honorably.
That’s why I dislike fights where the opponent shows no respect.
There are, of course, many ways to attract an audience, but to me, the kind of disrespect Fujita-san showed yesterday is unacceptable.

Interviewer:
So it was really the post-match behavior that you couldn’t forgive?

Fedor:
Yes. It certainly was not pleasant.
Perhaps he was simply overwhelmed with thoughts of his own victory at the time, I don’t know.

But the fact remains: when I first extended my hand, he did not take it. That memory stayed with me.

#MMA #UFC #PRIDEFC #VALETUDO #MMAHISTORY #HISTORY #NOSTALGIA #INTERVIEW #THROWBACK

紙のプロレスRADICAL/kamipro No.62
archive.org/details/kamipro-062/page/18/mode/1up

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3 weeks ago | [YT] | 179

Matlock's Fight Talk

FEDOR AND WANDY GO TO DISNEYLAND TOGETHER

Interviewer: Earlier, you two were chatting so amiably, but do you talk a lot?
Silva: We've become friends recently.
Fedor: We've always exchanged greetings before, but neither Silva nor I are very good at English (smiles), so we weren't particularly close. But a little while ago, we had a chance to meet in France, and after that, we became friends.

Interviewer: France?
Fedor: Yes. We went to Euro Disneyland together (smiles).

Interviewer: ———The two absolute champions going to Disneyland together! You didn't hold hands or anything like that, right? (laughs).
Silva: Gahaha! Unfortunately, our relationship isn't that deep (laughs).

Interviewer: How did you end up going to Disneyland together?
Fedor: After my match in August last year, both Silva and I happened to have seminars in France at the same time.
Silva: I was surprised when I heard Fedor was in France at the same time, so we started contacting each other. Then Fedor said, "I want to go to Disneyland," and since I'd never been, we were like, "Well, let's go together" (laughs).

Interviewer: —So, did you two go alone?
We went to Disneyland in France together (smiles)
That's how I became friends with Fedor (laughs).

Interviewer: ?
Silva: Of course, it wasn't just the two of us—there were others too, but who we were with is private, so it's a secret. Gaha.

Interviewer: —Well, two guys wouldn't go alone anyway (laughs). Were the seminars in France completely separate?
Silva: They were separate seminars, but it really was just by coincidence at the same time. I was really interested in what kind of seminar Fedor was doing, so I wanted to go watch, but unfortunately, the timing didn't work out, and I couldn't observe it.

Interviewer: —Fedor, you're obviously interested in Silva's techniques too, right?
Fedor: Of course. Not just the detailed techniques, but also what kind of physical training he does—I'm interested in that as well.

Interviewer: —So, what do you each think is the most amazing thing about the other?
Silva: It's hard to pick just one. I think Fedor is strong in both stand-up and ground fighting—he's a complete fighter, and he's got a strong mentality.
Fedor: Thank you. From my perspective, Silva's techniques are wonderful. Especially his stand-up striking—it's a good model for me, and his hand-foot combinations are excellent. Also, of course, things like soccer ball kicks and stomps are what he brought to PRIDE, and I think his appearance changed the technical system of "PRIDE."

Interviewer: Recently, Fedor, you've started using stomps too— is that influenced by Silva?
Fedor: I can say that. Silva's fights are always educational, so there are several techniques I've referenced and made my own.
Silva: I think Fedor's punches are amazing too. You just said I changed the technical system of "PRIDE," but I think the same thing happened with Fedor's appearance. When Fedor beat Minotauro (Nogueira brother), everyone recognized the importance of "pound." After that fight, in Brazil, people say, "Even if Fedor and Minotauro fought 10 times, Fedor would win 100 times."
Fedor: Thank you (smiles).

archive.org/details/kamipro-095/page/69/mode/1up
#mma #mmahistory #pridefc #ufc #disneyland #france

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1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 371

Matlock's Fight Talk

We Finally Got Access to the Living Legend!
RICKSON GRACIE
The undefeated myth: 400 (or 410, or even 450) wins, zero losses.
(Japan, 1999)


Q: Recently Royler, Royce, and Renzo have all lost several matches in a row. In Japan some people are saying “the Gracie family is in crisis.”

Rickson: NO. The Gracie family is huge, and new fighters are coming up every day. The ones losing right now are just going through a tough period, that’s all.

Q: This might sound strange coming from you, but some Brazilian fighters fight very defensively, almost like they’re scared to lose. Why don’t they go forward and try to win aggressively?

Rickson: This is just my personal opinion, but I don’t look at fighters as “Brazilian” or “Japanese” — I look at them as individuals.

Sometimes you have to stay defensive to wait for the opponent’s mistake. Being aggressive is important, but a fighter who only charges forward might win 8 out of 10 times — but he’ll lose the other 2.

To win all 10, you need perfect balance between defense and offense. That’s what separates the best.

Q: So you never gamble?

Rickson: The most important thing is to fight intelligently.
Look at guys who take steroids — they might be strong now, but in a few years their health is destroyed. Just rushing forward blindly is never the answer.

Q: Very simple question: what is your current title — Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, Vale Tudo fighter, or martial artist?

Rickson: Martial artist. Because my entire life is martial arts. Whether I’m teaching, fighting, or living day-to-day — everything is connected to martial arts.

Q: As a professional martial artist, you step into the ring, right?**

Rickson: I’m not a professional fighter 365 days a year.

Q: Then what is your definition of “professional”?

Rickson: Getting paid for it.

Q: If we take money out of the equation, there seem to be two types of fighters: those who want to “give something” to the audience, and those who are 100 % obsessed with victory. Which one are you?

Rickson: I’ve never once thought about the audience. I’m completely focused on the fight.

Q: You did a roundtable discussion with Antonio Inoki once, right?

Rickson: YES. I respect him a lot.

Q: Inoki once said there are two types of people:
1. Those who get stressed when their plan falls apart halfway.
2. Those who think, “Oh, “It got messed up? Cool, that’s even more interesting!”

Which type are you?

Rickson: I’m probably the third type.
When my plan doesn’t work, I don’t get stressed, and I don’t think “this is fun” either.
I simply adapt, find the new path, and keep moving forward. That’s all.


Full Interview:
archive.org/details/kamipro-018/page/136/mode/2up
#BJJ #MMA #UFC #GRACIE #JIUJITSU #NOSTALGIA #JAPAN

1 month ago | [YT] | 58

Matlock's Fight Talk

Classic

1 month ago | [YT] | 3

Matlock's Fight Talk

Nick Diaz, who successfully defended his welterweight title by defeating KJ Noons at the Strikeforce San Jose event on October 9th.
Right after the match, while the excitement was still fresh, we conducted an exclusive interview with him for this magazine.

Q: You avenged your grudge against KJ Noons and defended your title—what's next? Who do you want to fight?

Nick: I'm not naming anyone specific. Whoever wants to challenge for my belt, I'll take them on.

Q: Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker mentioned potential next challengers like Paul Daley and Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos—how do you rate them?

Nick: Who are those guys? I don't know them or even their names. If they step into my sight, I'll smash them.

Q: What about Mayhem Miller? He's from a higher weight class.

Nick: I'd beat his ass outside the cage, not in it. (In fact, right after this, a brawl broke out backstage between Nick and Mayhem!)

Q: Last month at DREAM, that Mayhem took the first-ever submission from Kazushi Sakuraba—what do you think of that result?

Nick: Sakuraba is my hero. And that guy Mayhem says "Sakuraba is my hero" too? What a bunch of bullshit. It's the lowest thing to take a fight against your own hero when he's gotten older, land punches, and submit him. Here in America, anyone who sees themselves as a top-level active fighter avoids matches with seniors past their prime. It's unprofessional. Maybe in Japan it's okay, but in America, we don't fight old men. If Mayhem goes around saying "I'm the first guy to tap Sakuraba," he'll just get laughed at and despised.

Q: There were once voices in Japan saying they wanted to see Nick Diaz vs. Kazushi Sakuraba.

Nick: I'd turn that down. I'd rather train with Sakuraba, talk with him, and hear about his experiences than fight him.

Q: In Japan, there's buzz about a Melendez vs. Aoki rematch on New Year's Eve. If that happens, how do you predict it goes?

Nick: Whoa, they're doing it again? (laughs) Aoki got completely dominated in April this year. I don't think he'll catch up in just half a year or so. He'll just get smashed by Melendez again. Of course, Aoki's a good fighter, no doubt, but to overturn that April result, he needs more time.

Q: Do you think a rematch is too soon?

Nick: I'm not a big fan. If it was a close decision that could've gone either way, there'd be reason to do it, but in April, Melendez controlled all five rounds. What does Melendez gain from beating him again? Just the risk of losing. Of course, I don't think Melendez will lose, but I'm a bit worried about how it might affect his motivation. And Aoki's a dangerous fighter for sure, so anything could happen.

Q: Well, it's probably not a great matchup for Melendez in terms of benefits.

Nick: Anyway, after losing to Melendez, wasn't Aoki supposed to come train with us at Cesar Gracie Academy? We talked about that, right?

Q: Oh yeah, I forgot, but you're right (laughs).

Nick: And then no contact at all, and now he's pushing for a rematch? What the hell is that?

Q: So basically, make it clear if you're with the Cesar team or against us.

Nick: Well, if the rematch happens, the team will unite and make sure Aoki never wants to face Melendez again—we'll crush him.

Q: The ring vs. cage, Japan vs. America—the environment's different from last time. Do you think that'll affect the fight?

Nick: Fighters have their preferences, but Melendez doesn't care if it's a cage or ring at all. The game plan won't be exactly the same as last time, but I can't imagine the ring changing the outcome.

Q: For Aoki, do you think the ring gives him an advantage?

Nick: Possibly. And after getting humiliated like that last time, Aoki probably learned a ton from the loss, while Melendez didn't learn much from fighting Aoki. But still, I don't see that gap closing.

Q: How should Melendez fight?

Nick: Same as last time. It's all about controlling the fight at his pace. For Aoki, the question is whether he can fix his own issues using what he learned from the loss.
archive.org/details/kamipro-152/page/6/mode/1up
#MMA #STRIKEFORCE #UFC #DIAZBROTHERS #DIAZARMY #209 #NOSTALGIA #HISTORY

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1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 366

Matlock's Fight Talk

[Conversation is about Zuffa's purchase of PRIDE FC and how they plan to run things and keep it alive in Japan]

Interviewer: Same parent company now, and the UFC staff is already involved in running things. PRIDE should be the same way, don’t you think?

Dana: That’s not the issue at all. Only the TV execs know why PRIDE can’t get a deal.

Interviewer: Who’s actually negotiating with the networks?

Dana: Me and a few key people. The old PRIDE management isn’t part of this mission anymore.

Interviewer: So the former PRIDE team is completely out of the loop?

Dana: Yeah. And we don’t *have* to use the PRIDE staff in Japan to talk to networks. I’m in the States and I’ve locked down TV deals in 170 countries. You get what that means.

Interviewer: So MMA is a seller’s market worldwide right now?

Dana: Damn right. Everywhere I go, networks are begging, “Put us on the air!” But Japan—the place that loves MMA the most—I’m out here pitching and nothing. Doesn’t that seem off to you?

Interviewer: Well, there’s probably some complicated history… If the hold-up is no terrestrial TV in Japan, why not just run PRIDE in the U.S. first?

Dana: Not off the table.

Interviewer: So there’s a chance?

Dana: Everything comes down to TV. That’s the whole ballgame for PRIDE.

Interviewer: WOWOW was airing UFC until this spring—now nothing. Fans here are *pissed* there’s no UFC *or* PRIDE on TV. Are you even trying to get UFC back on the air in Japan?

Dana: Of course. I want *both* brands on Japanese TV. I’m pushing the package deal—world’s two biggest MMA brands. I don’t get why Japan’s the only place shutting us out. Hey, Japanese media—do me a favor: rattle some cages. Get investors to light a fire under the network bosses. Something’s gotta be stuck.

Interviewer: Even tonight’s huge Nogueira debut—Japanese fans are sneaking onto YouTube to watch (laughs).

Dana: Wait—what? They can’t watch on UFC.com?

Interviewer: Some do, but it’s a tiny number. Most can’t navigate an English site. They open it, see the language, give up before signing up.

Dana: Huh. Interesting. Let’s see how many Japanese hits we’re actually getting on UFC.com.

Interviewer: Point is, the site’s in English. Most fans here don’t speak it well. Use photos, icons, simple navigation—make it dummy-proof.

Dana: Good call. Thanks. We’ll get a Japanese version of UFC.com rolling ASAP.

Interviewer: Events in Japan keep getting stalled, but you’re running your *second* UK show this year in September. Europe’s clearly a priority.

Dana: Europe matters, but the UK thing’s just scheduling—we’re doing four shows a year there. Location doesn’t matter. With TV or a computer, fans can watch from anywhere. Tech’s changing fast. We’re gonna be the first global PPV platform. New devices drop, we adapt. That’s how we make MMA a true world sport.

Interviewer: Meanwhile, top PRIDE guys are jumping to UFC left and right. Besides Nogueira, you pulling in more?

Dana: Hell yes—I want every big name in the UFC. But I’m not trying to gut PRIDE. Problem is, PRIDE’s on ice. Fighters need to fight and get paid. Can’t leave guys like Wanderlei, Shogun, or Dan Henderson sitting on the bench forever. That’s insane.

Interviewer: So they fight in the UFC under their old PRIDE contracts? Or new UFC deals?

Dana: They’ve got PRIDE FC Worldwide contracts, sure. But if they step in the Octagon, it’s under a UFC contract.

Interviewer: Where do things stand with Shogun and Wanderlei right now?

Dana: Right now? Still under PRIDE FC Worldwide. But we’re in talks with UFC contracts.

Interviewer: What about Fedor?

Dana: He’ll be in the UFC by late 2007 or early 2008—PRIDE heavyweight champ and all. That’s all I can say for now.

Interviewer: Any other big names—Josh Barnett, Sokoudjou?

Dana: Sokoudjou’s headed to EliteXC. Honestly? Wasn’t that interested. Guy’s 4-1. That’s not UFC-level. If he was 10-1, I’d throw big money at him.

Interviewer: And Josh?

Dana: No clue. Never even sat down with the guy. I look at a lot of UFC fighters as partners—I’ve sunk serious cash into making them stars. They’ve worked hard to build UFC too. Management and fighters—we help each other out, we’ve got each other’s backs. But with Josh? No relationship. Guy doesn’t want to help UFC, just wants insane money. Not interested. Period.

Interviewer: What about Japanese fighters?

Dana: KID Yamamoto, Sakurai, Gomi—it’s obvious they’re coming to us.

Interviewer: Wait, seriously?

Dana: You’ll see soon enough (smirks).

Interviewer: All the guys you named are lighter weights. Any interest in heavier Japanese fighters?

Dana: Not at all. I like Yoshida. We want well-rounded guys. Most are one-dimensional—ground only, stand-up only. We pass. But Yoshida’s different. Tough as nails. He’ll climb back up.

Interviewer: Any K-1 fighters catch your eye?

Dana: Sorry, besides KID, I look at K-1 and HERO’S—kickboxing side, MMA side—and there’s nobody I want (laughs).

Interviewer: Not even Semmy Schilt? He fought in UFC once, now he’s K-1 world champ.

Dana: Guy washed out of UFC years ago and now he’s world champ? Shocking (laughs). Maybe he sucks at MMA but kills in kickboxing. Let him stay there.

Interviewer: So what’s next for UFC? This is the hottest time for MMA fans.

Dana: Next two years? Non-stop bangers. Not just big events—*every* card is stacked.

Interviewer: With this momentum, any plans to go huge—tens of thousands in the crowd?

Dana: Wanderlei vs. Chuck Liddell.
Fedor vs. Randy Couture.
Couture vs. Gabriel Gonzaga winner.
Shogun vs. Dan Henderson vs. Rampage Jackson winner.
Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra.
Urijah Faber vs. KID Yamamoto.
Sean Sherk vs. BJ Penn.
That’s just the start. All happening within a year. I promise.

Interviewer: Damn, those are monster fights.

Dana: I give fans the fights they want. That’s what makes MMA fun. Not like boxing. Here, dream matches *happen*.

Interviewer: You don’t want to end up like K-1’s joke show in the U.S. (Dynamite! USA)? Giving away tickets left and right?

Dana: Hell no. I’m not throwing money in the trash. We don’t hand out 50,000 freebies. We get 20,000 *paying* fans. That’s UFC.

Interviewer: London in September (UFC 75) already sold out?

Dana: Yup—20,000 tickets gone. This sport’s exploding, but 20,000 is the sweet spot. Tonight (UFC 73): 12,000. MGM Vegas: 15,000. Mandalay Bay: 14,000. A lot of promotions think they can copy us. Good luck selling 20,000 tickets a month *and* hundreds of thousands of PPVs. FEG came to L.A. thinking Brock Lesnar would move tickets. Crickets. Now if *I* had Brock… different story (smirks).

Interviewer: Speaking of which—whatever happened to that “UFC vs. PRIDE Super Bowl of MMA” idea? (laughs)

Dana: I’m asking *you*! I haven’t given up. Tell Japanese fans: if you want UFC or PRIDE in Japan, *flood the networks with letters*. Then magazines won’t keep asking me the same damn question. PRIDE FC Worldwide is a clean slate—brand new, spotless, *and* it’s got the PRIDE name. No reason not to sign. Fans—write those letters. That’s it.

#UFC #PRIDEFC #MMA #DANAWHITE #JAPAN
[Recorded July 7, 2007 / ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California]
archive.org/details/kamipro-113/page/15/mode/1up

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 31

Matlock's Fight Talk

To begin with, his boxing skill was good enough to be an Olympic candidate (his coach was Al Stankie, who trained WBC welterweight world champion Oscar De La Hoya), and his punching power was intense enough to break the fighting spirit of Tank, who outweighed him by over 50 kg. Even just as a boxer, that’s pretty outstanding, actually.

On top of that, he has ground technique capable of tapping out Yamaken, a grappling specialist. When you put it like that, he’s absolutely, unquestionably strong.
Come to think of it, when he was 17, he also overwhelmed Pancrase’s Manabu Yamada in sparring at Hewson Gracie’s dojo in Hawaii. He can grapple quite well, and he’s a hard-punching boxer—Victor Belfort. This guy is strong. Definitely strong. He should be strong… hmmm. But is this really okay?

Because his opponent is Kazushi Sakuraba. The man who put Alan Goes—Victor’s senior and one of the best grapplers in jiu-jitsu—completely on the defensive. By the time readers pick up this issue, the result might already be out, but this fight will reveal at least a glimpse of the depth of Victor’s strength.

This is a major event that concerns the honor of the Gracie name. Against the man who dominated his senior—Sakuraba—show us your true power! Whether Sakuraba wins or Victor does, after the fight, a real “super nova” will undoubtedly be born in the mat world.

By the way, if Sakuraba wins, how will Kakutogi Tsūshin treat him? You can enjoy even that kind of malicious speculation—this is that kind of fight.

In UFC J, you could say he won easily against an opponent he could take lightly (sorry, Joe!). But against Sakuraba, Victor will have to bring out every technique he has. If, following Goes, it ends in a draw or a loss, it would be a disaster for jiu-jitsu—

Victor has such outstanding talent that his teacher Carlson wanted to adopt him. Plus, he’s young—only 20 now. He’s already plenty strong, but his potential to get even stronger is insane. We’ve already seen more than enough of his striking power. It’s about time he showed us more of that black-belt jiu-jitsu side. That’s what the fans want to see, I think.

But maybe that’s just needless worry. On April 20 at PRIDE 5, his opponent is none other than that Sakuraba.

#MMA #PRIDEFC #UFC #NHB #VALETUDO #BJJ #GRACIE

1 month ago | [YT] | 169