Pride Fighting Championships was home to many of the best fighters in the world during the decade they dominated the MMA landscape. It died a horrible and complicated death, victim of the Yakuza, the Japanese economy, and an inability to create homegrown stars. Now Pride is back, and on Spike TV. The first show in series hosted by model Kena Perez will feature some of Pride’s most famous UFC imports. Heavy.com has obtained the list of fights for the debut tonight and it’s a who’s who of Pride’s best.
Wanderlei Silva vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson”
Chuck Liddell vs. Alistair Overeem
Takanori Gomi vs. Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett
Anderson Silva vs. Carlos Newton
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Kevin Randleman
The official list of potential superstars on the show includes Dan Henderson, the Nogueiras, and a host of others. conspicous by his absence was Pride star and current Strikeforce standout Fedor Emelianenko. When asked about potential Fedor fights a spokesman said “In regards to Fedor, I’m told you never know who might show up.”
“The Best of Pride Fighting Championships” premieres tonight, Friday, January 15 at 10:00 PM ET/PT.