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[NinjaShogunRua]

Originally Posted by Matt Boone

The Hunt thing is supposedly visa issues, which rumor has it UFC is behind.

And the reason they didn't put on something like CroCop vs. Silva (bad example by the way, since it just happened) but I assume you mean two of their top guys. None of PRIDE's top guys are established in this market yet and PRIDE isn't in the greatest financial shape at the moment. It would be bad business to book a mega-fight main event for this card like a Fedor vs. CroCop because it still wouldn't be a major local draw, not insanely more so than the card they went with at all, and it would cost them a ton more. The card has the name value of PRIDE on it and it being the first U.S. show there's some novelty there, mixed in with some fun style match-ups like Baroni-Nishijima, Lawler-Villasenor, Shogun-Randleman, Hunt-Butterbean (if it happens), etc. It's got Fedor on there against the best American named Heavyweight they got (although Fedor-Barnett would have been better, but that's a lot to ask a guy who just finished a single night of competition in PRIDE at their last show against Vanderlei Silva and Mirko CroCop in the same night) at the moment.

I understand what PRIDE is doing. This is a promo to feature some of their best fighters. The thing is, the average american fan doesn't give a shit, and the ones that do want to see some real PRIDE like match ups. Not lopsided beatdowns. I just expected more, for this being their 1st USA event.

But honestly, what match-ups jump out at you here? Belfort/Henderson and Villasenor/Lawler are the only 2 matches that are both competitive and have 2 guys I want to see. Shogun/Randleman should be a one sided mauling, Fedor/Coleman II will probably be a repeat of their 1st fight. Baroni/Nishijima mght be entertaining, but do Americans really care to see this?

I just think PRIDE is missing out on the opportunity to show what their organization is really all about, and most of the time it's GREAT MATCH UPS. I see horrible match making here and not many great match ups at all. I'll still continue to support the organization and order all of the PPVs. I just feel let down by this card.

[Matt Boone]

I don't agree on Shogun-Randleman, you never know what Randleman is going to show up. If you consider Henderson-Belfort competitive, then Randleman and Shogun is too. Even when he's not on, Randleman is a top fighter. They have the storyline from the Coleman fight to play off and Randleman is American. Makes sense and it's a good fight.

And I bet if you sat in a room full of "casual Americans" the fight they go the most nuts for, and the personality that garners the most reaction - positive or negative, will be Baroni and his fight with Nishijima.

I agree PRIDE didn't come completely correct on this trip to the U.S., but all things considered - especially their current financial state and a lot of the Visa problems supposedly going on with this event, I think the card is solid. Nothing amazingly special, which you're used to getting from PRIDE, but a good card that has something for everyone.

[NinjaShogunRua]

Originally Posted by Matt Boone

I don't agree on Shogun-Randleman, you never know what Randleman is going to show up. If you consider Henderson-Belfort competitive, then Randleman and Shogun is too. Even when he's not on, Randleman is a top fighter. They have the storyline from the Coleman fight to play off and Randleman is American. Makes sense and it's a good fight.

And I bet if you sat in a room full of "casual Americans" the fight they go the most nuts for, and the personality that garners the most reaction - positive or negative, will be Baroni and his fight with Nishijima.

I agree PRIDE didn't come completely correct on this trip to the U.S., but all things considered - especially their current financial state and a lot of the Visa problems supposedly going on with this event, I think the card is solid. Nothing amazingly special, which you're used to getting from PRIDE, but a good card that has something for everyone.

I'm sure the same Randleman will show up that has lost 6 of his last 8 fights, the one that hasn't fought in over a year.

The only reason I think Belfort and Henderson MIGHT be competitive is because Hendo is moving up to 205 for the 1st time in over a year and he hasn't look too good in his last 2 fights vs Misaki. Henderson should still win via decision. IMO

It's a decent card, but like I said, I expected more for their 1st event in the US. This card reminds me of the PRIDE 31 card. Some big names, with a bunch of mismatches. But, like I said, I'll be there supporting PRIDE.

[crh25]

The card to me is fine the complaint I have about the whole thing is them not being able to stomp, kick or knee on the ground like they usually do. Also no elbows either? That IMO is gonna hurt a lot of fans watching thinking it's always like that and it's boring. One of my friends who is a Pride fan said they wasnt watching cause it'd be like a boxing match with takedowns. Hears hoping he's wrong.