What role did Pride footage play in the acquisition?

jkilla374 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 02:22 PM

I think the main reason UFC purchased Pride and its assets was to get the old footage. I know there will be "superbowls" of mma and such, but think of how much more into Cro Cop, Jackson, Werdum, etc. all the casual UFC fans will be now that they get to see all those old highlights.

The Countdown to Jackson-Liddell will feature footage of Chuck getting the life beat out of him by Jackson. Casual UFC fans have seen nothing but Chuck dominate everyone except for the one loss to Couture, which he avenged twice. (I know he lost to Horn back in the day, but most casual UFC fans didn't know that). Seeing is believing folks. The casual fan is not going to believe what Rampage did to Chuck back then. This PPV will do huge buys based upon the fact that now the casual fan can watch the old event, not just hear people talk about it. Spike TV will probably show Rampage-Jackson I to get people hyped.

Also look at Cro Cop. The casual fan only heard about those awesome high kicks, and only saw brief footage of Cro Cop kicking at Silva and Silva blocking it. The casual fan will be all about Cro Cop now.

So, what role do you think the Pride library played in teh purchase? I"m saying it is the biggest reason for the purchase, seconded by "superbowl" fights.

Soul_Edge · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 02:26 PM

I know the footage is a big deal, but I think the acquisition of Fedor, Shogun, Wandy, Hendo, and Gomi is far and above the biggest reason. I don't think you can doubt that.

Secondly, what happens to Pride's FSN deal in the US? Is that relationship over?

Supe · #3 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 02:28 PM

I think use of old footage is a minute footnote in their reasons for purchasing. I think dominating the entire sport in respect to talent and coverage was the real motivator.

jkilla374 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 02:50 PM

The question is what fighters still had contracts with Pride? I believe it was reported that Fedor signed one fight deals only. I know Werdum reported that he only had a contract with his agent, who simply went to UFC when Pride wouldn't pay up.

Who knows what fighters are technically under contract? What about the so-called "service-contracts" where some fighters are considered independent contractors?

I'm not sure that the New Pride contains all the fighters the old Pride had fighting for them, so I think the footage is a huge deal, b/c it can be used to sell DVDs and set up current UFC fights, and to put it on SPike TV or whatever.