Even if EliteXC and Strikeforce are looking for some space in the north american MMA market, the UFC, at least for now, reigns supreme as the #1 MMA organization in the world.
But ever since Pride FC went out of business, the japanese market, once a blooming market for MMA, is now a big question mark; better yet: it has a huge void.
Zuffa (UFC) hasn't been able to delve into that market, it hasn't been able to land a tv deal.
Enter DREAM. On last new year's eve, DSE (Pride FC) executives decided to make a farewell show for Pride FC in Japan. They brought the presentation, the announcers, and they even got Fedor to fight again. It was billed as a one-shot thing.
But japanese fans responded. And so, those former Pride FC executives teamed up with the only organization capable of delivering value in the way MMA in Japan needs: K-1. The HEROS (yes, it's spelled that way) K-1 series was cancelled, and K-1 (along with the Pride FC executives) created a new MMA organization, called DREAM. It is indeed a Dream for any MMA fan.
With the Bushido rules, DREAM already has fighters such as Joachim Hansen, Kazushi Sakuraba, Dida, Cro Cop (oh, how the mighty have fallen; 1-2 in his UFC stint), among many others. They may even land Fedor.
I really do believe this is the solution we've been waiting for, as having two big organizations (UFC and DREAM, if so) is only going to generate competition, enhance revenues and improve the sport. I am looking forward to see DREAM develop into what Pride FC was.
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