Spike TV debuts "Best of PRIDE" series on Jan. 15, Kenda Perez hosts

A new series that features some of the top matchups from the now-defunct PRIDE Fighting Championships organization debuts Jan. 15 on Spike TV.

"Best of PRIDE," which features the video library the UFC's parent company acquired after its purchase of the organization in 2007, airs each Friday at 10 p.m. ET/PT with replays throughout the week.

Maxim model Kenda Perez hosts the program.

UFC president Dana White first discussed the highlights show in August, as MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) detailed after his pre-UFC 102 Q&A session with fans. White said the series will use a familiar format.

"It'll kind of be like 'UFC Unleashed,'" said White, referring to Spike TV's UFC-themed highlights show. "All the great PRIDE fights that happened with all the stars who are UFC guys now will be on it."

However, non-UFC fighters, including Fedor Emelianenko, are also expected to be featured.

The UFC planned to operate PRIDE Fighting Championships as a separate entity after the purchase (similar to how the UFC and WEC operate independently now under the Zuffa LLC banner) but with the promise of "mega-fights" between each organization's stars. Fans were promised Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva, Rich Franklin vs. Dan Henderson, and Forrest Griffin vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. However, those fights only happened after PRIDE was shut down and most of the organization's fighters were folded into the UFC.

White has long blamed the organization's previous owners for duping the UFC about PRIDE's financial stability, TV relationships and overall health of the organization. Zuffa LLC never operated a show under the PRIDE banner, and the matter will soon head to court.

However, the UFC hasn't let the brand name die completely. PRIDE merchandise, including clothing and DVDs, is now available through the UFC, and the UFC has hosted PRIDE-themed autograph sessions at various times throughout the year.

The Japanese-based PRIDE organization was once one of the world's biggest MMA promotions after its launch in 1997. Among its 68 total events, two drew more than 67,000 spectators each.

Long over due.

Ninja\Rua/Fan wrote:

Long over due.

Hell yeah, I can't wait to watch it. Especially if they are going to show fighters that aren't in the UFC now.

Primetyme199 wrote:

Ninja\Rua/Fan wrote:

Long over due.

Hell yeah, I can't wait to watch it. Especially if they are going to show fighters that aren't in the UFC now.

That's the thing. Hopefully they don't just focus on Shogun, Rampage, the Nogs, and Cro Cop. They better not edit Hendo, Fedor, and Barnett out.

i cant see zuffa promting fedor or hendo on spike

oggy420 wrote:

i cant see zuffa promting fedor or hendo on spike

Me either despite what the article says. And they can't even show any fights where Fedor loses.

Ninja\Rua/Fan wrote:

oggy420 wrote:

i cant see zuffa promting fedor or hendo on spike

Me either despite what the article says. And they can't even show any fights where Fedor loses.

They can show Fujita dropping him in a highlight reel

Farmer1906 wrote:

Ninja\Rua/Fan wrote:

oggy420 wrote:

i cant see zuffa promting fedor or hendo on spike

Me either despite what the article says. And they can't even show any fights where Fedor loses.

They can show Fujita dropping him in a highlight reel

Fedor never got dropped. He just did his famous chicken dance.

Yeah No way they show Fedor it just wouldnt make sense to promote the guy.

all the kimbo and brock fans will be like "who's this pudgy dude beating the shit out of all the top ufc hw's, and why isn't he in the ufc?" lol.