Pride 33 Post Event News and Notes
Posted by Caleb Newby on 02.25.2007
The latest news straight from Las Vegas, including Gomi's status for the Lightweight Grand Prix, Ed Fishman discussing a network TV deal for Pride, post fight press conference pictures and statements from the fighters!
Some quick news and notes from the pre and post fight press conferences.
Bullet point news:
- Ed Fishman, President of Pride USA, stated he was close to being able to announce a TV deal with Pride and a network station (presumably FOX). When questioned about the relationship with FOX Sports, Fishman clarified that he hoped to continue the FOX Sports deal while also moving onto network television. But no matter how negotiations go, they won't take 10 years to arrange a television deal.
- Atlantic City has offered to host a PPV event.
- Attendance was reported to have increased from Pride's October event in Las Vegas. Pride officials were heavily promoting the difference in the experience between attending a UFC vs. PRIDE event.
- During the post fight press conference, Shogun was clear that the middleweight championship will come back to Chute, either to himself or Silva. When questioned further about his own title aspirations, Shogun stated that if Henderson wouldn't fight Silva in a rematch for it, he would capture the belt.
- Misaki asked for a rematch against Trigg, saying that the Las Vegas heat was a difficult initiation, thought the blame for the loss rested himself and it was "100 percent my fault."
- Pride was unable to officially confirm April 28th as their United States return.
- In an emotional scene, Sakakibara was asked about Pride's status, namely if it were for sale. Overcome with emotion Sakakibara asked the reporter who asked the question (Sherdog's Josh Gross), ‘Do you have kids? No? I have two. One kid is Pride.'
- Additionally Sakakibara made it known that he'd like to see Diaz and Gomi rematch for the lightweight title.
- The Lightweight Grand Prix is scheduled to begin May 20. There is no decision about Gomi's inclusion, though it is possible he could move directly to the second round and bypass the first.
- There was also an unnofficial report that Nick Diaz broke a bone near his eye in his fight with Gomi, but no more details were available.
Additionally we were allowed access at the day after press conference with Silva, Shogun, Sokoudjou, Sakakibara, and Henderson. The translation and audio was difficult to hear at times so apologies if the notes below reflect that as well.
Wanderlei Silva Press Conference
Silva entered the room looking somewhat shell shocked and dejected. Silva said he has been the champion for five years and didn't expect to lose this way. While he doesn't want to make excuses, he checked into the hospital the day before the fight with a fever (there is talk he had strep throat). Silva stated he'd like a rematch with Henderson, preferably in his next match, maybe a non-title match, then if he were to win, a championship match.
Silva went on that he does not know when he will fight next, but wants it to be a worthy opponent. He said he's been unlucky the past couple of months and re-emphasized how he wants a victory against a worthy opponent. Losing the belt is a "difficult feeling, a feeling I've never felt before" and is very disappointed it turned out this way.
During continued question and answers with the largely Japanese media and small handful of American press representatives, Silva repeated how he wants revenge and to be the champion once again. His Chute Boxe teammates have been 100% supportive to him and behind him. He doesn't mind the Nevada rules but acknowledged the Japanese rules make it easier to win.
Mauricio Rua Press Conference
Shogun started off saying how pleased he was with his performance last night. Immediately questioned about his next opponent, Rua said he wants Dan Henderson. Said he can always improve his game and he still needs work in all areas, particularly mentioning jiu jitsu and wrestling. He is sad that Silva lost unexpectedly but knows he'll be back to win the belt.
When questioned about the Nevada rules Shogun flatly stated his frustration with the differences with Pride's Japanese rule set but went on to say that he's a Pride fighter and will just need to learn new techniques.
Sokoudjou and Sakakibara joint Press Conference
Both men were together for the conference.
Sakakibara – He is currently discussing with Sokoudjou to have him fight in Japan, on April 8. Asked how he defines the success of Pride in America, stated there are cultural differences that must be overcome and his main concern is how American fans perceive Pride. He wants to do more promotion in the United States and have Pride here to stay. Pride is looking to recruit talent from around the world and put on shows worldwide as well. An entertaining exchange took place between Sokoudjou and Sakakibara where Sokoudjou grabbed the microphone and said to expect Pride 35 to be entitled Pride 35: Africa. Sakakibara asked Sokoudjou if he'd be willing to fight a zebra in an African event, to which the African born fighter seemed more than willing to participate in. "The African Assassin" showed a lot of charisma and likeability that is bound to help his career in Pride.
Sokoudjou – Thanks Pride for the opportunity to fight and said last night was the best night in his life. He's been practicing Judo since 1989 in Africa. Said he will fight whoever Pride puts in front of him, his job is to fight. Everyone except Dan Henderson.
Dan Henderson Press Conference
Dan entered the conference wearing a splint on his right hand. He felt great during the fight and had great conditioning. He's just been beside himself and ecstatic since he won.
He broke his fist in the 1st round, he could feel it between the rounds but once the second round started he didn't notice it again and never felt pain. This is the first time he's ever broken a hand, previously has had only strains or bruises.
Said during the fight he was living in the moment, enjoying it and was ready and prepared for the fight. Once the fight began he could tell Silva wasn't comfortable on his feet with him. Each time Silva hit him and it didn't hurt it made him more confidant and enjoy the moment more.
For his future, he hasn't considered what to do next. He's not a big supporter of immediate rematches but knows Silva will get a rematch sooner than he got his with Silva. All he knows is that he just made himself a busy man in 2007. First thing he needs to do is get the status of his hand then see which belt Pride wants him to defend first, or if they want him to go get the heavyweight belt, but he feels fine with the crosshair on his forehead.
When asked to elaborate on his comments of fighting at heavyweight, Henderson laughed and said he's thought of it but will let his teammate Matt Lindland test the waters first.
