Pride vs. UFC Examined

Underground
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This thread deals only with the debate of which organization had better fighters, not which organization is better. If you don't think ranking fighters is important then leave.

The reason why the Pride vs. UFC debate was and still is valid is because it was the basis by which we rightfully determined who deserved the #1 spot at 205 and HW in the past based on how things have worked out today. Bushido is not meant to be discussed here. Rather than casting blanket statements about groups of fighters we will look at the fighters at the time that people were arguing about.

205 Weightclass UFC

2000: Tito def. Wand by decision. This fight becomes the cornerstone for the UFC #1 debate at 205.
2003: Randy def. Tito for interim and then Liddell for undisputed title.
2005-6: Liddell def. Randy Twice

205 Weightclass Pride

2000-6: Wand was champion this entire time.

So let's take a look at the specific claims from the UFC #1 side and see which are debate-able today:

Tito better than Wand - This is now laughable. 90% would agree Wand takes this today.

Randy better than Wand - This is debate-able and unfortunately will never be settled.

Liddell better than Wand - This will be settled very soon.

205 Synopsis: Aside from the fact that Rampage has dethroned Liddell claiming the UFC title for Pride fighters (those who debate this fact are being dishonest) the Pride vs. UFC debate at 205 is largely riding on Silva vs. Liddell. This is a very important fight for MMA fanatics as it could either A. definitively prove Pride had better 205's or B. Show that the Liddell defs. Wand crowd was right although it wouldn't change the fact that Rampage now has the 205 title.

Heavyweights UFC

2002: Rodriguez

2003: Sylvia

2004: Mir

2005: Arlovski

2006: Sylvia

Heavyweights Pride

2001: Nog

2003: Fedor

HW Synopsis: There simply have not been enough fights yet to draw any conclusions. We'll probably never get to see Fedor fight the top UFC guys from that time, but Nog has the opportunity to at least debunk any Arlovski defs. Nog or Sylvia defs. Nog claims.

In conclusion, Pride seems to be winning the "who deserved the #1 205" question for now but Liddell could still change that. HW is a mess and if Nog destroys everyone then it'll be clear Pride deserved the #1 spot at HW but if he doesn't then we'll probably never know since Fedor is the harder test.

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lol mmath

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Yes... you pick and choose a FEW fights that support your opinion and then selectively forget about other relevant fights. You downplay details that might work against your argument (failing at it, I might add). The Troll is strong within you.

According to you:

205: If Wand wins then Pride is better. If Liddell wins then it doesn't count because RAAAAAMPAGE.

Heavyweight: If Nog wins then Pride is better. If Nog loses then it doesn't count because FEEEEEDOR.

Bias fool. Just let the Pride vs. UFC shtick go. Other trolls do it better.

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I love you.

 

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Until very recently Prideboys said SHOGUN was #1, and Wand was past his prime. Now that didn't work out, so it isn't worth mentioning eh?

90% would pick Wand over Tito, when Tito has already beaten him? I think the fight would have a very good chance of ending up just like the first one, except MUCH more boring. Tito was more aggresive and took more chances back then. He even dropped Silva with a big punch. These days I think Tito would be more inclined to just sit on him for 3 rounds and frustrate the shit out of Wand and us.

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To say ufc vs pride is a done deal, i enjoyed watching pride more but time to move on and enjoy the new mma shows coming out

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From several years ago there are still many Pride fighters in contention in 205 and HW for #1, the only UFC fighter is Randy and much like Fedor he's now out of the picture. Who are your UFC golden boys now to support your claim that UFC held a candle to Pride back in 2000 to 2006?

Nobody.