Thread Split: Pride/ UFC buyout

[Apotheosis]

The current rumors have the Fertita brothers buying Pride...They also reportedyl have Shogun signing a 4 fight contract, 2 fights with Pride and 2 with the UFC...

Wandy was also apparently offered the same but declined because he wants a share of the PPV money like Tito and Chuck get.

It sounds like the Fertita brothers bought Pride, and will have Dana run the UFC while Sak runs Pride...

That way the Fertita brothers can force Pride to "share" fighters, while still encouraging competition and hopefully improving Pride's U.S marketing(Prides current U.S team just plain sucks).

Sounds like some very exciting times for MMA.

[Oversoul]

The current rumors have the Fertita brothers buying Pride...They also reportedyl have Shogun signing a 4 fight contract, 2 fights with Pride and 2 with the UFC...

Wandy was also apparently offered the same but declined because he wants a share of the PPV money like Tito and Chuck get.

It sounds like the Fertita brothers bought Pride, and will have Dana run the UFC while Sak runs Pride...

That way the Fertita brothers can force Pride to "share" fighters, while still encouraging competition and hopefully improving Pride's U.S marketing(Prides current U.S team just plain sucks).

Sounds like some very exciting times for MMA.

Sounds like a monopoly if it's true. That could be bad.

[Sever]

Sounds like a monopoly if it's true. That could be bad.There's no could about it. There would be some nice fights out of it, but all in all it'd most likely be a complete trainwreck

[Oversoul]

Just a year ago I remember Pride fans regularly dissing UFC fans for not recognizing Pride's hold on top tier fighters or the fact that Pride was the #1 MMA venue. Now look! Pride is hangin on the ropes. Silva's lost twice and his belt, Fedor's fighting for other venue's like Bodog, Sakuraba is signed with K-1, Rampage left for the WFA and is now fighting for the UFC (Pride's archenemy).

Fedor has ONE fight scheduled in Bodog. Sakuraba is washed up anyway (it's too bad, but I think at this point it's undeniable). Silva lost his belt to Dan Henderson, who's still in PRIDE. I don't see that as PRIDE being "on the ropes." The UFC has gotten better, but that doesn't mean PRIDE got worse.

[Apotheosis]

Fedor has ONE fight scheduled in Bodog. Sakuraba is washed up anyway (it's too bad, but I think at this point it's undeniable). Silva lost his belt to Dan Henderson, who's still in PRIDE. I don't see that as PRIDE being "on the ropes." The UFC has gotten better, but that doesn't mean PRIDE got worse.

Pride's events are still great, but their business is horrible especially in the U.S

[Oversoul]

The UFC's business was pretty bad a decade ago, and they're still around.

[wazzabi]

let's hope if this deal happens that the UFC doesn't absort PRIDE, and turn the ring into the octagon. at least keep the PRIDE rules, ring entrances, introduction movies & big bang intro, they're really entertaining :D . the UFC can learn alot from PRIDE. i really think they can use some of the entertainment techniques the Japanese have perfected. whenever they play a fighter's intro video or ring entrance in a UFC event, i fall asleep. but during PRIDE, it's hyped up so much, it makes we wet my pants wanting to see the fight. with all of the videos choreographed to perfection. i wonder why Dana White doesn't employ this strategy. is it because it costs more money? :confused:

[Apotheosis]

The UFC's business was pretty bad a decade ago, and they're still around.

They were always making a profit(if I remember correctly) even though it was very small, once the Fertita brothers bought it they actually went $40 million into the whole but they could afford it.

Pride was/is losing money and I do not think their owners can afford to be $40 million in the whole...

Not to mention they cannot afford to compete with the UFC for fighter salaries...

let's hope if this deal happens that the UFC doesn't absort PRIDE, and turn the ring into the octagon. at least keep the PRIDE rules, ring entrances, introduction movies & big bang intro, they're really entertaining :D . the UFC can learn alot from PRIDE. i really think they can use some of the entertainment techniques the Japanese have perfected. whenever they play a fighter's intro video or ring entrance in a UFC event, i fall asleep. but during PRIDE, it's hyped up so much, it makes we wet my pants wanting to see the fight. with all of the videos choreographed to perfection. i wonder why Dana White doesn't employ this strategy. is it because it costs more money? :confused:

I don't think they will, they seem to believe that it is better to kepe their companies separate...(UFC and WEC). I believe Pride still makes money in Japan/Korea/China so perhaps they will just keep Pride overseas and have the UFC dominate the U.S?

Dana doesn't do the same kind of production because it costs a lot of money and it really isn't needed here in the U.S.

They still sell out big stadiums and I imagine as time goes on they will perfect their entrances as well as other things....

[Apotheosis]

Nobuyuki Sakakibara yesterday told several members of the U.S. Pride staff that the company is in the proces of being sold to Lorenzo & Frank Fertitta. He said the agreement in principal is done but there are still some minor points to be worked out and the contract is not signed. Sakakibara said he would be leaving the company but that everyone would be keeping their jobs. The company would be operated separately from UFC, but obviously UFC could use any Pride fighter for a big match that it needed.

Source (http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=19013)

Seems like the only thing left is an official announcement, not sure if I should cheer because we may see Fedor vs Mirko, Wandy vs Chuck, Shogun vs Chuck etc... or if I should be very nervous because we(the fans) may soon be regretting the Fertita brothers getting an MMA monopoly.

[wazzabi]

i'd like to be optimistic and say that a monopoly wouldn't water down the level of competition. at least now we can finally see the dream matchups we've been waiting for. but then again, it could potentially eliminate some very good fighters from the top MMA scene if they piss off Dana White, which is troublesome. Josh Barnette and Mark Coleman both had huge success after leaving UFC for PRIDE (after being busted hot for roids :D ), but now that they're both 1 organization, fighters like that will have nowhere to run but K-1 Hero's.

[Stevebjj]

I think that the industry will be self correcting. If Pride goes away, and Dana White alienates enough people, there are at least a couple of respectable promotions waiting to garner their share of the market. Bodogfights is run by a guy with craploads of money and a desire to see good fights, and has a free tv deal (not a great one, but still). The IFL is unique, has some of the best names in the business as coaches and shareholders and is on the cusp of finding a large viewership on free TV. King of the Cage continues to hold good cards, as a loyal following on PPV and gets some big names on their card. The UFC is the top dog now, but things can change fast.

I have no problem with a tiered system. It works in the MLB, and in almost every other major sport. There's one league that's elite, and then several other "farm" leagues full of up and comers, and aging gatekeepers.

In other words, I'm hoping for the best. :D

[Apotheosis]

The latest (http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=7055)

Latest report is Shogun signed a 4 fight contract with Pride, that will be part of the purchasing deal so he will have 2 with the UFC and 2 with Pride...Shogun's two fights in Pride will be this year, with one being the New Years event.

Estimate is he will be making about a million total(so I guess 250k per fight?), reportedly double his previous per fight salary. Wandy was offered a deal that would amount to a 30% pay cut so he declined(he also wanted PPV revenue and Zuffa refused).

Apparently Arona also signed a 4 fight deal similar to Shogun....

Also rumor has it that stomps, soccer kicks, and knees on the ground will be taken away so as to have a unified set of rules(totally blows).

[Sever]

Also rumor has it that stomps, soccer kicks, and knees on the ground will be taken away so as to have a unified set of rules(totally blows).And so the complete and utter balls-up begins :cry: :bang:
I'm already getting flashbacks to when WWE bought WCW and ECW and the deal's not even official yet

[wazzabi]

if that rumour is true, then i might start boycotting PRIDE, since watching its fights would be no better than that of the UFC. kicks to a downed opponent is what made PRIDE what it is.

[Sever]

There will be a lot of people that go that way
If Pride falls under American ownership, it's probably going to face a big struggle with its fanbase in Japan and Korea as it is; they start diluting the rules, that'll probably take a big chunk of their most lucrative market with it

[Linguo]

There will be a lot of people that go that way
If Pride falls under American ownership, it's going to face a big struggle with its fanbase in Japan and Korea as it is; they start diluting the rules, that'll probably take a big chunk of their most lucrative market with it

Although I prefer the Pride ruleset, I do like the idea of a unified rules. I'm reserving my judgment of a Ferttita-owned Pride until I see how it plays out. While I dont approve of Dana White's antics, Zuffa has done a fantastic job marketing the UFC to the American public. They've proven to be pretty shrewd businessmen. Pride was barely making any headway in the US, but could potentially explode stateside with things like cross-promotion fights. This may be a good thing for Pride.

[Oversoul]

I REALLY hope they keep the PRIDE rules.

[Stevebjj]

I REALLY hope they keep the PRIDE rules.They can't keep the pride rules and hold sanctioned events in the USA. Can they? Weren't the PRIDE events in Vegas under what's rapidly becoming the standard ruleset?

[Apotheosis]

They can't keep the pride rules and hold sanctioned events in the USA. Can they? Weren't the PRIDE events in Vegas under what's rapidly becoming the standard ruleset?

As of now, however they could probably get knees allowed if they put a lot of effort into it...or at least keep them in Japan, China, South Korea etc...

Latest rumor has Fedor signing a long term deal with Bodog....As well has having Sakikibara putting in some fine print on his fighters contracts that stipulate the contracts are void unless they fight under the Pride name in the ring...

No idea how true any of this is, but if so I hope Fedor is making a ton of cash because he would have in the UFC and I am really disappointed I won't be seeing a Mirko-Fedor rematch.....It would also mean Sak. pulled off a great move, forcing the UFC to keep Pride "alive" and not cherry pick it like they did with the WFA or agree to spend 71 million to in essence buy the name and 2 fighters- Shogun and Arona

Fedor Rumor (http://www.fightopinion.com/)

[Oversoul]

As of now, however they could probably get knees allowed if they put a lot of effort into it...or at least keep them in Japan, China, South Korea etc...

That's the important thing. Well, I like the PRIDE rules better in general and would hate very much to see them go. But the knees are a big one. When a fighter gets north/south in the UFC, nearly all he can do is scramble for side control. I've seen it happen several times. And with the sprawl, it might be even worse...

I also really like the ten-minute round.

[Sever]

The latest on this is that White's not committing to anything on the record. Probably smart, considering the UFC's record of dealing with the Japanese ;)
Source (http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=7068)

**This thread has been split from the "MMA Rumours" thread. Please continue any UFC/ Pride buyout discussion here**

[wazzabi]

i wonder if we'll be seeing top UFC fighters going for PRIDE GP tourneys. i'd love to see GSP in the lightweight GP. i think he will dominate. since PRIDE & UFC are together now, this also means we might be seeing a Sakurai-Hughes rematch. am i the only one that thinks Sakurai can beat Hughes now that he's improved?

[Oversoul]

i wonder if we'll be seeing top UFC fighters going for PRIDE GP tourneys. i'd love to see GSP in the lightweight GP. i think he will dominate. since PRIDE & UFC are together now, this also means we might be seeing a Sakurai-Hughes rematch. am i the only one that thinks Sakurai can beat Hughes now that he's improved?

You think GSP will cut that much more weight? He seems pretty comfortable at 170...

[pauli]

gsp walks at 185, and he's not exactly carrying much padding. 160 would be a hell of a cut.

i am somewhat hoping that pride will focus on tournaments, and ufc fighters will be well represented in them.

[Apotheosis]

i wonder if we'll be seeing top UFC fighters going for PRIDE GP tourneys. i'd love to see GSP in the lightweight GP. i think he will dominate. since PRIDE & UFC are together now, this also means we might be seeing a Sakurai-Hughes rematch. am i the only one that thinks Sakurai can beat Hughes now that he's improved?

I have my doubts as to whether we will see UFC stars go to Pride, UFC seems to be the "favorite" child so any "dream fights" and all the stars will likely be kept in the UFC.

[Oversoul]

I'm confused: http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=7068

[Apotheosis]

What I gathered from that interview was that there was a tentative deal but that Dana would not make the same mistake twice after he was embarrassed with the whole Wandy-Chuck deal...

He won't make an announcement until he KNOWS for sure that it is a done deal.

[Sever]

According to MMAWeekly, word is circulating in Japanese newspapers that the deal's done

Source (http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=3669&zoneid=2)

I'm slightly encouraged by the idea that Zuffa won't be fully running it, just owning it and getting another company to run it - hopefully that'll mean they won't be changing much about how the shows themselves go down (ie not changing the rules or screwing with the cards). There's also the glorious fact that Jerry Millen is probably job hunting now

[Apotheosis]

Source- Meltzer (http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=19052)


"
--The press conferences for both the Pride sale and the EXC/K-1 tie-ups both take place over the next 24 hours. Anyway, here is what is believed will be announced tomorrow according to people in Japan. They will not say UFC bought Pride but that a new company has been formed, and that Nobuyuki Sakakibara will step down. The new president, expected to be a figurehead guy whose name has not come out, largely for the Japanese public, is expected to come from Tokai TV, which is the Nagoya/Shizuoka local Fuji Network affiliate. This would be the equivalent of maybe the CBS affiliate in Chicago or San Francisco, as opposed to the network itself having any involvement in the deal. Obviously the goal is to get back on the network itself and restore Pride to near what it once was. Sakakibara came from that station, which has done some local Pride preview shows in the past as well as aired Hustle TV shows. Sakakibara said it is good news and that's why the public is invited. It will be presented as if this merger/new corporation will make for a stronger company. There will be UFC involvement in the press conference as Dana White has left the U.S. and is either on his way or has landed in Japan. In addition, UFC is calling a simultaneous press conference tomorrow morning to answer all questions. Nikkan Sports in Japan reported yesterday that Pride has been sold to UFC due to the company being in major financial straits, that the 4/8 show will be the last show of Dream Stage but there will be future shows still using the Pride name. Sakakibara was quoted in the story saying he raised Pride like it was his daughter, and now it's time to find her a worthy groom. As noted, Dana White claimed on Saturday that the Fertitta brothers have not bought Pride. Even when Nobuyuki Sakakibara on Wednesday told his employees of the pending deal, he stated the deal was not signed.

--Not only will Showtime, EXC and K-1/Hero's be represented at tomorrow morning's press conference at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, but there will be a few surprise promoters with the idea of announcing all the groups are getting together. Think 1980's Pro Wrestling USA but with fewer stars and no good television. Also expected to be represented as Strikeforce (no surprise, since they are in bed with EXC for PPV and promoter Scott Coker also is the K-1 promoter), Cage Rage from England (which runs head-to-head with UFC on 4/21) and Bodog (key here is if Fedor is announced or not) are all expected to publicly unite. As those who remember this being attempted in wrestling, I hope they can at least all agree on what to get for lunch after the press conference before it falls apart."

Sounds like Pride/UFC may have some serious competition if Cage Rage and Bodog do team up with Showtime/EXC/K-1 Heros...I have my doubts though as to the feasibility of all the separate companies cooperating and forming an efficient organization/event.

[wazzabi]

that would be amazing if they team up. but the other camp only has a handfull of grade A fighters, namely Melvin Manhoef and Kid Yamamoto. PRIDE and UFC have most of the best fighters under their wings.

[tekkengod]

man t his ahs been a long time coming. this will be the start of some amazing potentially world wide fights. The end of an era though, indeed.

[Apotheosis]

Source (http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=7087)

"After revitalizing the struggling Ultimate Fighting Championship, and as a result lifting the sport of mixed martial arts world wide, Lorenzo Fertitta, a Station Casinos magnate alongside his older brother Frank, confirmed the purchase of the PRIDE Fighting Championships from Dream Stage Entertainment Tuesday in Tokyo.

DSE and PRIDE CEO Nobuyuki Sakaibara also announced that as part of the agreement he would resign effective April 8, following PRIDE 34 at the Saitama Super Arena.

Joined by UFC president Dana White and the company's matchmaker Joe Silva at the Roppongi Hills Arena, Fertitta discussed the creation of a mixed martial arts commission for which he would act as president.

PRIDE will run autonomously under the umbrella of Zuffa, which the Feritta brothers and Dana White created in 2000 when they purchased the UFC. "We have been talking to Pride for probably about 11 months," said Lorenzo Fertitta, according to an Associated Press report. "It's been a long, drawn out process but we finally we were able to put the two brands together."

Fertitta spoke of making mixed martial art equivalent to global sports such as baseball and soccer. "This is really going to change the face of MMA," Fertitta said. "Literally creating a sport that could be as big around the world as soccer. I liken it somewhat to when the NFC and AFC came together to create the NFL."

The NFL's Super Bowl came as a result of the NFC-AFC merger, and Fertitta envisions "Super Bowl" type cards between UFC and PRIDE fighters, including Randy Couture (Pictures), Tim Sylvia (Pictures), Chuck Liddell (Pictures), Matt Hughes (Pictures), Diego Sanchez (Pictures), B.J. Penn (Pictures) facing PRIDE stars such as Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures), Wanderlei Silva (Pictures), Mauricio Rua (Pictures), Dan Henderson (Pictures), Shinya Aoki (Pictures), Tatsuya Kawajiri (Pictures), Takanori Gomi (Pictures) and Hayato Sakurai (Pictures).

"We will be able to literally put on the fights that everyone wants to see," the former Nevada State Athletic Commission member said. "It will allow us to put on some of the biggest fights ever."

UFC president Dana White made curt statements, suggesting other MMA promoters pale in comparison to what Zufffa now offers with UFC and PRIDE, as well as the much smaller WEC, under its umbrella. The aggressive UFC boss received a warm reaction before discussing potential dream fights between the organizations' champions and stars.

One of those men is Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, who was responsible for the first real battle won between Zuffa and DSE when he defected to the American company earlier this year. During a taped message to the nearly 1,000 fans in attendance, the 2006 PRIDE Open-Weight Grand Prix champion said he wanted to come back to PRIDE and get a second crack at PRIDE champion Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures), widely regarded as the world's best heavyweight.

But before "Cro Cop" and Fedor face one another again, the first in-ring clash following the merger will feature Jeff Monson (Pictures) against Kazuyuki Fujita (Pictures), who step into the PRIDE ring on April 8. "

So it's official and Lorenzo apparently wants to have some worldwide MMA "commission" which lends credence to his desire to change Pride's rules...

[pauli]

monson vs fujita? i thought monson was fighting aleksander for bodog?

there are some really interesting matchups to be made from the list of mentioned fighters. i, for one, can't wait to see the iceman vs the fireball kid. ;)

[Apotheosis]

monson vs fujita? i thought monson was fighting aleksander for bodog?

there are some really interesting matchups to be made from the list of mentioned fighters. i, for one, can't wait to see the iceman vs the fireball kid. ;)

Nope, Aleks is fighting Pele.

[wazzabi]

they'd better not change PRIDE's rules. that would really blow.

[Apotheosis]

they'd better not change PRIDE's rules. that would really blow.

They will...they have continued to say they want unified rules which means they will have to change Pride's as they have no control over the NSAC's rules...

Not to mention Dana has already said he hates stomps and soccer kicks...

[Oversoul]

Not to mention Dana has already said he hates stomps and soccer kicks...

And women's MMA and any MMA organization that isn't the UFC or PRIDE, because those guys just don't have a right to exist in his little world. :bang:

[BigRed389]

They will...they have continued to say they want unified rules which means they will have to change Pride's as they have no control over the NSAC's rules...

Not to mention Dana has already said he hates stomps and soccer kicks...

Yes, but Dana also has stated they're trying to get NSAC to allow knees on the ground.

Which IMO is a more significant and definitive factor in a fight than either stomps or soccer kicks.

[wazzabi]

well if you take away stomps, fighters like shogun will lose their deadliest weapon. i mean shogun can do well without stomps, but you have to agree that his brutal stomps won him soooooooooo many fights.

[Oversoul]

well if you take away stomps, fighters like shogun will lose their deadliest weapon. i mean shogun can do well without stomps, but you have to agree that his brutal stomps won him soooooooooo many fights.

It's his flashiest weapon, but his deadliest is probably his ridiculous stamina. He is always pressing the fight and he never gets worn down.

[Apotheosis]

I hate to say it but there are only 2 guys from Pride's 205 lb division that could become champion, Little Nog and Arona(perhaps Soukodjou but only if he is not a fluke).

I think Shogun and Wandy would lose to Rashad, Jardine, and Griffen.

[wazzabi]

I think Shogun and Wandy would lose to Rashad, Jardine, and Griffen.

why would you say that? :confused:

Rashad is improving with every fight, yes, but still, his striking is nothing compared to wandy and shogun. the only thing he has on them is his wrestling, which isn't exactly world class.

i could see why you think jardine and griffin can give them a run for their money, because they both have fast hands and aggressiveness. but i've never seen them fight true muay thai guys like wandy and shogun who run in & try to knee you into a pulp.

[Gufbal1981]

why would you say that? :confused:

Rashad is improving with every fight, yes, but still, his striking is nothing compared to wandy and shogun. the only thing he has on them is his wrestling, which isn't exactly world class.

i could see why you think jardine and griffin can give them a run for their money, because they both have fast hands and aggressiveness. but i've never seen them fight true muay thai guys like wandy and shogun who run in & try to knee you into a pulp.

dude, did you not see Shogun's last couple of fights? Yes, he does utilize the soccer kicks and stomps, but he does have submission skills and he does have striking skills. Wanderlei has striking skills as well...just because they utilize a specific game plan doesn't mean they can't adapt for the new rules.

[wazzabi]

i wasn't saying that at all. of course they can adapt to new rules. but it you have to agree if the rules change, some fighters will lose some of their deadliest weapons. they would have to rely on other tactics to succeed. some can adapt if their other skills can make up for it, while others won't be as effective as before.

[pauli]

they may win fights by soccer kicks, but that doesn't mean they win fights because of soccer kicks. i've yet to see a fight won by stomp or soccer kick that wasn't going to be won by the same guy anyway.

[Apotheosis]

why would you say that? :confused:

I know most will disagree, but I do believe what I am saying


Rashad is improving with every fight, yes, but still, his striking is nothing compared to wandy and shogun. the only thing he has on them is his wrestling, which isn't exactly world class.

His wrestling is good enough to take both fighters down and keep them there...


i could see why you think jardine and griffin can give them a run for their money, because they both have fast hands and aggressiveness. but i've never seen them fight true muay thai guys like wandy and shogun who run in & try to knee you into a pulp.

Wandy and Shogun have not really shown a lot of Muay Thai lately, they both rely on wide hooks as their main striking. The two guys I named will be able to nail them both with the straight left or a straight right just as Mirko did, they both run out swinging and leave themselves wide open to a guy with quick hands and good technique....

[BigRed389]

I know most will disagree, but I do believe what I am saying



His wrestling is good enough to take both fighters down and keep them there...



Wandy and Shogun have not really shown a lot of Muay Thai lately, they both rely on wide hooks as their main striking. The two guys I named will be able to nail them both with the straight left or a straight right just as Mirko did, they both run out swinging and leave themselves wide open to a guy with quick hands and good technique....

But is Rashad's sub defense good enough? Shogun has some nasty out of the blue submissions.

Muay Thai uses hooks a lot. The straights "are" part of Muay Thai, but are really much more prominent in boxing.
They're considered "Muay Thai" fighter primarily b/c of their great clinch work and knees though. Just ask Rampage. :(

But yeah...somebody like Overeem is a better example of a "Muay Thai" fighter.

I also don't think either Jardine or Griffin have striking that's THAT good. A quick hook can be an effective counter to somebody who just paws out with straight shots. Especially the quick explosive way the Chute Boxe guys close the distance with them.

[Oversoul]

If Shogun's performances in the two years or so haven't convinced you that he is indeed just that good, I don't know what will.

[Apotheosis]

If Shogun's performances in the two years or so haven't convinced you that he is indeed just that good, I don't know what will.

I guess we will find out sooner rather than later

[Oversoul]

Although, if they have a rematch, I will be pulling for Arona all the way...

[Apotheosis]

Although, if they have a rematch, I will be pulling for Arona all the way...

I'm convinced his dominating win over Arona was a bit of a fluke, he may beat Arona again but not like that...I think he came in pissed and Arona was a bit winded and just got caught completely off guard before he could gather himself.

I think Arona is the new UFC champ by the end of 07, give him elbows, the cage and take away knees....=champ

[wazzabi]

ya, nobody in the UFC 205 division can match his ground skills.

[Gufbal1981]

I heard that the PRIDE fighters will not fight in the UFC and the contracts will be kept seperate, except for when they do their "superbowl"...any validity to this?

[Apotheosis]

I heard that the PRIDE fighters will not fight in the UFC and the contracts will be kept seperate, except for when they do their "superbowl"...any validity to this?

Not really...

Dana has said he will be able to have any Pride fighters fight for any UFC event....

I guess that Pride will be run separately but the UFC will take some of their stars and use them for some fights, either to build up as UFC fighters or to build up a new fan base in the U.S for Pride...