PRIDE FC: Never dies!!!

rodrigoviolim · December 27, 2020

Matt Edwards (ME): Hi, I'm Matt Edwards and I'm here with my partner Daniel Tuxford. Good night Daniel!

Daniel Tuxford (DT): Hi Matt! Good night to you and the MMA fans who follow our broadcast.

ME: Exactly Daniel. Live from Saitama Super Arena we will bring PRIDE 35: Reinaisscence. The theme of the event already says a lot about it, many point to the revival of PRIDE, after it almost ended.

Today the card features 9 fights and the Gracie family appears with three representatives on the card. Including the two main fights. Speaking of the main event, what are your expectations for Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Royce Gracie, Daniel?

DT: Matt, the classic fight between Sakuraba and Royce will have another episode here. In 2000, the historic 90-minute fight ended with Sakuraba as the winner and i believe that the Japanese will again take the lead.

ME: The card is promising tonight and MMA fans today will meet the participants of the next PRIDE GP...

DT: Matt, I met some fighters, who will compete in the GP, in the hotel hall and i can say that it will be another excellent tournament.

ME: Come on! Here everything is ready for the opening of the event. And right after that we are already going to the first fight MMA fans, who will accompany us tonight on blurcat.com. Now it's up to her, the "PRIDE voice" Lenne Hardt!

MUSIC ENTRANCE

Lenne Hardt: PRIDE 35! Live from Saitama Super Arena! Now here comes the full card!

The first match!!! From France... David Baron!!! From Japan... 'Ashikaaaan Judo' Masakazu I-ma-na-ri!!!!

Second match; From Brazilllllll!!! Raaaalek Gracieeee!!! From Japan... Makotooo Takimotooo!!!

Third Match; From Japan... Daisuke Nakamuuuura! From Japan... Kazuyuki Miiiiiyataaaaa!!!

Fourth match; From United States of America, Dan Hornbuckle! Frrrrom Japaaaaan... A Ki Hi Rooo Goooooono!

Fifth match; Frommm Koreaaa... Sexyamaaaa Yoooo Shi hi ro Akiyamaaaa!!! Frrrrrom Japaaaaan!!! Ikuhisaaaa Miiiiiinooowaaaa!!!

Sixth match; From Belarus, Vladimir Matyushenko!!! Frrrrom Brazil, Antonioooo Rogeriiiiooo Nogueiraaaaaa!!

Seventh match; Frrrom Brazil, Muuuriiilooo Buuuustamanteee!!! Froooom Japan!!! Kazuoooo Misakiiiiii!!!!

Eighth match; Fromm Jaaaapaaannnn!!! Yuuuuuukiiii Kondooooooo!! Frommmm Brazil!!! Renzooooo Gracieeeeee!!!

Final Match; Froooooommm Brazillllll!! Roooooyceeee Graaaaaacieeeeee!!

Frommm Japaaaaaan!!! Ka zu shiiiii Saaaa kuuuu raaaa baaaaaaaa!!!!!

PRIDE 35 RENAISSANCEEEE LIVE IN SAITAMAAA SUPER ARENAAA IS NOW!!!!!!

Preliminary Card

Lightweight Bout

Masakazu Imanari (11-5-2) vs. David Baron (13-2)

The preliminary fights start with 'Ashikan Judan' Masakazu Imanari (11-5-2, 0-2 PRIDE) facing David Baron (13-2, 0-1 PRIDE). Mario Yamasaki will be the referee. There's a roar from the crowd as Imanari enters, he is from around here.

Round 1

And here we go! Baron chooses to shoot in on Imanari. Imanari partially defends it and ends up hopping on one foot while Baron has a hold of the other. Baron can't get Imanari down and so settles for pushing him up against the ropes. Baron attempts to set up a judo-based throw to take Imanari to the ground. Baron doesn't get it, Imanari blocked any attempt to move him. Imanari can't seem to work his way free though. Baron attempts to set up a judo-based throw to take Imanari to the ground. Imanari has no answer to a great hip throw, he is left down under side control! Baron tries to pound on Imanari, but none of the blows land with any degree of power. Baron blocks an attempt to pull guard. Baron throws a few right hands as he takes a moment to plan ahead. Baron blocks Imanari as he tries a transition to guard. Baron throws a few right hands, but is mainly trying to catch his breath. Baron throws a few weak-looking punches as he decides on his next move. Baron blocks an attempt to pull guard. Baron fires off a handful of punches, each easily being blocked with gloves. Baron blocks Imanari as he tries a transition to guard. The lack of progress forces referee Mario Yamasaki to stand the fighters back up. Baron comes in, looking for a takedown. Baron couldn't complete the single leg, but does end up standing holding a leg while Imanari hops in place on the other. Baron can't get Imanari down and so settles for pushing him up against the ropes. Showing his ability to grind down opponents, Baron is keeping Imanari pressed up tightly against the ropes. The next minute or so sees them engage in close-quarters dirty boxing. Baron looks to take Imanari down by setting up a judo throw. Baron uses a nice inside leg trip and Imanari is forced to pull half guard! Baron keeps Imanari guessing with a few quick strikes. In half guard, Baron begins working to get side control. Imanari fights the attempt off, and they wind up scrambling for position. Imanari ends up in guard. Imanari throws a few relatively weak right hands. Using his leg strength to push Imanari back a bit, Baron looks to scramble for position. Imanari is too quick though, and grabs side control before Baron can get up. Imanari throws a few strikes, but is clearly slowing things down so that he can catch his breath. Imanari blocks Baron as he tries a transition to guard. Imanari keeps Baron guessing with a few quick strikes. Baron tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. In side control, Imanari begins working to get a mount. Baron rolls to the side to try and escape the mount but only succeeds in giving up his back instead. Imanari attempts to complete a rear naked choke. Baron stops Imanari from getting his arm under the chin and completing the choke. The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

Round 2

It's the final round and we are back underway! They come together and start wrestling in the over-under clinch position. Baron seems to be the aggressor. Baron is looking to muscle Imanari back against the ropes. He does so and now has Imanari pinned to the ropes. With the ropes trapping Imanari, Baron looks to be attempting to set up a judo throw. Imanari is taken down by a quick inside leg trip, he can do nothing but pull guard! Baron doesn't posture up, perhaps wary of submissions, instead using small strikes while keeping his head on his opponent's chest. Imanari drags Baron in to close control, then hits him with a couple of short punches. Baron throws a few weak-looking punches as he decides on his next move. Imanari tries to catch Baron with a punch, but it is not on target. In guard, Baron throws a couple of punches designed to keep Imanari guessing. Imanari throws out some punches, but Baron leans back to avoid them. Baron throws a few right hands as he takes a moment to plan ahead. Baron deflects a couple of punches that Imanari threw from below. Baron throws a few right hands as he takes a moment to plan ahead. Imanari throws out some punches, but Baron leans back to avoid them. We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. With no progress being made, the referee stands them back up. Imanari is still moving well, but he is definitely breathing a little deeper now. For the first time, Baron is starting to breathe a little heavier. Baron gets close enough to clinch. With Imanari in his grasp, Baron tries to set up a judo-style throw. Imanari has no answer to a great hip throw, he is left down under side control! Baron unloads with right hands, but doesn't do a great deal of damage. Imanari tries to pull guard on Baron but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.

The judges' decisions are now being announced.

All three judges have agreed that Baron is the winner.

So the winner, by unanimous decision, is David Baron!

Official Result: David Baron def. Masakazu Imanari by Unanimous Decision.

Middleweight Bout

Makoto Takimoto (3-3) vs. Ralek Gracie (0-0)

Next up is a match in which Makoto Takimoto (3-3, 3-3 PRIDE) fights Ralek Gracie (0-0, 0-0 PRIDE). This is a MMA debut from Ralek Gracie. Our referee is Yuji Shimada. There's a roar from the crowd as Takimoto enters, he is from around here.

Round 1

We are underway! We start with a touch of gloves. Gracie gets close enough to clinch. With control of the clinch, Gracie tries to complete a takedown. Takimoto blocks the takedown attempt and takes control of the grapple. Takimoto is trying to muscle Gracie up against the ropes. Takimoto manages it and controls Gracie up against the ropes. With Gracie stuck against the ropes, Takimoto tries to set up a judo-style throw. It doesn't work, Gracie defended against it well. Takimoto attempts to set up a judo-based throw to take Gracie to the ground. It doesn't work, Gracie defended against it well. Gracie is still stuck against the ropes however. Takimoto attempts to set up a judo-based throw to take Gracie to the ground. Takimoto doesn't get it, Gracie blocked any attempt to move him. Takimoto looks to set up a judo throw. A great inside leg trip sees Gracie get thrown to the mat and Takimoto is left in guard. In guard, Takimoto throws a couple of punches designed to keep Gracie guessing. Gracie tries to sweep Takimoto but can't do it. Takimoto throws a few relatively weak right hands. Gracie tries a sweep from the bottom of the guard, but doesn't budge Takimoto. Takimoto fires away with punches, but Gracie doesn't take any undue damage. Takimoto gets pushed back, and is left standing in front of Gracie, no longer in guard. Takimoto steps back and allows Gracie to stand back up. Gracie chooses to shoot in on Takimoto. Gracie can't get past the sprawl of Takimoto and gets pushed down onto his hands and knees instead. Takimoto prepares to throw a knee strike, but can't keep control of Gracie who is able to spring back up. They come together and strike but neither fighter does any damage. We pass the halfway mark of this round. Gracie shoots in, looking for a takedown. Gracie can't get past the sprawl of Takimoto and gets pushed down onto his hands and knees instead. Gracie gets up sharply, sensing that Takimoto was preparing to throw a vicious knee strike to the head. They stand and trade in the center of the ring but neither fighter gives or takes any real damage. Gracie shoots in, looking for a takedown. Gracie couldn't complete the single leg, but does end up standing holding a leg while Takimoto hops in place on the other. Gracie drives Takimoto up against the ropes. With Takimoto stuck against the ropes, Gracie tries to complete a takedown by going low and grabbing both legs. Takimoto stops the takedown attempt, then uses his wrestling to take control of the grapple and put Gracie against the ropes. With the ropes trapping Gracie, Takimoto looks to be attempting to set up a judo throw. Takimoto can't get Gracie down to the ground. Gracie can't seem to work his way free though. Takimoto looks to set up a judo throw. Gracie stops the attempted throw, then uses his wrestling to take control of the grapple and put Takimoto against the ropes. With Takimoto stuck against the ropes, Gracie tries to use a trip takedown. Takimoto stops the attempted trip, then uses his wrestling to take control of the grapple and put Gracie against the ropes. Takimoto tries to foot stomp Gracie, but he wrestles free and circles back to the center. For the first time, Takimoto is starting to breathe a little heavier. Gracie is still moving well, but he is definitely breathing a little deeper now. Gracie chooses to shoot in on Takimoto. Gracie can't get past the sprawl of Takimoto and gets pushed down onto his hands and knees instead. Takimoto fires away with punches, but does little in the way of damage. Takimoto is too slow to stop Gracie getting back up. Gracie shoots in, looking for a takedown. Takimoto cannot stop the takedown and has to pull guard. We have one minute of the round remaining. Gracie fires away with punches, but Takimoto doesn't take any undue damage. Takimoto tries to get double underhooks on Gracie so that he can get some control, but can't get them. In guard, Gracie begins working to pass to side control. Takimoto can't do anything about the pass, and is left under side control. The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

2nd Round

And here we go, one last round! A tired-looking Takimoto shoots in, looking for a takedown. Gracie partially defends it and ends up hopping on one foot while Takimoto has a hold of the other. Takimoto can't get Gracie down and so settles for pushing him up against the ropes. Gracie, backed against the ropes, can't really do much thanks to the control that Takimoto is exerting. A full minute elapses with very little happening other than some short punches and some posturing. With the ropes trapping Gracie, Takimoto looks to be attempting to set up a judo throw. Gracie is taken down by a quick inside leg trip, he can do nothing but pull guard! Takimoto punches away, but doesn't really do any damage. The attack does see Takimoto get pushed away though, right out of guard, and he is now standing. Gracie is allowed to stand back up, Takimoto simply stepped away. Takimoto appears to be feeling a little fatigue for the first time in this fight, his hands are starting to lower just a fraction. A few deep breaths betray that Gracie is starting to get into the deeper reaches of his gas tank. Takimoto chooses to move forward and shoot in, trying to take Gracie down. Gracie almost stops the takedown but is left hopping on one leg while Takimoto holds the other. With Gracie not going down, Takimoto settles for pushing him up against the ropes. With the ropes trapping Gracie, Takimoto looks to be attempting to set up a judo throw. Takimoto doesn't get it, Gracie blocked any attempt to move him. Takimoto is breathing very hard. Takimoto looks to take Gracie down by setting up a judo throw. Takimoto can't get Gracie down to the ground. With the ropes trapping Gracie, Takimoto looks to be attempting to set up a judo throw. Takimoto can't get the throw, as Gracie wrestles his way into a dominant position. Takimoto waits for Gracie to try and throw some strikes and quickly turns him, creating enough space to escape away from the ropes. Gracie looks very tired out there. There's a ragged-looking takedown attempt from a visibly tired Gracie. Takimoto gets taken down by a single leg, and has to pull guard. Gracie fires away with punches, but Takimoto doesn't take any undue damage. Takimoto tries to pull Gracie in close and smother him, but doesn't get anywhere with it. The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. Gracie punches down at Takimoto, but they are easily taken on the gloves. Takimoto tries to smother Gracie by holding him, but can't keep control. Gracie strikes away at Takimoto but can't land anything damaging. Takimoto pushes Gracie away while defending the strikes, right out of guard. Gracie tries to secure a ground position. Takimoto is too quick, slipping away from Gracie and starting to scramble. Gracie manages to come out on top, with Takimoto pulling half guard. We reach the time limit and this fight is over.

The ring announcer is now giving the official decisions.

All three judges give the result in favour of Takimoto. So the winner, by unanimous decision, is Makoto Takimoto!

Official Result: Makoto Takimoto def. Ralek Gracie by Unanimous Decision.

Lightweight Bout

Kazuyuki Miyata (4-4) vs. Daisuke Nakamura (11-9)

Moving on, 'Little Hercules' Kazuyuki Miyata (4-4, 0-0 PRIDE) fights Daisuke Nakamura (11-9). John McCarthy is the referee for this fight. Nakamura is fighting in front of a home crowd tonight, and gets a big cheer as he makes his entrance.

Round 1

There's the opening bell! They start with a touch of gloves. Miyata gets in close and clinches with Nakamura. Miyata looks to take Nakamura down with a trip. Nakamura blocks the attempted trip and takes control of the grapple. Using his wrestling skills, Nakamura is trying to push Miyata up against the ropes. He does so and now has Miyata pinned to the ropes. Nakamura is aiming to get Miyata into a Muay Thai clinch. Miyata can't fight it off and ends up caught. Using the Muay Thai clinch, Nakamura scores with a knee to the chest, but it came from a bad angle and didn't have much power. Nakamura finds an attempted knee strike caught, and the leverage allows Miyata to wrestle free of the Muay Thai clinch. Moving in fast, Nakamura wrestles his way to a dominant position in the clinch. Nakamura is looking to get Miyata in a Muay Thai clinch. Nakamura can't quite get it though, and Miyata takes control of the grapple. Clinched with Nakamura, Miyata looks to try and take him down. Nakamura stops the takedown attempt, then uses his wrestling to take control of the grapple. Nakamura is looking to get Miyata in a Muay Thai clinch. Nakamura achieves it, Miyata could not fight out of it. Using the Muay Thai clinch, Nakamura scores with a knee to the chest, but it came from a bad angle and didn't have much power. Nakamura keeps control of the clinch despite missing a knee strike. From the clinch, Miyata takes a knee to the chest, but there wasn't much power behind it. Nakamura loses the Muay Thai clinch after a knee strike misses and gives Miyata the opportunity to wrestle free. Taking a few gulps of breath, Nakamura is giving the first hint that he is starting to tire a touch. Nakamura gets in close and clinches with Miyata. Nakamura hits Miyata with a knee strike to the body as they grapple. Nakamura is trying to force Miyata into a Muay Thai clinch. Nakamura doesn't manage it though, as Miyata slips out of the grapple and gets away. Nakamura gets in close and clinches with Miyata. Nakamura is trying to lock Miyata into a Muay Thai clinch. Nakamura achieves it, Miyata could not fight out of it. From the clinch, Nakamura hits Miyata with a knee to the ribs, but it lacked power. Nakamura misses a knee strike, but maintains his control of the clinch. Using the clinch, Nakamura drives a knee into the chest of Miyata, but didn't get much force behind it. Miyata wrestles free of the Muay Thai clinch after blocking a knee strike. Nakamura is starting to have to push himself now, and his corner respond by urging him on a little louder. Nakamura steps in and grapples with his opponent. Nakamura is aiming to get Miyata into a Muay Thai clinch. Miyata can't fight it off and ends up caught. Using the Muay Thai clinch, Nakamura scores with a knee to the chest, but it came from a bad angle and didn't have much power. Miyata blocks a knee strike, but cannot get free of the Muay Thai clinch. Using the clinch, Nakamura hits a knee to the ribs, but couldn't generate a lot of power behind it. Nakamura is looking really tired. Miyata wrestles free of the Muay Thai clinch after blocking a knee strike. Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.

A large bruise is starting to appear on the side of Miyata, he has not defended his rib cage well enough so far tonight.

Round 2

And here we go, one last round! The two fighters get up close and start wrestling for position. Nakamura seems to get the advantage. Nakamura tries to get Miyata into a Muay Thai clinch. Miyata can't fight it off and ends up caught. Using the clinch, Nakamura drives a knee into the chest of Miyata, but didn't get much force behind it. Miyata blocks a knee strike, but cannot get free of the Muay Thai clinch. Using the Muay Thai clinch, Nakamura scores with a knee to the chest, but it came from a bad angle and didn't have much power. Nakamura misses a knee strike, but maintains his control of the clinch. Using the clinch, Nakamura hits a knee to the ribs, but couldn't generate a lot of power behind it. Miyata blocks a knee strike, but cannot get free of the Muay Thai clinch. Nakamura breaks his grip and steps back to consider a new strategy. Miyata is starting to slow down a touch, perhaps conserving a little energy. They come together in a clinch. Nakamura looks like he has gotten the better of the clinch. Nakamura is trying to lock Miyata into a Muay Thai clinch. Miyata can't fight it off and ends up caught. From the clinch, Miyata takes a knee to the chest, but there wasn't much power behind it. Miyata wrestles free of the Muay Thai clinch after blocking a knee strike. A little fatigue may be creeping in, Miyata is starting to move noticeably more slowly now. A tired Nakamura moves forward, looking for a takedown. Miyata partially defends it and ends up hopping on one foot while Nakamura has a hold of the other. Unable to complete the takedown, Nakamura instead pushes Miyata up against the ropes. Nakamura seems to be fighting against exhaustion. Nakamura is aiming to get Miyata into a Muay Thai clinch. Miyata can't fight it off and ends up caught. Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.

The official decisions are being reported now.

All three judges have given Nakamura the win. Daisuke Nakamura is the winner by unanimous decision!

Official Result: Daisuke Nakamura def. Kazuyuki Miyata by Unanimous Decision.

Akihiro Gono (28-12-7) vs. Dan Hornbuckle (11-1)

In the last of the preliminary fights, 'The Japanese Sensation' Akihiro Gono (28-12-7, 6-3 PRIDE) competes against Dan 'The Handler' Hornbuckle (11-1, 0-0 PRIDE) in the PRIDE Welterweight division. Mario Yamasaki is the referee for this fight. Hornbuckle is much the larger fighter, at an estimate he must have 25lbs at least on Gono. That could prove significant as the fight unfolds. There's a roar from the crowd as Gono enters, he is from around here.

Round 1

The fight begins! Gono comes forward. Hornbuckle hits a pair of jabs in the exchange. Gono throws a one-two, but Hornbuckle was equal to it. Gono comes forward to attack. Hornbuckle hits two left hands on the counter. Gono throws a quick one-two but doesn't land either blow. Hornbuckle comes in, looking for a takedown. Hornbuckle gets hold of a leg but Gono remains standing, hopping on the other foot. With Gono not going down, Hornbuckle settles for pushing him up against the ropes. Hornbuckle ducks down and grabs a leg. Gono remains standing, using the ropes for support, but is under threat of a takedown now. Hornbuckle cannot get a takedown though, Gono blocked it and manages to pull him back into a clinch against the ropes. Hornbuckle keeps Gono up against the ropes with wrestling, then uses a hard foot stomp. Hornbuckle looks for a takedown by grabbing both his opponent's legs and trying to trip him to the mat. It's unsuccessful, Gono maintained a good solid base. With the ropes trapping Gono, Hornbuckle looks for a trip takedown by sweeping a leg. An excellent outside leg trip sees Gono get thrown to the mat and Hornbuckle has no problem getting side control. Hornbuckle punches down at Gono, but they are easily taken on the gloves. Hornbuckle hits a knee strike to the ribs. Hornbuckle hits a knee strike to the ribs, but it didn't connect properly because Gono was moving too much. Hornbuckle throws a few strikes, but they are without venom. Gono tries to move to guard, but Hornbuckle doesn't allow it. In side control, Hornbuckle throws a couple of punches designed to keep Gono guessing. Gono takes a knee strike to the ribs from under side control. Hornbuckle holds Gono in position with side control and hits a knee into the ribs. We are now at the halfway point of the round. Hornbuckle holds Gono in position with side control and hits a knee into the ribs. With no progress being made, the referee stands them back up. Both fighters come together and strike. Gono misses a big right hand, putting him off balance and allowing Hornbuckle to attack with a left jab and a right hand. That was the perfect example of how Hornbuckle can use his reach advantage. He picked off Gono from range and was in no danger himself. Gono throws a quick punch but doesn't land. Hornbuckle, looking very tentative, pokes out a quick jab that hits. Gono throws a quick punch but doesn't land. Gono moves in closer, ready to attack. Hornbuckle scores with a weak, flicked left hand jab. Gono throws a quick one-two but doesn't land either blow. A one-two from Gono fails to land. Hornbuckle is able to grab Gono. Hornbuckle hits Gono with a big knee strike to the body from the grapple. Hornbuckle hits Gono with a big knee strike to the body from the grapple. Hornbuckle is trying to muscle Gono up against the ropes. Hornbuckle achieves it, pinning Gono to the ropes. Hornbuckle looks for a takedown by grabbing both his opponent's legs and trying to trip him to the mat. Gono cannot stop the takedown and gives up side control. Hornbuckle throws a few right hands as he takes a moment to plan ahead. Gono tries to move to guard, but Hornbuckle doesn't allow it. Looking to catch his breath, Hornbuckle is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body. Gono tries to pull guard on Hornbuckle but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. Hornbuckle uses side control to hit a knee just above the hip. Hornbuckle throws some small strikes, but is clearly just taking a moment to try and catch his breath. Hornbuckle blocks an attempt to pull guard. Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.

Round 2

There's the bell and the final round begins! Gono stalks forward, pressuring Hornbuckle. Hornbuckle fires off a counter jab. Gono can't connect with a jab, but then he catches Hornbuckle with a right hook. Hornbuckle warily circles, looking for the opening he needs to shoot in. Gono connects with a nice jab and then scores with a right cross. Gono is slowing just a little as he starts to get into the gas tank a bit. For the first time, Hornbuckle is starting to breathe a little heavier. Gono throws a punch but Hornbuckle was equal to it. Hornbuckle aggressively comes forward, willing to risk getting hit so that he can grapple. A jab lands from Gono, but Hornbuckle avoids a big right. Both fighters move in and engage. Gono misses a right cross that leaves him open to the counter. Hornbuckle attacks with a jab and a right cross. They come together and strike. Hornbuckle hits a glancing blow with a high kick. Gono scores with a left hook. Both fighters come together and strike. Hornbuckle dodges a right hand and counter-attacks with a jab and a quick head kick. That last hit did some damage, Gono is trying to cover up but is clearly hurt! He looks dazed and unsteady! Gono blocks most of a right head kick with his arms. A vicious right hand from Hornbuckle drops Gono! He is knocked out!

Dan 'The Handler' Hornbuckle takes the win by knock out!!!!

Official Result: Dan Hornbuckle def. Akihiro Gono by KO (Punch) in 2:48 of Round 2.

ME: We have reached the end of the preliminary card ... Daniel, what were your impressions after the four initial fights?

DT: Fights very even and competitive, Hornbuckle certainly stood out with a great knockout over Akihiro Gono.

ME: We are now at intermission fights. And now the PRIDE GP 2007 announcement will take place, we are going to the ring with the PRIDE CEO, Nobuhiko Takada.

Nobuhiko Takada: MMA and PRIDE FC fans, we are meeting tonight for another martial arts celebration. This year is special in our history and as an organization we take PRIDE to the top. A serious crisis hit us and as a fighter we managed to overcome adversity and here we are doing another great show for you fans of mixed martial arts!

And it is with great pleasure that I come to announce the PRIDE GP 2007 !!! As is traditional with PRIDE, our GP champion will be called the division's linear champion.

In addition to the belt, the champion will take a prize of 500 thousand dollars, the highest prize paid to date in MMA history. We thank the PRIDE partners and sponsors who helped with this award.

Now we will announce the warriors that will compete in the tournament!!!!

AT THIS TIME THE FANS OF SAITAMA SUPER ARENA VIBRATE WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT! INCREASE THE EXPECTATION CLIMATE IN THE ARENA!

Lenne Hardt: Introducing the warriors who will compete in the Lightweight GPPPPP!

Frrrrom Brazillll, Gesiasss 'GZ' Cavalcate!!!; Frrrom Japaaaan, Tatsuyaaaa Ka-wa-ji-riiiii!!!

From Japan, Dokonjonosukeeee Mishimaaaa!!; Frrrrroooommm Japaaaannnn Hayatoooo Sakuraiiiiiiiii!!!

From USA, Eddie Alvarezzzz!!! Frooom Brazilll!!! Vitor 'Shaolin' Ribeiroooo!!!

From USA, Antonio McKeeee!! Froooommm Japaaaaaannn!! Shiiiiinyyyaaaa Aaaaaoki!!!!

Frroommm Japannnn Caooooll Unooooo!!!; From Japaaaaaan, 'Kid' Ya-ma-mo-tooooooo!!

Frrrrom Japannn Mitsuhiro Ishidaaa!!; Frommm Norway, Joachiiiin Hansen!!!

Frrromm USAAAA Charles 'Crazy Horseeee' Benett!!!; Froomm Brazil, Cristiaaaano Marcellooooo!!

Lenne Hardt: And Now!! Introducing the warriors who will compete in the Heavyweight GPPPPP!

Fromm USAAA!! Roy Nelsonn; Frommm Russiaaa!! Sergeiiii Kharitonovvvv!!

Frrrrommmm Japannnnn!! Kaaaazuyukiiii Fujitaaaa!! Frooom Russiaaa Aleksanderrrr Emelianenkooooo!!!

Fromm South Korea! Hong Man Choiiii!!! Frommm New Zeeeelanddd!! 'Super Samoannnn' Markkkkk Huntttt!!

Fromm USA! Jeff Monsoooon!!! Frommmm USAAA!! 'Baby face Assassin' Joooosh Barnetttttt!!!

Frooom Trinidad Tobago! Garyyyyy Goodridgeee!! Frommm Netherlandsss Aaaaalistair Overeeeeeeeem!!!

Frommm Netherlands!! Gilbert Yveeeel!!! Frooom USAAAA!!! Keviiiiiiin Randlemaaaaan!!!

Fromm USA!!! Booooop Sapppp!! Frooomm Japaaaan!! Hi-de-hi-kooooo Yoooooshida!!!!

At this moment the lights in Saitama Super Arena illuminate in the ring...

LH:And announcing the last participants in Lightweight and Heavyweight GP!!!

Presenting The former lightweight champion of PRIDE.

Fromm Japannnnn !!!! 'Theeee Fireballll Kidddd' Taaaakaaanooriii Gomiiiii!!!

Frooommm Russiaaaa!! 'The Last Empeeeeeror' Feeeeeedorrrr Emelianenkoooooo!!!

There is a huge thrill from the crowd when Gomi and Fedor are announced!

ME: A great announcement made and now we will return with the main card.

Main Card

Middleweight Bout

Ikuhisa Minowa (35-25-8) vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama (9-1-1 NC)

We open the main portion of the show with 'Minowaman' Ikuhisa Minowa (35-25-8, 9-8 PRIDE) taking on Yoshihiro 'Sexyama' Akiyama (9-1-1 NC, 0-0 PRIDE). Yuji Shimada will be the referee.

Round 1

Round one begins! They come together in a clinch. Sexyama is the aggressor. Sexyama tries to pick Minowa up for a slam. He gets Minowa up! Sexyama slams him down, ending up in guard. Sexyama unloads with some right hands, but Minowa deals with them comfortably. Reaching for a leg, Minowa seems to be looking for a sweep variation. Sexyama defends the sweep. Sexyama fires off a handful of punches, each easily being blocked with gloves. Minowa pulls Sexyama in close and hits a couple of short, sharp punches to the side of the head. Sexyama unloads with some right hands, but Minowa deals with them comfortably. Grabbing a leg, Minowa attempts a sweep of some kind. Sexyama pulls his leg away and stops the sweep entirely. Sexyama pounds away, but Minowa isn't troubled by the strikes. Minowa reaches down and grabs a leg, perhaps looking to try and use it to help sweep Sexyama. Sexyama pulls his leg away and stops the sweep entirely. Sexyama throws a few strikes, but they are without venom. Minowa grabs hold of a leg, seemingly intent on trying to sweep Sexyama from the bottom of the guard. Sexyama blocks the sweep attempt. The lack of progress forces referee Yuji Shimada to stand the fighters back up. A jab is wide from Sexyama, but then he catches Minowa with a crunching right hook. A jab lands from Sexyama, but Minowa evades a big right punch. Minowa gets hold of Sexyama without taking too much damage. We pass the halfway mark of this round. Minowa attempts to wrestle Sexyama to the ground. Minowa can't get the takedown as Sexyama wrestles his way into a dominant position. Sexyama uses a nice knee strike from the grapple and catches Minowa to the side of the stomach. Sexyama tries to wrestle Minowa backward and up against the ropes. He does so and now has Minowa pinned to the ropes. With the ropes trapping Minowa, Sexyama looks to be attempting to set up a judo throw. A great inside leg trip sees Minowa get thrown to the mat and Sexyama is left in guard. Sexyama throws a few relatively weak right hands. Minowa reaches down and grabs a leg, perhaps looking to try and use it to help sweep Sexyama. Sexyama defends the sweep. Sexyama pounds away, but Minowa isn't troubled by the strikes. Grabbing a leg, Minowa attempts a sweep of some kind. Sexyama doesn't let Minowa get the sweep. Sexyama fires off a few punches, but they aren't thrown with any great force. Minowa grabs hold of a leg, seemingly intent on trying to sweep Sexyama from the bottom of the guard. Sexyama pulls his leg away and stops the sweep entirely. Sexyama throws a few strikes, but is clearly slowing things down so that he can think. Sexyama fires away with punches, but does little in the way of damage. Reaching for a leg, Minowa seems to be looking for a sweep variation. Sexyama blocks the attempt. Sexyama punches down at Minowa, but they are easily taken on the gloves. The lengthy period of stalemate results in referee Yuji Shimada standing them both back up. The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

Round 2

It's the final round and we are back underway! A jab is wide from Sexyama, but then he catches Minowa with a right hook. Minowa gets close enough to clinch. Minowa looks for a trip takedown by sweeping a leg. Minowa can't get Sexyama down to the ground. Minowa looks to sweep a leg out from under Sexyama so as to take him down with a trip. Sexyama stops the attempted trip, then uses his wrestling to take control of the grapple. Minowa wrestles himself into a dominant position in the grapple. Minowa attempts to wrestle Sexyama to the ground. Sexyama blocks the takedown attempt and takes control of the grapple. Sexyama hits Minowa with a knee strike to the body as they grapple. Sexyama is looking to muscle Minowa back against the ropes. Sexyama can't manage it, Minowa fought it. We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. Sexyama looks to scoop his opponent up for a slam. He gets Minowa up! Sexyama slams him down, ending up in guard. Sexyama tries to pass the guard. Minowa fights the attempt off, and they wind up scrambling for position. Minowa ends up having to pull half guard, losing out in the scramble. Breathing very hard, Minowa is looking ragged. Sexyama tries to pound on Minowa, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with. Minowa gets some separation and tries to scramble for position. He may regret that choice, as it gives Sexyama the perfect opportunity to get side control. We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. Sexyama attempts the mount. Minowa was ready for it though and starts scrambling immediately. Sexyama manages to come out on top with side control. Sexyama throws a few strikes, but is clearly slowing things down so that he can catch his breath. Minowa tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.

The judges' decisions are now being announced.

All three judges have Minowa down as the winner. Making 'Minowaman' Ikuhisa Minowa the winner by unanimous decision!

Official Result: Ikuhisa Minowa def. Yoshihiro Akiyama by Unanimous Decision.

Middleweight Bout

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (12-3) vs. Vladimir Matyushenko (17-3)

Next up is a match in which Antonio 'Minotouro' Rogerio Nogueira (12-3, 8-2 PRIDE) goes up against Vladimir 'The Janitor' Matyushenko (17-3, 0-0 PRIDE). Yuji Shimada is the referee for this fight.

Round 1

Round one begins! Nogueira closes in on Matyushenko, looking to unleash some strikes. Matyushenko may have been setting up to shoot, but Nogueira aggressively took the initiative. Nogueira uses a left jab, but misses when he attempts to go to the body after. Nogueira confidently moves in closer, looking to throw some strikes. Nogueira can't connect with his set-up strikes, but then catches Matyushenko with a right hook to the body. Nogueira moves in on Matyushenko, preparing to throw. Nogueira fails to find a home for his jab, but then hits a nice right hook to the ribs. Matyushenko appeared to be going for a takedown, but Nogueira took the initiative first. A jab hits home from Nogueira and then he lands a right hand. Matyushenko moves in and out of range, hoping to tempt his opponent into a reckless strike and leave an opening for a takedown attempt. Nogueira fails to find a home for his jab, but then scores with a right to the body. Matyushenko uses a left jab while backing away. Nogueira hits a left hand, but a big right to the body fails to find the target. There's a takedown attempt from Matyushenko. Nogueira partially defends it and ends up hopping on one foot while Matyushenko has a hold of the other. Matyushenko uses the position to drive Nogueira up against the ropes. Matyushenko tries to take Nogueira down. Nogueira cannot stop the takedown and has to pull guard. Matyushenko throws a few strikes, but they are without venom. Nogueira throws out some punches, but Matyushenko leans back to avoid them. Matyushenko throws a few relatively weak right hands. Matyushenko fires off a few punches, but they aren't thrown with any great force. Matyushenko fires off a few punches. Nogueira tries to pull Matyushenko in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't. Matyushenko tries to pound on Nogueira, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with. Matyushenko deflects a couple of punches that Nogueira threw from below. Matyushenko fires off a few punches. Nogueira tries to pull Matyushenko in close and pepper him with short strikes, but can't. Matyushenko throws a few relatively weak right hands. Matyushenko deflects a couple of punches that Nogueira threw from below. With no progress being made, referee Yuji Shimada brings the fighters back to their feet. Nogueira confidently moves in closer, looking to throw some strikes. Matyushenko appeared to be going for a takedown, but Nogueira took the initiative first. A jab hits home from Nogueira and then he hits a nice straight right. Nogueira is still moving well, but he is definitely breathing a little deeper now. Nogueira moves in closer, ready to attack. Nogueira uses a left jab, but finds nothing but air with a big right. There's a takedown attempt from Matyushenko. Nogueira almost got away but not quite; he is left hopping while Matyushenko has hold of one leg. Unable to complete the takedown, Matyushenko instead pushes Nogueira up against the ropes. Nogueira is trapped up against the ropes, unable to get free. The gruelling grappling contest continues for about the next sixty seconds with both fighters looking to avoid leaving any openings. Matyushenko tries to maintain control, but Nogueira wrestles his way out of trouble and circles back to the center. Nogueira can't connect with his set-up strikes, but then hits a nice straight right. We have one minute of the round remaining. Matyushenko comes in, looking for a takedown. Nogueira cannot stop the takedown and has to pull guard. That's his second takedown. Matyushenko throws a few relatively weak right hands. Nogueira pulls Matyushenko down in close and hits him with a couple of short punches to the side of the head. Matyushenko pounds away with right hands, but doesn't do much damage. Round one ends as time expires.

Round 2

Our last round, round two, begins! There's a takedown attempt from Matyushenko. He has the takedown! Nogueira pulls guard. Matyushenko tries to pass the guard. Nogueira tries to counter the pass attempt, and they find themselves scrambling for position. Nogueira somehow ends up on top of Matyushenko in north-south position. Nogueira gives up the north-south position in favour of sliding over into side control. Nogueira unloads with big rights, but Matyushenko covers up well. Nogueira blocks an attempt to pull guard. Nogueira pounds away, but is unable to land many clean shots on Matyushenko. Matyushenko tries to move to guard, but Nogueira doesn't allow it. Nogueira pounds away with rights and Matyushenko is eating some heavy shots! Nogueira fires off some rights, but Matyushenko isn't troubled by them. Nogueira blocks an attempt to pull guard. Nogueira tries to ensnare Matyushenko in a kimura. Matyushenko fights off the kimura attempt. Matyushenko tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. Nogueira fires away with punches, but Matyushenko deals with them fairly well. Nogueira blocks an attempt to pull guard. Nogueira pounds away but Matyushenko deals with the blows fairly easily. Nogueira blocks Matyushenko as he tries a transition to guard. Nogueira pounds away with right hands, but doesn't do much damage. The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.

The official decisions are being reported now.

All three judges have given the victory to Nogueira.Making Antonio Rogerio 'Minotouro' Nogueira the winner by unanimous decision!

Official Result: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira def. Vladimir Matyushenko by Unanimous Decision.

Welterweight Bout

Kazuo Misaki (17-8-2) vs. Murilo Bustamante (14-6-1)

Next up, Kazuo 'The Hitman' Misaki (17-8-2, 4-4 PRIDE) fighting Murilo Bustamante (14-6-1, 4-5 PRIDE). Yuji Shimada is the referee for this fight.

Round 1

The fight begins! They start with a touch of gloves. Bustamante lands a left jab, but misses with a vicious right hand. Bustamante aggressively moves in and grapples with Misaki. Bustamante can't keep control of Misaki in the grapple, and is soon being pushed around. Misaki looks for a trip takedown by sweeping a leg. Misaki can't get Bustamante down to the ground. Misaki tries to take Bustamante down. Bustamante blocks the attempt by keeping a solid base. Misaki finds himself out-wrestled, and Bustamante takes control of the grapple. Bustamante is trying to muscle Misaki up against the ropes. Bustamante does it, Misaki is stuck with his back to the ropes. Bustamante looks to sweep a leg in order to execute a sharp trip. Bustamante uses a nice inside leg trip and Misaki is forced to pull guard! Bustamante begins trying to pass guard and get a better position. Misaki finds his opponent too skilled, and Bustamante passes guard into side control. Looking to catch his breath, Bustamante is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body. Bustamante blocks Misaki as he tries a transition to guard. Bustamante looks to get a mount. Bustamante shows his ground skills and slips to mount. Bustamante fires away with punches, but Misaki doesn't take any undue damage. Misaki tries a sweep from the bottom of the mount, but doesn't budge Bustamante. Bustamante pounds away and Misaki eats a few big strikes. Bustamante pounds away and Misaki eats a few big strikes. Bustamante pounds away, but Misaki calmly deals with them. Misaki tries to sweep Bustamante out of mount but can't do it. Bustamante pounds away with rights but fails to land any significant blows. Misaki tries to turn over and sweep Bustamante, but rolls too far and gives up his back! Bustamante increases his control by getting both hooks in. With both hooks in and therefore great control of the body, Bustamante tries to finish Misaki off with a rear naked choke. Misaki defends himself well against the choke. Bustamante keeps both hooks, despite Misaki trying to pull them apart. Bustamante fires away with punches, but does little in the way of damage. Misaki manages to pull free of the hooks, but still has Bustamante on his back. Bustamante fires away with punches, but Misaki doesn't take any undue damage. Misaki tries to turn over and sweep Bustamante but can't do it. Misaki does well to block an attempt to apply a body triangle. Bustamante doesn't look like he has much left in the tank. Misaki tries to turn over and sweep Bustamante but can't do it. Bustamante tries to get a body triangle applied but can't quite manage it. Misaki tries to move Bustamante off his back but can't. Bustamante pounds away with rights but fails to land any significant blows. The time runs out on round one.

Round 2

It's the final round and we are back underway! A tired Bustamante moves forward, looking for a takedown. Misaki sprawls brilliantly, not only preventing the takedown but pushing Bustamante down onto his hands and knees. Misaki pounds away, landing several great shots that rock Bustamante! Turtled up, Bustamante takes a short knee strike to the side of the head. Misaki pounds away, but is unable to land many clean shots on Bustamante. Misaki pounds away on Bustamante, landing several good shots in the process. Misaki pounds away, but is unable to land many clean shots. Misaki pounds away with right hands, but doesn't really do a great deal of damage. Misaki unloads with big rights, but Bustamante covers up well. Turtled up, Bustamante takes a short knee strike to the side of the head. We go past the halfway point of this round. Misaki hits a knee to the side of the head. Misaki prepares to throw a knee strike, but can't keep control of Bustamante who is able to spring back up. Misaki is definitely slowing, his gas tank is being challenged here. Misaki looked like he was about to shoot, but Bustamante stepped in fast and started a clinch. Bustamante is looking to muscle Misaki back against the ropes. Misaki ends up backed against the ropes. Bustamante keeps Misaki up against the ropes with wrestling, then uses a hard foot stomp. Bustamante attempts a trip to put Misaki on the ground. It's unsuccessful, Misaki maintained a good solid base. Misaki may have stopped the takedown but he is having less luck getting away from the ropes. With Misaki stuck against the ropes, Bustamante tries to use a trip takedown. Misaki stops the attempted trip, then uses his wrestling to take control of the grapple and put Bustamante against the ropes. With the ropes trapping Bustamante, Misaki looks for a trip takedown. Misaki doesn't get the trip, Bustamante instead wrestles his way into controlling the grapple. Misaki is breathing very hard. Bustamante looks to sweep a leg in order to execute a sharp trip. He executes an outside leg trip, sweeping Misaki to the mat where he pulls guard! From the looks of things, I don't think Bustamante has much energy left. Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.

Here come the official decisions.

All three judges have Misaki down as the winner. Making Kazuo 'The Hitman' Misaki the winner by unanimous decision!

Official Result: Kazuo Misaki def. Murilo Bustamante by Unanimous Decision.

Welterweight Bout

Renzo Gracie (13-6-1-1 NC, 3-4-1 PRIDE) vs. Yuki Kondo (46-19-6)

The co-main event is up next. Renzo Gracie (11-5-2, 0-2 PRIDE) takes on Yuki Kondo (46-19-6, 1-6 PRIDE) in the PRIDE Welterweight division. The referee is Yuji Shimada.

Round 1

The fight begins! The fighters touch gloves. Kondo hits a left jab and then hits a nice straight right that lands hard. Gracie shoots in for a takedown. Gracie can't get past the sprawl of Kondo and gets pushed down onto his hands and knees instead. Kondo hits a sharp kick to the body. Gracie rolls over onto his back. Gracie waits for a kick to come in, then quickly scrambles back up. Kondo steps in and grapples with his opponent. Kondo tries to wrestle Gracie backward and up against the ropes. Kondo achieves it, pinning Gracie to the ropes. With Gracie stuck against the ropes, Kondo tries to complete a takedown by going low and grabbing both legs. Kondo can't get Gracie down to the ground. Gracie can't seem to work his way free though. With the ropes trapping Gracie, Kondo looks to try and take him down by going low and taking out both legs. Kondo can't get Gracie down to the ground. Kondo looks for a takedown by grabbing both his opponent's legs and trying to trip him to the mat. Gracie blocks the attempt by keeping a solid base. Kondo looks for a takedown by grabbing both his opponent's legs and trying to trip him to the mat. Gracie stops the takedown attempt, then uses his wrestling to take control of the grapple and put Kondo against the ropes. Gracie tries dirty boxing, but Kondo out-wrestles him and switches them around so that he is in the dominant position. Kondo tries a foot stomp, but Gracie seizes the chance to create some space and break free. Taking a few gulps of breath, Gracie is giving the first hint that he is starting to tire a touch. Taking a few gulps of breath, Kondo is giving the first hint that he is starting to tire a touch. Gracie chooses to shoot in on Kondo. Gracie can't get past the sprawl of Kondo and gets pushed down onto his hands and knees instead. Kondo pounds away, but Gracie calmly deals with them. Gracie gets back to his feet but Kondo allows no separation at all and has control of the resulting clinch. Kondo uses a nice knee strike from the grapple and catches Gracie to the side of the stomach. We are now at the halfway point of the round. Kondo is trying to muscle Gracie up against the ropes. Gracie out-wrestles him though. Gracie attempts a leg-sweep trip to put Kondo on the ground. An outside leg trip sweeps Kondo down to the ground where he is left on his back under side control! Gracie pounds away on Kondo, but few of the shots lands clean. Gracie blocks Kondo as he tries a transition to guard. Gracie pounds away, but is unable to land many clean shots. Gracie is looking really tired. Gracie blocks Kondo as he tries a transition to guard. Gracie pounds away but Kondo deals with the blows fairly easily. Kondo tries to move to guard, but Gracie doesn't allow it. Gracie throws a few right hands, but is mainly trying to catch his breath. Gracie pounds away with rights but fails to land any significant blows. Gracie blocks Kondo as he tries a transition to guard. In side control, Gracie catches his breath, content just to throw a couple of punches to the body. In side control, Gracie catches his breath, content just to throw a couple of punches to the body. Kondo tries to pull guard on Gracie but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. The lengthy period of stalemate results in the referee standing them both back up. Kondo is definitely slowing, his gas tank is being challenged here. There's a ragged-looking takedown attempt from a visibly tired Gracie. Kondo stops the takedown with a great sprawl. He steps away to safety. Gracie gets in close and clinches with Kondo. The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

Round 2

There's the bell and the final round begins! There's a ragged-looking takedown attempt from a visibly tired Gracie. Kondo partially defends it and ends up hopping on one foot while Gracie has a hold of the other. Unable to complete the takedown, Gracie instead pushes Kondo up against the ropes. Breathing very hard, Kondo is looking ragged. Gracie looks to set up a trip takedown. Kondo stops the attempted trip, then uses his wrestling to take control of the grapple and put Gracie against the ropes. Kondo looks to sweep a leg out from under Gracie so as to take him down with a trip. Gracie stops the attempted trip, then uses his wrestling to take control of the grapple and put Kondo against the ropes. Gracie attempts a trip to put Kondo on the ground. The trip doesn't work, Kondo blocked it and then turns it so that Gracie is the one against the ropes. With Gracie stuck against the ropes, Kondo tries to reap a leg with a sharp sweep in order to trip him to the floor. A great inside leg trip sees Gracie get thrown to the mat and Kondo is left in guard. Kondo throws a few relatively weak right hands. Kondo throws a few strikes, but is clearly slowing things down so that he can think. Gracie tries to sweep Kondo but doesn't get anywhere. Kondo begins trying to pass guard and get a better position. Kondo passes to side control, but doesn't have time to secure the position before Gracie starts scrambling. Gracie looks very, very tired. Gracie ends up pushing down on Kondo who is facing him in turtle position. Sensing a knee strike about to be thrown, Kondo scoots backward quickly and springs to his feet. Seeing his opponent about to shoot in, Kondo timed it well and moved in to start a clinch. Using his wrestling skills, Kondo is trying to push Gracie up against the ropes. He does so and now has Gracie pinned to the ropes. With Gracie stuck against the ropes, Kondo tries to reap a leg with a sharp sweep in order to trip him to the floor. Gracie stops the attempted trip, then uses his wrestling to take control of the grapple and put Kondo against the ropes. With Kondo stuck against the ropes, Gracie tries to reap a leg with a sharp sweep in order to trip him to the floor. Kondo blocks the attempted trip and turns Gracie around so that he has his back to the ropes. Kondo looks like he is on the verge of exhaustion. Kondo looks for a takedown by grabbing both his opponent's legs and trying to trip him to the mat. It's unsuccessful, Gracie maintained a good solid base. Kondo ducks down and grabs a leg. Gracie remains standing, using the ropes for support, but is under threat of a takedown now. Kondo uses the single leg to drag Gracie to the ground. He gets caught in guard though. The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.

The ring announcer is now giving the official decisions.

All three judges have given the victory to Kondo. Yuki Kondo is the winner by unanimous decision!

Official Result: Yuki Kondo def. Renzo Gracie by Unanimous Decision.

Middleweight Bout

Kazushi Sakuraba (11-5-2, 0-2 PRIDE) vs. Royce Gracie (13-2, 0-1 PRIDE)

It's time for the main event of the evening! 'The Gracie Hunter' Kazushi Sakuraba (11-5-2, 0-2 PRIDE) goes head to head with Royce Gracie (13-2, 0-1 PRIDE) in the PRIDE Middleweight division. John McCarthy is the referee for this fight.

Round 1

There's the opening bell! Sakuraba aggressively moves in and grapples with Gracie. Sakuraba attempts to pick Gracie up for a slam. He gets Gracie up! Sakuraba slams him down, ending up in guard. Sakuraba tries to pound on Gracie, but none of the blows land with any degree of power. Gracie tries a sweep from the bottom of the guard, but doesn't budge Sakuraba. In guard, Sakuraba throws a couple of punches designed to keep Gracie guessing. Sakuraba blocks Gracie as he tries a sweep from the guard. For the moment Sakuraba is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body. Sakuraba fires off a few punches. Sakuraba doesn't let Gracie pull him in close to be smothered. Sakuraba throws a few left hands to the body. Sakuraba doesn't allow Gracie to lock him up with double underhooks. Referee John McCarthy decides that there is a lack of progress being made and stands them back up. Sakuraba comes in, looking for a takedown. Sakuraba gets hold of a leg but Gracie remains standing, hopping on the other foot. Sakuraba can't get Gracie down and so settles for pushing him up against the ropes. Sakuraba looks for a takedown by grabbing both his opponent's legs and trying to trip him to the mat. He gets the takedown. Gracie gives up his back off the takedown. Sakuraba increases his control by getting both hooks in. With both hooks in, Sakuraba tries to flatten Gracie out for the rear naked choke. Gracie defends himself well against the choke. Gracie struggles against Sakuraba but cannot get himself free from the hooks. With both hooks in and therefore great control of the body, Sakuraba tries to finish Gracie off with a rear naked choke. Gracie doesn't allow the arm to go under his chin. Gracie tries to improve his chances of survival by breaking free of the hooks, but they're too tight. Sakuraba fires away with punches, but Gracie doesn't take any undue damage. Sakuraba fires off some lefts, but Gracie isn't troubled by them. Gracie struggles against Sakuraba but cannot get himself free from the hooks. Sakuraba unloads with big lefts and lands a few powerful shots. Sakuraba fires away with punches but only a few actually find their way through. Sakuraba fires off some lefts, but Gracie isn't troubled by them. Gracie improves his chances of survival by breaking free of the hooks. Gracie prevents Sakuraba from getting his hooks in. Gracie tries to move Sakuraba off his back but can't. Gracie is in increasing trouble, as Sakuraba gets both hooks in. With both hooks in and therefore great control of the body, Sakuraba tries to finish Gracie off with a rear naked choke. Gracie fights off the rear naked choke attempt. Gracie tries to improve his chances of survival by breaking free of the hooks, but they're too tight. Sakuraba pounds away with left hands, but doesn't do much damage. The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

Round 2

And here we go, one last round! Sakuraba looked like he was about to shoot, but Gracie stepped in fast and started a clinch. Gracie tries to use a trip takedown. Gracie can't get the trip, as Sakuraba wrestles his way into a dominant position. With control of the clinch, Sakuraba tries to complete a takedown. He gets a big takedown and he manages to get side control as a result. Sakuraba attempts the mount. Sakuraba struggles but cannot mount Gracie. Gracie tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. Sakuraba tries to pound on Gracie, but none of the blows land with any degree of power. Sakuraba blocks Gracie as he tries a transition to guard. Sakuraba tries to pound on Gracie, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with. Gracie tries to pull guard on Sakuraba but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. Sakuraba attempts to kimura Gracie from side control. Gracie doesn't allow the kimura to be applied. Gracie looks very tired out there. Gracie tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. Sakuraba pounds away, but Gracie calmly deals with them. Sakuraba blocks an attempt to pull guard. The lengthy period of stalemate results in the referee standing them both back up. Sakuraba is slowing just a little as he starts to get into the gas tank a bit. Sakuraba looked like he was about to shoot, but Gracie stepped in fast and started a clinch. Gracie looks to take Sakuraba down with a trip. Gracie doesn't get the trip, Sakuraba instead wrestles his way into controlling the grapple. Sakuraba tries to reap a leg with a sharp sweep in order to trip him to the floor. An outside leg trip sweeps Gracie down to the ground where he is left on his back pulling half guard! Sakuraba unloads with some left hands, but Gracie deals with them comfortably. Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.

The judges have given their decisions, which are about to be announced. All three judges have given the victory to Sakuraba.

The winner, by unanimous decision, is 'The Gracie Hunter' Kazushi Sakuraba!

Official Result: Kazushi Sakuraba def. Royce Gracie by Unanimous Decision.

PRIDE 35: Renaissance

Date: July 14, 2007

Venue: Saitama Super Arena

Local: Saitama, Japan

Attendance: 16,716

Gate: 4,339,474

Critical Rating: 64%

Commercial Rating: 92%

Main Card

Middleweight Bout: Kazushi Sakuraba def. Royce Gracie by Unanimous Decision.

Welterweight Bout: Yuki Kondo def. Renzo Gracie by Unanimous Decision.

Welterweight Bout: Kazuo Misaki def. Murilo Bustamante by Unanimous Decision.

Middleweight Bout: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira def. Vladmir Matyushenko by Unanimous Decision.

Middleweight Bout: Ikuhisa Minowa def. Yoshihiro Akiyama by Unanimous Decision.

Preliminary Card

Welterweight Bout: Dan Hornbuckle def. Akihiro Gono by KO (Punch) in 2:48 of Round 2.

Lightweight Bout: Daisuke Nakamura def. Kazuyuki Miyata by Unanimous Decision.

Welterweight Bout: Makoto Takimoto def. Ralek Gracie by Unanimous Decision.

Lightweight Bout: David Baron def. Masakazu Imanari by Unanimous Decision.

POST FIGHT

Sakakibara evaluated the card, despite many decisions, as a good return. And he hopes that next Sunday’s card will be even better.

Also according to Sakakibara, the event had a good commercial return and with people watching the event around the world.

Sakuraba thanked the fans who came to watch his fight and said that Gracie is a legend, and that winning him again was incredible.

Royce said that Sakuraba was better tonight and wants to fight more often, as he felt exhausted quickly and that with a sequence of fights he could perform better.

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PREDICTIONS

Cagerage: (2-7)

vladjarca: (4-5)

kinnikuniverse: (4-5)

kinnikuniverse · December 28, 2020

Damn, the Lightweight GP looks STACKED!! Also, how did you manage to convince Fedor to compete in the heavyweight GP when his brother is also competing? Wouldn't it lead to a conflict of interest?

Anyways, that card was pretty good! A lot of fights went the distance, but overall, some solid grappling action! And gono getting KO by hornbuckle really was a surprise!

rodrigoviolim · December 28, 2020

Damn, the Lightweight GP looks STACKED!! Also, how did you manage to convince Fedor to compete in the heavyweight GP when his brother is also competing? Wouldn't it lead to a conflict of interest?

Anyways, that card was pretty good! A lot of fights went the distance, but overall, some solid grappling action! And gono getting KO by hornbuckle really was a surprise!

Heyyy kinnikuniverse!!

The GP Lightweight is of better quality than the Heavyeight, in relation to fighters of the world ranking, but I believe that they will be two great tournaments.

In relation to Fedor and Aleksander, they already competed in the 2006 openweight GP and if they face each other in the final, as they are each in a bracket, they will have to compete, part of it hehehe

I expect more fights to be finished, but, I thought that besides Hornbuckle, Takimoto also surprised me, I thought Ralek would win ...

I think the next card, the GP card, will have more fights closed before the decision.

thanks for commenting!

rodrigoviolim · December 28, 2020

by Sean Smith

Tomorrow PRIDE GP 2007 starts and this year we will have two grand prix with the divisions, Heavyweight and Lightweight. Blurcat.com will preview the fighters and what to expect for these two tournaments that will end in December at Final Conflict 2007.

TOP 3 Favorites

Heavyweights: Certainly many experts point out, Fedor Emelianenko (27-1-1 NC, 14-0-1 NC PRIDE) as the big favorite among Heavyweights. As a former PRIDE champion, he will already enter the quarter-finals of the tournament and this can facilitate his path to the title. Another favor pointed out by our team is Josh Barnett (23-5, 5-4 PRIDE). Barnett despite 5-4 in his PRIDE record, his losses went to top contenders Mirko Crocop (3x) and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, in a rematch as Barnett had beaten him. As the third favorite, we chose Sergei Kharitonov (15-4, 8-3 PRIDE). With victories Semmy Schilt, Murilo "Ninja", Pedro Rizzo and Fabricio Werdum, the Russian who has a great knockout power may surprise and will have the chance of a rematch against two opponents who have already defeated him: Aleksander Emelianenko and Alistair Overeem.

Lightweights: As in Heavyweights, Takanori Gomi (27-3-1 NC, 13-1-1 NC PRIDE) is the favorite fighter for the title. His impressive performances that earned him the title in 2005 and can happen again in 2007. The second choice is Shinya Aoki (13-2, 4-0 PRIDE). Aoki is one of the greatest athletes on the ground today, his submissions are varied and can take him to the title of the GP. And our third choice was Hayato Sakurai (30-7-2, 8-3 PRIDE). The experienced fighter can use his vast experience to advance in the tournament and perhaps win the title, which he almost won in 2005.

The Underdog

Heavyweights: Despite not being considered a favorite, Bob Sapp can use his strength and size to surprise opponents in the GP. The memorable fight against 'Big Nog' shows that despite lacking technique, his power can make a difference.

Lightweights: The underdog in this tournament is 'Kid' Yamamoto. With only one defeat in his cartel, Yamamoto comes from a great sequence under the banner of HERO´S and arrives at PRIDE to compete in a higher division than he normally competes. He has potential, but it would be a big surprise to see him with the title.

Debutants: Among the heavyweights, the Korean giant, Hong Man Choi and Roy Nelson will make their debut for PRIDE FC. Among the lightweights, we will have six debutants: Antonio McKee, Caol Uno, Eddie Alvarez, Gesias Cavalcante, Norifumi Yamamoto and Vitor Ribeiro.

The Undefeated: Soon many would imagine that it is Fedor, Gomi or some other big star, but the only undefeated in the race that disputes the GP is Hong Man Choi who has only one fight as a professional and has a victory.

The Undefeateds in PRIDE:When the subject has already entered the PRIDE specifically, the list increases. Among heavyweights we have two unbeaten: Fedor Emelianenko with 14-0-1 NC and Jeff Monson with only 1-0. In the lightweights only Shinya Aoki with 4-0, is the one who never lost in the PRIDE ring.

BRACKETS

Today also PRIDE announced the tournament brackets.

Check out the duels yet to be announced on the card. The expectation is that the order of the fights will be revealed on the day of weigh-in.

rodrigoviolim · December 28, 2020

PRIDE TOTAL ELIMINATION 2007 WEIGH-IN RESULTS: ALL FIGHTERS MAKE WEIGHT

by Sean Smith

Today the official weigh-in for PRIDE: Total Elimination 2007 took place. The first round of Heavyweights and Lightweights tournaments takes place.

The order of the fights had not yet been announced by the organization, however at the official weigh-in this morning, the fighters were called to balance according to the order in which the card will take place.

The main event of the evening will be in charge of Hidehiko Yoshida and Bob Sapp. Yoshida, an Olympic judoka, currently comes from two defeats in PRIDE, against Mirko Crocop and James Thmpson. Bob Sapp comes at a better stage than his opponent. In a sequence of three victories, all finished in the first round.

The rest of the card also reached the combined weight.

The show will take place at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. It will broadcast by ESPN Africa, Eurosport Russia, SkySports 2, NHK, Polsat Sport, Fox Sports Asia, CBS Sports Network, ESPN Latin America and Fox Sports Australia. The card will also cover Blurcat.com's play by play with "The Voice" Matt Edwards and Daniel Tuxford.

PRIDE: Total Elimination 2007

Date: July 21, 2007

Venue: Saitama Super Arena

Local: Saitama, Japan

Main Card

Heavyweight Bout: Hidehiko Yoshida (225 lbs) vs. Bob Sapp (265 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Hayato Sakurai (160 lbs) vs. Dokonjonosuke Mishima (155 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Alistair Overeem (245 lbs) vs. Gary Goodridge (245 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Shinya Aoki (160 lbs) vs. Antonio McKee (160 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Josh Barnett (265 lbs) vs. Jeff Monson (265 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Tatsuya Kawajiri (160 lbs) vs. Gesias Cavalcante (160 lbs)

Preliminary Card

Heavyweight Bout: Mark Hunt (265 lbs) vs. Hong Man Choi (265 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Joachin Hansen (160 lbs) vs. Mitsuhiro Ishida (155 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Kevin Randleman (235 lbs) vs. Gilbert Yvel (235 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Norifumi Yamamoto (155 lbs) vs. Caol Uno (160 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Aleksander Emelianenko (255 lbs) vs. Kazuyuki Fujita (240 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Vitor Ribeiro (160 lbs) vs. Eddie Alvarez (160 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Sergei Kharitonov (260 lbs) vs. Roy Nelson (265 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Cristiano Marcello (160 lbs) vs. Charles Bennett (160 lbs)

MAKE YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR THIS CARD

CageRage · December 28, 2020

RIDE: Total Elimination 2007

Date: July 21, 2007

Venue: Saitama Super Arena

Local: Saitama, Japan

Main Card

Heavyweight Bout: Hidehiko Yoshida (225 lbs) vs. Bob Sapp (265 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Hayato Sakurai (160 lbs) vs. Dokonjonosuke Mishima (155 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Alistair Overeem (245 lbs) vs. Gary Goodridge (245 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Shinya Aoki (160 lbs) vs. Antonio McKee (160 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Josh Barnett (265 lbs) vs. Jeff Monson (265 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Tatsuya Kawajiri (160 lbs) vs. Gesias Cavalcante (160 lbs)

Preliminary Card

Heavyweight Bout: Mark Hunt (265 lbs) vs. Hong Man Choi (265 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Joachin Hansen (160 lbs) vs. Mitsuhiro Ishida (155 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Kevin Randleman (235 lbs) vs. Gilbert Yvel (235 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Norifumi Yamamoto (155 lbs) vs. Caol Uno (160 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Aleksander Emelianenko (255 lbs) vs. Kazuyuki Fujita (240 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Vitor Ribeiro (160 lbs) vs. Eddie Alvarez (160 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Sergei Kharitonov (260 lbs) vs. Roy Nelson (265 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Cristiano Marcello (160 lbs) vs. Charles Bennett (160 lbs)

kinnikuniverse · December 28, 2020

PRIDE: Total Elimination 2007

Date: July 21, 2007

Venue: Saitama Super Arena

Local: Saitama, Japan

Main Card

Heavyweight Bout: Hidehiko Yoshida (225 lbs) vs. Bob Sapp (265 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Hayato Sakurai (160 lbs) vs. Dokonjonosuke Mishima (155 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Alistair Overeem (245 lbs) vs. Gary Goodridge (245 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Shinya Aoki (160 lbs) vs. Antonio McKee (160 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Josh Barnett (265 lbs) vs. Jeff Monson (265 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Tatsuya Kawajiri (160 lbs) vs. Gesias Cavalcante (160 lbs)

Yeah, big reach, but i love kawajiri, i can't leave my homeboy behind!

Preliminary Card

Heavyweight Bout: Mark Hunt (265 lbs) vs. Hong Man Choi (265 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Joachin Hansen (160 lbs) vs. Mitsuhiro Ishida (155 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Kevin Randleman (235 lbs) vs. Gilbert Yvel (235 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Norifumi Yamamoto (155 lbs) vs. Caol Uno (160 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Aleksander Emelianenko (255 lbs) vs. Kazuyuki Fujita (240 lbs)

in everyone of my WMMA 5 games, Fujita is an unbeatable monster. That made me fear him.

Lightweight Bout: Vitor Ribeiro (160 lbs) vs. Eddie Alvarez (160 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Sergei Kharitonov (260 lbs) vs. Roy Nelson (265 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Cristiano Marcello (160 lbs) vs. Charles Bennett (160 lbs)

vladjarca · December 29, 2020

Main Card

Heavyweight Bout: Hidehiko Yoshida (225 lbs) vs. Bob Sapp (265 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Hayato Sakurai (160 lbs) vs. Dokonjonosuke Mishima (155 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Alistair Overeem (245 lbs) vs. Gary Goodridge (245 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Shinya Aoki (160 lbs) vs. Antonio McKee (160 lbs)

Heavyweight Bout: Josh Barnett (265 lbs) vs. Jeff Monson (265 lbs)

Lightweight Bout: Tatsuya Kawajiri (160 lbs) vs. Gesias Cavalcante (160 lbs)