Idea for UFC

[Slapjit]

They could test it out with Power Slap now that they've got a legit HW prospect in Buu-Chin aka Slap Jung Un

 

[TheDon555]

remember when the UFC they were going to run PRIDE concurrently after the purchase?

Yea and I’ll forever be bummed out they didn’t follow up with that

 

[TheDon555]

Since when does the UFC do an annual Japan event? That's not a thing.

Don’t they? Its just not a numbered event but thought they do a yearly fight night. Whatever tho even if they don’t they should, and Pride style lol

 

[TheDon555]

I know other promotions still go back and forth between ring and cage but sticking to the octagon is worth it for the consistency

Well it would just be a one off event whenever they go to Japan and its not like they have to have a title on the line for the main event. The event would sell itself

 

[TheDon555]

Would be cool, but I thought Japan was ultra nationalistic. They don't really support UFC because it's an American company, even if it's referencing their history. Not just that, but I'm guessing there would be some issue having a ring instead of a cage?

Whatever reason, doesn't seem like UFC has tried to do much in Japan for whatever reason.

My only guess for the UFC not pursuing that market aggressively would be the Yakuza influence. I mean they go after every other market balls to the wall. UK, Australia, China, Mexico (Lopes getting another title shot and almost putting Yair in for one before that) there’s no other reason they shouldn’t be going in full force in Japan

 

[BFoe]

Don’t they? Its just not a numbered event but thought they do a yearly fight night. Whatever tho even if they don’t they should, and Pride style lol

I don’t think they’ve had an event in Japan in like 8 years lol.

 

[humdizzle]

i dont think most fighters would want to go to japan. its expensive and time consuming to get your whole team over there. Plus im not sure how bad the taxes are there ( i know its bad when guys go to australia / europe ).

Most fighters prefer the US and Middle East events due to the tax savings and convenience.

BUT a japanese event would be good for flyweights. Especially with Van, Taira, and Horiguchi being in the mix

 

[Killer Kadoogan]

Yea and I’ll forever be bummed out they didn’t follow up with that

me too, had my hopes up and everything, only for them to backtrack like a month later

 

[Tweak896]

My only guess for the UFC not pursuing that market aggressively would be the Yakuza influence. I mean they go after every other market balls to the wall. UK, Australia, China, Mexico (Lopes getting another title shot and almost putting Yair in for one before that) there’s no other reason they shouldn’t be going in full force in Japan

It's just been over 10 years since the last card in 2015 according to AI. I really last remember the Hunt vs Nelson card. Really crazy how they quietly exited the MMA market in Japan completely. Maybe you're right Yakuza got involved.