Why Did Pancrase Never Become As Popular As Pride?

[MiroHa]

but the rules back then made it a grappling/leg lock match with slapping, Pride was real fighting, Pancrase was not. Also Pride didn't start until 97.

I don't disagree, in my opinion Pride had the greatest ruleset and I prefer the ring even though it has its flaws. I still consider Pancrase to be MMA although some people disagree.

 

[Kick Strickland]

I always wondered why RINGS wasn't bigger, too.