Go
 
 
 
UFC on Twitter UFC on Facebook

Clique ID

Join Now for Free Learn More
Loading ...

Blog

CavemanJesus's Blog

Culture Clash, UFC in Japan the true Shockwave

July 21, 2009

Culture club's "I'll tumble for you", Clash's "Rock the Cashba".

In the Beginning, there was beer.............. Anyway UFC is trying to get in Japan once again, the Second if not the Largest market in MMA. How will they do this time around? The 1st time they went was in 1997 with UFC Japan: Ultimate Japan, and haven't been there since.

2007 UFC buys out PRIDE fighting championship, not because they went bankrupt. But because they were being funded by the Yakuza(Japanese Mafia), and lost their television deal(too bad). Afterward the former runners of Pride became DREAM which is also a part of K-1 HERO's(now a defunct promotion). But now UFC wants to get into their market and maybe do a show or two in JAPAN.

But here's the problem, how will UFC compete in Japan. True they will have their fighters on the cards as usual, but how will they fight. In Japan no elbows are allowed, no exceptions to anyone. How will UFC take this? Will they try to implement Elbows when it is clearly banned from their(Japan) fighting system. Will UFC try to negotiate some kind of deal/terms keeping their own rules. Will they follow Japan's Choice of a ring instead of the Octagon that UFC is famous for? Would UFC implement Japans style of Kicks to the head, knees to a downed opponent?

When Pride came to USA in 2006 for Pride 32: the Real Deal, they had to change all their rules completely in order to fight in the states. They took out Knees & Kicks to a downed opponent from that night, and it was sort of boring. They still use their Ring, but all other rules had to be thrown out by the NSAC(nevada state athletic commission). Will UFC follow suit with Japans, no elbows, and no Octagon?

Currently Japan has several promotions out, Sengoku, DREAM, M-1 sometimes. Will they allow UFC to enter without cross-promoting? I know that the Japanese fans would kie to see their fighters pit against the UFC's best.

Eventhough this has nothing to do with this, but would the Yakuza even let the UFC in Japan after buying out their MMA moneymaker(PRIDE FC). Tell me your thoughts. Can the UFC win the Biggest MMA market out there. Will they compremise finally, or will they just say forget Japan altogether.

Want to Leave a Comment?

14 Comments (Showing 1-6 of 14)

  • Photo of AsimpleMan AsimpleMan
    AsimpleMan
    Male, 27
    rocky mount, North Carolina
    Status
    Just Joined
    Comments So Far
    69
    Last Updated
    11/22/09
    Posted 8 months ago by AsimpleMan

    I do not see the UFC returning to Japan it would like if Burger King owned a country and only Burger sold burgers there and a Carl Jr. came in and asked if they could sell burgers. The answer would be a resounding NO why let the competition jut walk in. I think the UFC should work at a establishing a good relationship with Dream in the hopes that they can trade out fighters but they shouldnt try to become a part of their market.

  • Photo of CavemanJesus CavemanJesus
    CavemanJesus
    Male
    Status
    "The Machida Error" has enduced my take on MYCOXAFLOPIN.
    Comments So Far
    3881
    Last Updated
    03/08/10
    Posted 8 months ago by CavemanJesus

    the Yakuza Japan's Organized Crime Family, hence Japanese Mafia. Like the Triads in China & all over the world. The Yakuza were funding Pride. After some deals went south, and after Pride 34, Pride president Sold it too Zuffa. Lorenzo wanted to keep Pride running with some of UFC stars to fight Pride's stars like a Afl-Nfl merger. But Dana wanted to bring them all to UFC stated that he believes that Japan doesn't really want them(Dana White) there. So they sold Pride for an undisclosed sum(maybe 50 million who knows), and created DREAM after everyone in Pride worldwide were laidoff.

  • Photo of Dr_Octagon Dr_Octagon
    Dr_Octagon
    Male, 37
    Temecula, CA
    Status
    Trying 2 offer substance
    Comments So Far
    1574
    Last Updated
    03/13/10
    Posted 8 months ago by Dr_Octagon

    Interesting blog. I would like to read more details about Pride losing their TV rights in Japan for being tied with the Yakuza, and after losing their rights why would UFC buy them out? If the Yakuza has any pull, and they are who you portray them to be (Japanese Mafia) then UFC will have no problem getting into Japan. The mafia, in all countries, respect one thing...MONEY! I don't think the UFC should sacrifice their rules in an attempt to rush into Japan.

  • Photo of ton8e1 ton8e1
    ton8e1
    Male
    Status
    my opinions are my own and to each their own
    Comments So Far
    1038
    Last Updated
    03/11/10
    Posted 8 months ago by ton8e1

    if the japanese laws clash with the ufc rules, then i say don't bother... to much of a hassle and not good for the fighters. no cage? no elbows? i say forget the idea, if ufc management is actually thinking about compromise!

  • Photo of Jade7 Jade7
    Jade7
    Female, 19
    Status
    Just Joined
    Comments So Far
    202
    Last Updated
    03/05/10
    Posted 8 months ago by Jade7

    I think the UFC would have to stick with the octagon- it's such a symbol of the organization- but I imagine they would not contest the no-elbows ruling. I don't see them allowing kicks to downed opponents either, just because of a fighter safety issue, but it would be something to see Shogun and Wandy back in their old form with head stomps and soccer kicks! I really hope that the UFC can stage an event in Japan- it would help build the sport, and the Japanese fans seem really dedicated.

  • Photo of remybonjasky15 remybonjasky15
    remybonjasky15
    Male, 32
    los banos, CA
    Status
    Just Joined
    Comments So Far
    6
    Last Updated
    07/22/09
    Posted 8 months ago by remybonjasky15

    CRAZY YOU GOT THE ITALIAN MAFIA IN DANA CORNER YOU GOT THE YAKUZA IN JAPAN THEN OVER THERE WITH FEDOR WE GOT THE RUSSAIN MAFIA.I THINK WE GOT A MOVIE HERE GENTLEMAN. THE UNTOUCHABLES PART 2.

 
   Official Information
 Press Information
Tickets
Advertise With Us
Newsletter Sign Up
Become An Affiliate
Technical Requirements



 Customer Support
 UFC Vault
UFC Store
TUF Store
UFC Store - EU
UFC Fight Club
UFC Fantasy
Mobile Products Help
FAQ
Contact Us
 Partner Sites
 WEC
Pride FC
UFC Video Game
Bring MMA to New York
Bring MMA to Massachusetts
Gib MMA in Deutschland Deine Stimme
 Community
 UFC Fight Club
UFC Community
Forum
Widgets
UFC on Twitter
UFC on Facebook
Dana White on Twitter
 UFC Video
 UFC Vault
UFC On Demand
UFC Mobile
Xbox
Zune
PlayStation
iTunes
 Mobile
 TXT Alerts
Wallpapers
Ringtones
Video
iTunes - UFC App
 More UFC Sites
 UFC Fight Club
Community
The Ultimate Fighter
TUF Store
UFCStore.eu
UFC.com - Español
UFC.com - UK
UFC.com - Germany
UFC.com - Japan