Backstage at PRIDE 28
Randy vs. Wanderlei
Masa Fukui Nov 4, 2004
Randy vs. Wanderlei
At his post-fight interview, which has already been posted on the site, I asked Wanderlei if he wants to fight Randy Couture or not. Wanderlei replied, “Yes I’m ready. If I have a chance, I’d like fight Randy. And if I’m fighting him, I’d like to fight him soon. Because he's a bit old. If I don't fight soon, then Randy may retire."
I continued the question, "In that case, if you fight Randy, do you
insist in specific rules?" Wanderlei, answered, "No I don't mind
about the rule. PRIDE will decide it. If PRIDE is happy with it,
I’ll fight in either in America or Japan.”
The way he spoke made me believe he’s very confident about fighting Randy. But, I didn’t miss hearing “PRIDE will decide the rule … and if PRIDE is happy. ... ” Hmm, what does that mean? Is it only me? Do I think too much? Or maybe I just lost it in translation. Well, it’s natural that he likes to fight in PRIDE ring with PRIDE rule because he’s a PRIDE fighter. But does that mean he's not nervous UFC rules at all? To be honest, I don’t think it’ll ever happen, but if Randy vs. Silva is set up, I think the rules are going to be a big factor in who wins.
They both are the best of the best in two different organizations with different rules. (Therefore I don’t agree with the idea that the winner of this fight can unify the belt.) But, just as an MMA fan, I’d love to see this fight. And it won’t happen in either UFC or PRIDE, I assume. So where could this fight could take place? Maybe ... SPORTFIGHT? What do you think? It uses the ring like PRIDE, but the rule is more like UFC isn’t it?
I’ve been hearing SPORTFIGHT is becoming bigger and bigger. MMA fans, make it happen! I'd just love to see those two face each other, competing even in arm wrestling or something. Imagine the stare down before they hustle!
Talking about a Randy vs. Wanderlei fight, PRIDE president Mr. Sakakibara showed up to the interview room after the show and I had a chance to ask him about it. Mr. Sakakibara said that he hoped to bring "Randy to New Years Eve show, I’m thinking more like bringing him to the middleweight tournament, which will be held in next year. We also want Vitor Belfort and Tito Ortiz. And I will start negotiating with UFC very soon.” Does anybody think it’ll happen? Those three top contenders from UFC coming to a PRIDE tourney? Well, we’ll see.
Mr. Sakakibara also, mentioned that “Wanderlei is looking for a heavyweight opponent for New Years Eve show. And if he’s fighting heavyweight, it won’t be just a tune up fight, but a real tough one as he had today.” Who do you want to see him fight?
At his post-fight interview, which has already been posted on the site, I asked Wanderlei if he wants to fight Randy Couture or not. Wanderlei replied, “Yes I’m ready. If I have a chance, I’d like fight Randy. And if I’m fighting him, I’d like to fight him soon. Because he's a bit old. If I don't fight soon, then Randy may retire."
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The way he spoke made me believe he’s very confident about fighting Randy. But, I didn’t miss hearing “PRIDE will decide the rule … and if PRIDE is happy. ... ” Hmm, what does that mean? Is it only me? Do I think too much? Or maybe I just lost it in translation. Well, it’s natural that he likes to fight in PRIDE ring with PRIDE rule because he’s a PRIDE fighter. But does that mean he's not nervous UFC rules at all? To be honest, I don’t think it’ll ever happen, but if Randy vs. Silva is set up, I think the rules are going to be a big factor in who wins.
They both are the best of the best in two different organizations with different rules. (Therefore I don’t agree with the idea that the winner of this fight can unify the belt.) But, just as an MMA fan, I’d love to see this fight. And it won’t happen in either UFC or PRIDE, I assume. So where could this fight could take place? Maybe ... SPORTFIGHT? What do you think? It uses the ring like PRIDE, but the rule is more like UFC isn’t it?
I’ve been hearing SPORTFIGHT is becoming bigger and bigger. MMA fans, make it happen! I'd just love to see those two face each other, competing even in arm wrestling or something. Imagine the stare down before they hustle!
Talking about a Randy vs. Wanderlei fight, PRIDE president Mr. Sakakibara showed up to the interview room after the show and I had a chance to ask him about it. Mr. Sakakibara said that he hoped to bring "Randy to New Years Eve show, I’m thinking more like bringing him to the middleweight tournament, which will be held in next year. We also want Vitor Belfort and Tito Ortiz. And I will start negotiating with UFC very soon.” Does anybody think it’ll happen? Those three top contenders from UFC coming to a PRIDE tourney? Well, we’ll see.
Mr. Sakakibara also, mentioned that “Wanderlei is looking for a heavyweight opponent for New Years Eve show. And if he’s fighting heavyweight, it won’t be just a tune up fight, but a real tough one as he had today.” Who do you want to see him fight?
