Trades Between Pride and the UFC

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

Let's pretend that Pride and the UFC could trade fighters. The terms of the deal are: 1 fighter permanently stays in the opposite organization and that fighter cannot be a champion. 2 other fighters get a 3 fight deal and then it's back to the host organization. It has to be a balanced trade btw. Who would you choose and why?

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

Okey Dokie. The purpose of this thread is basically: Who would you like to see fight in the other organization? Who would benefit from having a particular fighter and why?

 

Heith Herring for Ricco Rodriguez

Bob Sapp for Tito Ortiz

Dan Henderson for Carlos Newton

 

Why?

 

Herring for Rodriguez

 

The UFC Heavyweight division is a mess - Herring would be a godsend. He has the look and he has the skills - a highly marketable fighter. He took out Tom Erikson so I doubt Tim Sylvia would be any different. Have the first two fights be tomato cans - just to establish his skills and have the last fight be for the title. That way, he'd stay with the UFC and continue on until a loss.

 

Rodriguez vs. Nogueira would be a very interesting (and fun) fight to watch as both men are fantastic on the mat.

 

Rodriguez - former UFC champion - for Herring on paper would benefit Pride more because they get a higher ranked fighter - but the potential in a superstar for the UFC is greater. The deal is even.

 

Sapp for Tito

 

Tito vs. Silva is one of the most anticipated rematches out there and is the question on all fight fans' minds (that, and Chuck vs. Tito). Tito in the ring vs. Silva is different than their previous match in the cage. Silva's sprawl is 100x's better than it was before, so Tito would have a difficult time taking him down (if Henderson couldn't, Tito can't.) Plus, the ring doesn't allow for the GnP strategy that Tito employs. Tito has improved immensely however in nearly all facets of his fight game and Silva is Silva.

 

Sapp is a monster... Nuff said. The UFC could use the freak show element to draw attention and Bob Sapp would be it. Sapp vs. Mir? Sapp vs. Couture? Sapp vs. Magee? Sapp is more popular in Japan than Tito is in America, but they mean the same for each organization and it would be a big loss.. but the gains are even greater.

 

Henderson for Newton.

 

Newton is having trouble in the UFC - he is a great fighter but Matt Hughes is unstoppable at the moment. A stint in Pride would be perfect for him. Sak vs. Newton 2 would rock the house.

 

Henderson vs. Linland is just a perfect match and would be very exciting to watch IMO.

 

Henderson for Newton - both are great fighters but Newton is a lot more exciting - pride would get the best of this deal but not by a lot because the potential henderson/linland match would be great to watch.