PRIDE Gets Serious About Finding a Partner

If it were a personal ad, it might read something like this:

Newcomer to America, with roots in Japan, seeking partnership with a successful mate willing to spend lots of money on glitzy, glamorous events; must love fighting (real, not rehearsed) and loud music; must love cats.

OK, I got carried away with the cat part, but you get the gist.

PRIDE Fighting Championships is seeking a suitor, and it has come to America looking for love. The UFC represents the dating equivalent of a "sure thing." The UFC is the established MMA brand in the U.S. and could use an infusion of new talent. Buying PRIDE also would eliminate its No. 1 competitor.

PRIDE could look to the International Fight League, but given the IFL's team format, it's doubtful love's in the air.

Then, there's World Wrestling Entertainment. At first glance, WWE might seem like the woman with glasses and the hairclip at the end of the bar. But, ditch the glasses and comb the hair, and voilà, she could be a perfect 10.

WWE could apply the marketing footprint it has in wrestling to MMA in seemingly short order. It has relationships with the venues, the TV exposure and a PPV distribution arm to make it happen. More importantly, it has financial leverage. As a $1 billion public company, it can utilize its stock to entice Dream Stage Entertainment, owner of PRIDE, not to mention $300 million in liquid assets.

The two companies have gone on their first date, as confirmed by this statement Thursday from WWE to Brawl Sports:

PRIDE and WWE met in mid-November. The meeting was cordial and informative. The two companies met to discuss potential opportunities. With the exception of continuing dialogue, no definite steps were taken.

PRIDE better hope it doesn't take long to seal this with a kiss. It's an organization on shaky financial ground, as detailed in this informative piece on Komikazee. The promotion needs to be at least going steady soon to remain a relevant play in MMA.

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