Pride FC was a legendary organisation that left an indelible mark on the combat sports world. From its inception in 1997 to its final event in 2007, Pride brought together some of the fiercest fighters from around the globe and delivered unforgettable moments of shock, surprise, and pure sporting excellence. In this article, we will relive the best moments from Pride FC, including jaw-dropping shockers, unexpected battles, and the fights that defined an era.
Shocking Moments
Pride FC was known for its dramatic and unexpected moments. Here are some of the most shocking instances that left fans in awe:
1. Enson Inoue refuses to Tap
At PRIDE FC 12 Enson Inoue met Heath Herring. Herring is forced to shoot for a takedown to halt a raging Inoue with approximately 00:30 on the clock Herring manages to lock in a kimura/keylock Americana. Inoue managed to survive for 01:03 before managing to land enough shots from his back to break the hold. During the exchange Herring can be seen looking at the ref saying "I'm going to break it" one thing Herring couldn't break was the spirit of Inoue.
2. The Slam
June 2004 is etched in history, for perhaps one of the most watched moves in MMA History.
Pride Critical Countdown saw legend Fedor Emelianenko meet Kevin Randleman. In the opening moments of Round 1, Randleman unbelievably caught Emelianenko in a German suplex dropping him on his head.
3. Silva stuns Rampage
During PRIDE 28 the icons of MMA Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Wanderlei Silva threw down in epic fashion. Coming towards the end of round 2, Silva rocked Rampage with a right hand before proceeding to attempt decapitating Rampage with 4 huge knee strikes to KO Rampage.
Surprise Fights
Pride often matched up fighters in ways that no one expected. Here are some of the most surprising and memorable matchups:
Sakuraba vs. The Gracie Clan: Kazushi Sakuraba, known as the "Gracie Hunter," took on multiple members of the famed Gracie family. His epic battles Sakuraba managed to defeat Royler, Royce, Renzo, and Ryan Gracie showcasing his incredible grappling skills and indomitable spirit.
The Clash of Styles: Pride frequently pitted striking specialists against grappling experts, creating intriguing style matchups. Wanderlei Silva's showdowns with Ricardo Arona and Kazushi Sakuraba showcased the clash of styles that made Pride unique.
Must Watch Fights
Pride was home to some of the most epic battles in MMA history. Here are a few of the fights that will forever be etched in the minds of fans:
1. Fedor Emelianenko vs. Mirko Cro Cop (Pride Final Conflict 2005): This dream matchup between two of the sport's biggest stars lived up to the hype. Emelianenko's decision victory in a back-and-forth war solidified his status as the world's top heavyweight.
2. Don Frye vs. Yoshihiro Takayama (Pride 21): This brawl has been referred to as the "Fight of the Century." Frye and Takayama stood toe-to-toe, trading blows for the ages straight from the opening bell, in a contest that showcased the heart and toughness of MMA fighters. Frye finally came out on top to a referee stoppage.
3. Dan Henderson vs. Wanderlei Silva II (Pride 33): Henderson and Silva engaged in a brutal war that culminated in Henderson's stunning finish in the 3rd, winning him the Pride Middleweight Championship in his final fight for the promotion.
Conclusion:
Pride MMA was more than just a fight promotion; it was a theater of dreams and surprises. From shocking knockouts to unexpected matchups and unforgettable battles, Pride provided fans with a decade of exhilarating moments. While the organization is no longer active, its legacy lives on through these iconic moments that continue to inspire MMA enthusiasts worldwide.
As we look back on the best moments in Pride Mixed Martial Arts, we can't help but appreciate the fighters who left it all in the ring, the matchups that defied expectations, and the sheer excitement that Pride brought to the world of combat sports.
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