Well we all know Super Fight League is the best Japanese promotion any way ;-) [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8u0QOiRvLA[/ame]
Because it's wasn't economically viable and that was never the Zuffa's intention when they bought the promotion. The idea was always to wind it down as the UFC historically have never had success in the Japanese market. Primarily because JMMA doesn't care much for their product or marketing. You're talking about two entirely different markets, fans, and mindsets.
It's not as simple as sticking the PRIDE logo on the mat and everyone will love JMMA again. They'd need a new Sakuraba, a new TV deal, and they'd have to mess with the Yakuza on their own turf... The UFC reviving PRIDE would be like someone starting a new energy and commodities Corporation and calling it Enron because of the name has brand recognition. It will not work. Much easier to push the UFC in Japan, cash in on an event or two, fill the stadium with the hardcore MMA fans, and leave the impression that they've been a big hit and Dana can trot out his ''Fastest growing blah blah'' spiel. Truth be told MMA is not mainstream or as popular in Japan as it once was. They novelty has worn off I guess No TV companies in Japan will back a PRIDE event again imo. Lorenzo is probably making a few $'s from PRIDE DVD's and T-shirts ect anyway. It was bought for the roster and video library *coughcoughMcMahoncough*
Sakuraba had a storied Pro-wrestling background. Japan combined both. Ishii was supposed to be that man. Ishii unfortunately doesn't have the background, the experience, nor the personality to lead JMMA anywhere which was the hope after he won Gold at Beijing. His been a dismal failure and the fans all but hate him. Its been well known for close to 3 years that JMMA is done. One promotion after the next is closing its doors. JMMA will return to its niche roots as it was once in the 90's.
Good that Bibi is coming to the UFC, hopefully it'll free up Kawajiri, who I think would he a great addition to FW.
I think he's signed to One FC, but that may have just been the talent exchange attempt with DREAM Would like to see in in the UFC though, as you say good addition to a slightly thin division. Some exciting signings though lately
Couldn't they jut run it as a subsidiary? They could get the people from DREAM who know the Japanese market and many of whom were previously working for the original PRIDE anyway and run it like it's own entity. Of course I know **** all about the business world so I'm sure there's more to this than just doing that. I just think that if PRIDE ran for 10 years and was pretty big there before the buyout, there then I'm sure they knew what they doing and there wouldn't be any problems.
I have always thought it would have been possible but: This is the heart of the matter. Zuffa absorbs orgs, it doesnt partner with them, coexist in harmony, ect. Their can be only one! It's less confusing to the fanbase that way. UFC brand is #1 priority.