World Cup of MMA in Hawaii?

antone3x7 · 05-31-2007, 04:44 AM

This was reported from Dana White's post UFC 71 press conference:

"He also spoke of a potential MMA event in Hawaii in a football stadium."

So this got me thinking... could this be the site of the World Cup / World Series of MMA? Aloha Stadium is the current home of NFL's annual Pro Bowl, so why not an annual MMA Pro Bowl? Anyone that's watched PRIDE/K1's 2002 Dynamite! knows that a World Cup of MMA would have to be held in an outdoor football stadium, so what better place than Hawaii?

Hear me out...

Geographically, Hawaii does sit in between the continental US and Japan, so it would make perfect sense to hold a joint UFC/PRIDE event there. Aloha Stadium's capacity is 50,000, plus more when including floor level seats, and 50,000+ fans wouldn't be a far-fetched sell out considering both American and Japan MMA fans would be more than happy to take a vacation trip to Hawaii for a great MMA card. Including the large local MMA fans in Hawaii, there are more than enough visitor accommodations in Waikiki; they could even have the weigh ins at Waikiki beach. Also, with the large military population on Oahu, thousands of tickets could be donated to the US soldiers in a huge PR stunt.

With a large stadium floor to work with, why not have BOTH an Octagon AND a ring stationed at opposite end zones? Half the fights could take place in UFC's Octagon and the other half in PRIDE's ring. A World Cup of MMA with only one or the other wouldn't feel truly like a World Cup at all; it would feel like an event with PRIDE fighters fighting at a UFC event or vice versa. Having BOTH Octagon and ring fights would truly feel like a joint UFC/PRIDE event.

MMA sanctions in Hawaii is just one signature away. I'm willing to bet Dana White's mentioning of an MMA event in Hawaii in a football stadium is a hint towards the development of the World Cup of MMA.

airtight39 · 05-31-2007, 05:04 AM

Dont they allow knees on ground and soccer kicks in hawaii? Hopefully we can see real Pride rules there.
Im guessing that those rules are not sanctioned by the state so how is it they can get away with it?

antone3x7 · 05-31-2007, 05:14 AM

Right now MMA isn't regulated in Hawaii, so Icon Sport uses PRIDE's rules. UFC has been pushing for sanctions in Hawaii, and it appears the bill only needs the governor's signature to be put into law. After that, no more soccer kicks and knees on the ground, but at least it'll pave the way for UFC.

Michaelthebox · 05-31-2007, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airtight39

Dont they allow knees on ground and soccer kicks in hawaii? Hopefully we can see real Pride rules there.
Im guessing that those rules are not sanctioned by the state so how is it they can get away with it?

No Zuffa-owned organization will ever allow Pride rules, ever again, regardless of legality.

ilfirin · 05-31-2007, 05:25 AM

Seems like an ideal place to me, it's either that or Tokyo. There aren't really any other options.

Dred257 · 05-31-2007, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michaelthebox

No Zuffa-owned organization will ever allow Pride rules, ever again, regardless of legality.

I know Dana even said recently when asked about a tournament style event like the old UFC and Dana said no i don't like tournaments. He then was asked what about in Pride and he said i don't know we'll see the Japanese fans have always liked them.

MRAJWT · 05-31-2007, 05:37 AM

dana doesnt like tournaments! what a dick!

Mr_Marcus · 05-31-2007, 06:06 AM

why does that make him a dick. It's his preference.

MJKerrigan · 05-31-2007, 06:09 AM

Hawaii would be really cool and I'm sure BJ Penn would jump at the chance to be on a show like that. Penn Vs Gomi, anyone?

Unified rules are the way forward, love it or hate it.

hekane_a_liloa · 06-22-2007, 03:21 AM

hey i need to give kudos to antone3x7 for really thinking this out. and for realizing that Hawaii is the greatest state in America for MMA. just kidding he didnt say that, but were at the top.