After years of speculation PRIDE makes its American debut in Las Vegas tonight. The Japanese mixed martial arts promoter offers an eight-bout card that includes
Fedor Emelianenko (Pictures), the reigning PRIDE heavyweight champion, versus
Mark Coleman (Pictures) in a rematch of their 2004 tournament bout.
Colemans protégé,
Kevin Randleman (Pictures), battles the 2005 PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix winner
Mauricio Rua (Pictures). Then
Josh Barnett (Pictures) returns to the ring against Polish judo powerhouse and MMA convert
Pawel Nastula (Pictures). Former professional wrestler Sean OHaire fights
Eric Esch (Pictures).
Current PRIDE 183-pound champion
Dan Henderson (Pictures) takes on former UFC 205-pound champion
Vitor Belfort (Pictures).
Phil Baroni (Pictures) meets Japanese pro boxer
Yosuke Nishijima (Pictures).
Travis Galbraith (Pictures) makes his PRIDE debut against accomplished judoka
Kazuhiro Nakamura (Pictures). And Miletich fighter Ruthless
Robbie Lawler (Pictures) is another new entrant under PRIDEs banner. He meets veteran
Joey Villasenor (Pictures).