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2001 in Pride FC
2001 in Pride FC
from Wikipedia
2001 in Pride FC
Information
First dateMarch 25, 2001
Last dateDecember 23, 2001
Events
Total events6
Fights
Total fights49
Title fights2
Chronology
2000 in Pride 2001 in Pride FC 2002 in Pride

The year 2001 was the 5th year in the history of the Pride Fighting Championships, a mixed martial arts promotion based in Japan. 2001 had 6 events beginning with, Pride 13 - Collision Course.

Title fights

[edit]
Title fights in 2001
Weight class Method Round Time Event Notes
Middleweight Wanderlei Silva def. Kazushi Sakuraba TKO (Doctor Stoppage) 1 10:00 Pride 17 [a]
Heavyweight Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira def. Heath Herring Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 Pride 17 [b]

Debut Pride FC fighters

[edit]

The following fighters fought their first Pride FC fight in 2001:

Events list

[edit]
# Event Japanese name Date held Venue City Attendance
20 Pride 18 - Cold Fury 2 December 23, 2001 Marine Messe Fukuoka Fukuoka, Japan
19 Pride 17 - Championship Chaos November 3, 2001 Tokyo Dome Tokyo, Japan 53,200
18 Pride 16 - Beasts from the East September 24, 2001 Osaka-jo Hall Osaka, Japan
17 Pride 15 - Raging Rumble July 29, 2001 Saitama Super Arena Saitama, Japan
16 Pride 14 - Clash of the Titans May 27, 2001 Yokohama Arena Yokohama, Japan
15 Pride 13 - Collision Course March 25, 2001 Saitama Super Arena Saitama, Japan

Pride 13: Collision Course

[edit]
Pride 13
PromotionPride Fighting Championships
DateMarch 25, 2001
VenueSaitama Super Arena
CitySaitama
Event chronology
Pride 12 Pride 13 Pride 14

Pride 13: Collision Course[1] was an event held on March 25, 2001 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

Results

[edit]
Main Card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
Wanderlei Silva def. Kazushi Sakuraba TKO (Knees and Soccer Kicks) 1 1:38
Tra Telligman def. Igor Vovchanchyn Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
Tadao Yasuda def. Masaaki Satake Decision (Split) 3 5:00
Mark Coleman def. Allan Goes TKO (Knees) 1 1:19
Dan Henderson def. Renzo Gracie KO (Punch) 1 1:40
Heath Herring def. Denis Sobolev Submission (Keylock) 1 0:22
Guy Mezger def. Egan Inoue KO (Punch) 1 2:25
Vitor Belfort def. Bobby Southworth Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 1 4:09

Pride 14: Clash of the Titans

[edit]
Pride 14
PromotionPride Fighting Championships
DateMay 27, 2001
VenueYokohama Arena
CityYokohama
Event chronology
Pride 13 Pride 14 Pride 15

Pride 14: Clash of the Titans[2] was an event held on May 27, 2001 at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan.

Results

[edit]
Main Card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
Kazuyuki Fujita def. Yoshihiro Takayama Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) 2 3:10
Igor Vovchanchyn def. Gilbert Yvel Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 1 1:52
Wanderlei Silva def. Shungo Oyama TKO (Punches) 1 0:30
Dan Henderson def. Akira Shoji TKO (Punches and Knees) 3 3:18
Vitor Belfort def. Heath Herring Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
Gary Goodridge def. Valentijn Overeem TKO (Submission to Knee) 1 2:39
Chuck Liddell def. Guy Mezger KO (Punch) 2 0:21
Daijiro Matsui def. Jose Landi-Jons Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
Antonio Schembri def. Johil de Oliveira Submission (Armbar) 1 7:17

Pride 15: Raging Rumble

[edit]
Pride 15
PromotionPride Fighting Championships
DateJuly 29, 2001
VenueSaitama Super Arena
CitySaitama
Attendance27,323
Event chronology
Pride 14 Pride 15 Pride 16

Pride 15: Raging Rumble[3] was an event held on July 29, 2001 at the Saitama Super Arena Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Future Pride and UFC legends Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira and Quinton Jackson made their Pride debuts at this event.

Results

[edit]
Main Card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
Tokimitsu Ishizawa def. Ryan Gracie TKO (Injury) 1 4:51
Kazushi Sakuraba def. Quinton Jackson Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) 1 5:41
Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira def. Gary Goodridge Submission (Triangle Choke) 1 2:37
Heath Herring def. Mark Kerr TKO (Knees) 2 4:56
Igor Vovchanchyn def. Masaaki Satake Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
Ebenezer Fontes Braga def. Daijiro Matsui Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
Wallid Ismail def. Shungo Oyama Technical Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) 2 2:30
Assuério Silva def. Valentijn Overeem Submission (Heel Hook) 1 2:50

Pride 16: Beasts from the East

[edit]
Pride 16
PromotionPride
DateSeptember 24, 2001
VenueOsaka Castle Hall
CityOsaka, Japan
Event chronology
Pride 15 Pride 16 Pride 17

Pride 16: Beasts from the East[4] was an event held on September 24, 2001 at Osaka-jo Hall in Osaka, Japan.

Results

[edit]
Main Card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira def. Mark Coleman Submission (Triangle Armbar) 1 6:10
Don Frye def. Gilbert Yvel DQ (Eye Gouging) 1 7:27
Semmy Schilt def. Akira Shoji KO (Knee and Punches) 1 8:19
Ricardo Arona def. Guy Mezger Decision (Split) 3 5:00
Murilo Rua def. Daijiro Matsui TKO (Soccer Kick and Stomps) 3 0:51
Assuério Silva def. Yoshihisa Yamamoto TKO (Punches) 1 0:11
Gary Goodridge def. Yoshiaki Yatsu TKO (Corner Stoppage) 1 3:03

Pride 17: Championship Chaos

[edit]
Pride 17
PromotionPride Fighting Championships
DateNovember 3, 2001
VenueTokyo Dome
CityTokyo
Event chronology
Pride 16 Pride 17 Pride 18

Pride 17: Championship Chaos[5] was an event held on November 3, 2001 at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. This event saw the crowning of the first Pride FC Heavyweight and Middleweight champions. It also marked the debut of future Pride champion Mirko Cro Cop.

Results

[edit]
Main Card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
Middleweight Wanderlei Silva def. Kazushi Sakuraba TKO (Doctor Stoppage) 1 10:00 [a]
Heavyweight Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira def. Heath Herring Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00 [b]
Mario Sperry def. Igor Vovchanchyn Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) 1 2:52
Semmy Schilt def. Masaaki Satake TKO (Front Kick and Punches) 1 2:18
Dan Henderson def. Murilo Rua Decision (Split) 3 5:00
Quinton Jackson def. Yuki Ishikawa KO (Punches) 1 1:52
Renzo Gracie def. Michiyoshi Ohara Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
Pride vs. K-1 Rules bouts
Mirko Cro Cop vs. Nobuhiko Takada Draw 5 3:00
Tom Erikson def. Matt Skelton Submission (Strangle Choke) 1 1:51
  1. ^ For The Pride Fighting Championship World Middleweight Championship. Sakuraba suffered a broken collarbone after being slammed by Silva.
  2. ^ For The Pride Fighting Championship World Heavyweight Championship.

Pride 18: Cold Fury 2

[edit]
Pride 18
PromotionPride Fighting Championships
DateDecember 23, 2001
VenueMarine Messe Fukuoka
CityFukuoka
Event chronology
Pride 17 Pride 18 Pride: The Best Vol. 1

Pride 18: Cold Fury 2[6] was an event held on December 23, 2001 at the Marine Messe Fukuoka in Fukuoka, Japan.

Results

[edit]
Main Card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
Semmy Schilt def. Yoshihiro Takayama KO (Punches) 1 3:09
Wanderlei Silva def. Alexander Otsuka TKO (Doctor Stoppage) 3 2:22 [a]
Jeremy Horn def. Akira Shoji Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
Igor Vovchanchyn def. Valentijn Overeem Submission (Heel Hook) 1 4:35
Murilo Rua def. Alex Andrade Decision (Unanimous) 3 5:00
Alex Stiebling def. Allan Goes TKO (Knees and Punches) 3 0:47
Daijiro Matsui def. Quinton Jackson DQ (Knee to Groin) 1 0:14
Pride vs. K-1 Rules bout
Yoshihisa Yamamoto def. Jan Nortje Submission (Armbar) 1 1:43
  1. ^ Non-title bout

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
2001 in Pride FC marked the fifth year of the , a prominent Japanese promotion renowned for its large-scale events, diverse international fighter rosters, and emphasis on open-weight and emerging weight-class bouts. The year featured six major events held across various venues in , drawing significant crowds and highlighting the promotion's growing global influence in the sport. The events began with Pride 13: Collision Course on March 25 at in Saitama, where defeated Allan Goes by TKO in the main event. This was followed by Pride 14: Clash of the Titans on May 27 at in , featuring Dan Henderson's debut victory over Akira Shoji by . Pride 15: Raging Rumble took place on July 29 at , notable for Quinton Jackson's promotional debut loss to via rear-naked choke submission and 's TKO win over . Pride 16: Beasts From the East occurred on September 24 at Osaka Castle Hall in , with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira submitting via triangle armbar in the first round to solidify his contender status. The pivotal Pride 17: Championship Chaos on November 3 at in introduced Pride FC's first official weight classes, crowning Nogueira as the inaugural heavyweight champion via over Heath Herring and as the first middleweight champion by TKO (doctor stoppage) against Sakuraba due to a broken collarbone. The year concluded with Pride 18: Cold Fury 2 on December 23 at Marine Messe Fukuoka in Fukuoka, featuring 's successful middleweight title defense against Dan Henderson by . These events underscored Pride FC's evolution from spectacle-driven open-weight tournaments to a more structured championship system, attracting stars like the representatives, experts, and Japanese wrestling icons while setting the stage for the promotion's peak popularity in the early 2000s.

Overview

Context and Background

(Pride FC), founded in 1997, initially focused on open-weight tournaments that showcased a spectacle-style format blending disciplines, drawing from Japan's growing interest in combat sports. By 2000, the promotion had evolved into more structured events, highlighted by the inaugural Pride Grand Prix, which introduced bracket-style competitions and attracted a broader roster of international talent, including wrestlers and strikers from various backgrounds. This shift marked Pride's transition from raw exhibition bouts to organized tournaments, increasing its appeal beyond and setting the stage for greater global participation in subsequent years. In 2001, Pride FC operated under a distinctive ruleset that emphasized endurance and versatility: bouts featured a 10-minute first round followed by 5-minute subsequent rounds, with 2-minute rests in between for non-title fights. The promotion maintained an open format with no strict weight classes for most contests, though a division at 205 pounds had been introduced in 2000; techniques such as soccer kicks and stomps to downed opponents were permitted, distinguishing Pride from more restrictive international standards. These rules fostered high-paced, aggressive fights that aligned with the promotion's entertainment-driven . Pride FC enjoyed immense popularity in Japan during this period, bolstered by its partnership with , which broadcast events monthly starting around 2000, reaching millions of viewers and solidifying the promotion's status as a cultural phenomenon. To elevate its profile further, Pride expanded by signing prominent UFC veterans, such as , who had won the 2000 Pride Grand Prix, and , who debuted in 2000 and continued competing actively. This influx of international stars enhanced the promotion's credibility and diversity. The year saw a peak in event frequency with six shows held, more than in any prior year, reflecting the organization's rising momentum. This organizational growth culminated in the late 2001 introduction of formal heavyweight and middleweight championships, formalizing 's competitive structure.

Key Achievements and Milestones

In 2001, (Pride FC) achieved a significant milestone with the crowning of its inaugural and champions at Pride 17: Championship Chaos on November 3, held at the in Tokyo, Japan. defeated via TKO (doctor stoppage) at 10:00 of the first round to claim the title (205 lb limit), while defeated by unanimous decision to become the first champion. These victories established formal divisional structures for , transitioning the promotion from open-weight tournaments to a championship system that influenced its competitive format in subsequent years. The year featured six events—Pride 13 through Pride 18—totaling 49 fights, reflecting Pride FC's growing scale and international appeal. A notable trend was the high rate of submission finishes, underscoring the promotion's emphasis on arts amid an influx of specialists. This contributed to Pride FC's reputation for decisive outcomes. Pride 17 drew a record attendance of 53,246 spectators at the , highlighting the promotion's peak popularity in and its ability to fill major venues. This event not only showcased the new champions but also marked the debuts of influential fighters such as and earlier in the year at Pride 15. The successes of Brazilian competitors like and signaled their emergence as dominant forces, gradually shifting the competitive balance away from established Japanese stars and elevating FC's global profile.

Notable Debuts

Major Fighter Debuts

In 2001, saw the introduction of several fighters who would go on to shape the promotion's heavyweight and middleweight divisions. Among the most notable debuts were those at Pride 14: Clash of the Titans on May 27, held at in , . , a Croatian and former member of the special police force, entered with a background in K-1 where he had competed since 1996, amassing a reputation for devastating left high kicks. In his promotional debut against , Filipović secured a victory via doctor stoppage due to cuts in the second round at 3:22, showcasing his striking precision early in the bout. At the same event, , an American freestyle wrestler and future Olympian, made his Pride debut against Akira Shoji. Henderson won by unanimous decision after three rounds, demonstrating his elite wrestling pedigree and ground-and-pound style that would lead to multiple championships in the promotion. Chuck Liddell, an American wrestler and kickboxer who had established himself with a 10-1 overall MMA record including a recent win over at in May 2001, crossed over to Pride amid growing inter-promotional exchanges. Facing in the middleweight tournament quarterfinals, Liddell delivered a punch just 21 seconds into the second round, highlighting his explosive power. Shifting to Pride 15: Raging Rumble on July 29 at in Saitama, , Antônio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira debuted as an undefeated Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with a 6-0 professional record from Brazilian promotions like the Brazilian Freestyle Circuit and Meca World , where he had submitted opponents with his elite . Against , Nogueira dominated with a first-round submission at 2:37, immediately positioning himself as a top heavyweight contender through his ground control and submission expertise. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, a 23-year-old American with a wrestling base from Lassen Community College and limited professional experience including two early wins in U.S. regional promotions, brought raw athleticism and striking to . In his debut opposite , Jackson lost by first-round rear-naked choke submission at 5:41 after a competitive exchange of takedowns and strikes, but his resilience foreshadowed his future as a knockout artist in the promotion.

Significance of New Talent

The introduction of new talent in 2001 significantly diversified Pride FC's fighting styles and expanded its international draw, injecting fresh dynamics into the promotion's established grappling-heavy meta. Fighters like and brought American aggression and striking prowess, while Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and showcased elite grappling and respectively, collectively elevating the competitive depth and viewer engagement across global audiences. Quinton Jackson's debut exemplified the infusion of an aggressive wrestling-striking hybrid style, characterized by his explosive athleticism and raw power, which captivated fans even in a losing effort against at Pride 15. Despite the submission loss, Jackson's relentless pressure and physicality earned immediate favoritism from Japanese crowds, fostering a dedicated following that propelled his rise within and influenced future matchmaking toward high-energy bouts blending takedowns with stand-up violence. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's grappling dominance from his Pride 15 debut onward laid the groundwork for his heavyweight title victory at Pride 17 later that year, underscoring the effectiveness of in Pride's ruleset and amplifying Brazilian fighters' prominence in a promotion dominated by Japanese and American stars. His quick submission wins highlighted superior ground control and resilience, inspiring a wave of BJJ practitioners to compete internationally and enriching Pride's narrative around technical mastery over brute force. Mirko Cro Cop's debut at 14 introduced devastating high kicks and knockout power rooted in his kickboxing pedigree, bridging MMA with the broader combat sports world and attracting crossover fans from K-1 events to boost Pride's international viewership. His technical striking precision and finishing ability added a layer of stand-up excitement, compelling organizers to feature more hybrid rulesets and enhancing the promotion's appeal in and beyond. Chuck Liddell's Pride 14 debut intensified the UFC-Pride rivalry by pitting American knockout artistry against Japanese submission specialists, as seen in his emphatic TKO of , which spotlighted contrasting stylistic narratives and heightened promotional tensions between the two leading organizations. This appearance underscored Pride's growing status as a global hub, drawing UFC talent and fueling discussions on unified rules and inter-organizational supremacy.

Title Fights

Inaugural Middleweight Championship

The inaugural FC Middleweight Championship, contested at a weight limit of 205 pounds (93 kg), was established in 2001 to crown the promotion's first titleholder in the division. The championship bout headlined 17: Championship Chaos on November 3, 2001, at the in , , pitting Brazilian striker against Japanese grappling specialist in a rematch. Entering the fight, Silva carried a record of 16-3 (1 NC), riding a streak that included stoppage victories over Shungo Oyama at 14 and Sakuraba himself in their first encounter at 13, where Silva secured a first-round TKO via knees and soccer kicks at 1:38. Sakuraba, with a 13-2-1 record, entered as a fan favorite known for his "Gracie Hunter" moniker, earned through submission wins over multiple members of the , including , , , and between 1999 and 2000. The matchup contrasted Silva's aggressive Muay Thai-based pressure with Sakuraba's versatile wrestling and submission skills, building anticipation as a clash between rising international talent and Japanese pride following their earlier brief but explosive meeting. In the fight, dominated early with relentless striking and takedown defense, eventually slamming Sakuraba to the mat in a pivotal sequence that fractured the challenger's collarbone. The bout proceeded to the 10-minute mark of the first round, after which the doctor intervened due to the injury, awarding a TKO victory and the vacant title. This win improved 's record to 17-3 (1 NC), marking his second victory over Sakuraba in 2001 and solidifying his status as an elite finisher with 13 knockouts in his career to that point. Silva's triumph as the inaugural champion highlighted the growing influence of Brazil's , which emphasized high-pressure striking and had produced several standout performers in FC by late 2001. The outcome not only established as a dominant force in the division—he would defend the title successfully five times over the next several years—but also underscored 's shift toward crowning formal champions amid its expanding global roster.

Inaugural Heavyweight Championship

The inaugural FC Championship bout took place at 17: Championship Chaos on November 3, 2001, in , , marking the promotion's shift from open-weight rules to a structured division for fighters over 205 pounds (93 kg). This transition aimed to highlight specialized matchups in the larger weight class, with , entering with a record of 12-0, selected as the challenger due to his rapid ascent in since his debut in 2000. Nogueira had built significant momentum that year, securing submission victories over via at 15 in July and via triangle armbar at 16 in September, showcasing his elite from the bottom position. His opponent, , entered with a 17-6 record and a reputation for explosive power punching and power, having recently defeated Mark Kerr by TKO (knees) at 15. Herring's aggressive striking style contrasted sharply with Nogueira's ground-based approach, setting up a stylistic clash that was anticipated to test the viability of dominance against raw threat in the new division. The fight unfolded over three 10-minute rounds under Pride's rules, with Nogueira absorbing early pressure from 's heavy strikes but quickly transitioning to his strengths on the mat. Herring landed significant punches in the opening exchanges, briefly rocking Nogueira, but the Brazilian responded with takedowns and persistent submission attempts, including armbars and chokes that neutralized Herring's power. By the third round, Nogueira's superior cardio and control had worn down Herring, leading to a victory for Nogueira (30-27 on all cards) after the full 30 minutes. This outcome not only crowned Nogueira as the first Pride Heavyweight Champion but also validated his rubber guard and submission expertise as a cornerstone of heavyweight success in the promotion. Nogueira's triumph initiated a dominant championship reign, including defenses against top contenders that solidified his status as a grappling pioneer in MMA's landscape during Pride's peak era. The event also featured the inaugural Championship bout earlier in the card, underscoring Pride's expansion into weight-class titles that year.

Events List

Schedule and Attendance

In 2001, Pride FC hosted six events, showcasing the promotion's growing popularity in Japan through a mix of arena and dome venues. The schedule reflected a strategic expansion, with major cards drawing significantly larger crowds to highlight key matchups, including the inaugural title fights at Pride 17.
EventNameDateVenueCityAttendance
13Collision CourseMarch 25, 2001Saitama Super ArenaSaitama~27,000
14Clash of the TitansMay 27, 2001Yokohama ArenaYokohama15,326
15Raging RumbleJuly 29, 2001Saitama Super ArenaSaitama27,323
16Beasts from the EastSeptember 24, 2001Osaka Castle HallOsaka14,907
17Championship ChaosNovember 3, 2001Tokyo DomeTokyo53,246
18Cold Fury 2December 23, 2001Marine Messe FukuokaFukuoka~8,000
Across these events, total attendance exceeded 140,000 spectators, underscoring Pride FC's rising appeal and financial momentum in the Japanese MMA landscape. This figure marked notable growth compared to prior years, driven by high-profile international talent and escalating media coverage. Venue selection evolved throughout the year, beginning with mid-sized arenas like and shifting to the larger for Pride 17 to accommodate demand for its championship bouts. Smaller halls such as Hall and Marine Messe Fukuoka were used for subsequent cards, balancing spectacle with logistical feasibility while maintaining strong turnout relative to capacity.

Pride 13: Collision Course

Pride 13: Collision Course took place on March 25, 2001, at the in Saitama, , featuring eight professional bouts under rules. The event highlighted emerging rivalries and international matchups, with a focus on open-weight and contests that showcased striking, , and endurance. The main event pitted Brazilian striker against Japanese grappling specialist in a highly anticipated lightweight heavyweight clash. Silva secured a dominant victory by TKO, landing knees and soccer kicks to Sakuraba's head on the ground at 1:38 of the first round, marking the first of three decisive wins in their . This finish underscored Pride's allowance for soccer kicks to downed opponents, amplifying the event's brutal reputation. Several key bouts delivered memorable outcomes, including American wrestler Dan Henderson's upset knockout of Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert with a straight right punch at 1:40 of round one, propelling Henderson toward future stardom. Heavyweight quickly submitted Russian Denis Sobolev via keylock at just 0:22 into the opening round, demonstrating Herring's opportunistic grappling. In another heavyweight tilt, American pulled off a significant upset against Ukrainian knockout artist , winning by after three five-minute rounds where Telligman neutralized Vovchanchyn's power with wrestling and control. Additional highlights included Mark Coleman's rapid TKO of Brazilian Allan Goes at 1:19 of round one via knees to the head and body while Goes was grounded, a finish that controversially broke Goes' arm and highlighted the dangers of Pride's no-holds-barred rules. submitted American Bobby Southworth with a rear-naked choke at 4:09 of the first round, reaffirming Belfort's submission prowess. The undercard saw edge by over three rounds and knock out with a and punch combination at 2:25 of round one. Among the night's notable moments was Telligman's resilience against Vovchanchyn, often cited as one of MMA's top upsets due to Vovchanchyn's prior undefeated streak in .

Pride 14: Clash of the Titans

Pride 14: Clash of the Titans took place on May 27, 2001, at in , , marking a significant event in Pride FC's 2001 schedule with a card emphasizing and matchups. The event featured nine fights, drawing a crowd to witness intense striking and exchanges, including several high-profile international talents. Broadcast on , it showcased Pride's signature ruleset, with 10-minute rounds and no weight classes in the traditional sense, allowing for diverse stylistic clashes. The main event pitted Japanese wrestling standout against pro wrestler in Takayama's MMA debut. Fujita secured the victory via submission with an arm-triangle choke at 3:10 of the second round, demonstrating his ground control after a competitive striking battle. This win propelled Fujita's momentum in Pride's heavyweight division, highlighting his resilience against strong-style wrestling opponents. Several key bouts underscored the event's intensity. Ukrainian striker submitted Dutch kickboxer with a rear-naked choke just 1:52 into the first round, reinforcing Vovchanchyn's reputation as a artist with added prowess. Brazilian quickly dispatched Shungo Oyama via TKO (punches) at 0:30 of the first round, showcasing his aggressive forward pressure in a matchup. American wrestler , making his Pride debut, overcame Akira Shoji by TKO (punches and knees) at 3:18 of the third round, blending Olympic-level wrestling with striking to claim a hard-fought decision. Other notable highlights included American Chuck Liddell's explosive Pride debut, where he knocked out veteran with a punch at 2:21 of the second round, signaling the arrival of a dynamic striker in the promotion. Brazilian outpointed via unanimous decision after three rounds, relying on precise boxing to edge out the grappling-heavy American. Canadian forced to submit to knees at 2:39 of the first round, while defeated Jose Landi-Jons by unanimous decision, and Antonio Schembri armbarred Johil de Oliveira at 7:17 of the first. These outcomes contributed to a night of rapid finishes and tactical displays, solidifying Pride 14's place as a pivotal 2001 showcase.

Pride 15: Raging Rumble

Pride 15: Raging Rumble was a event produced by the , held on July 29, 2001, at the in Saitama, . The card featured eight bouts under Pride's open-weight rules, with a focus on exchanges and striking power, drawing an of approximately 27,000 spectators. This event marked significant debuts for rising talents, highlighting the promotion's emphasis on international matchups and high-stakes performances. The main event pitted Japanese grappling specialist against American wrestler Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in Jackson's debut. Sakuraba secured the victory by submission via rear-naked choke at 5:41 of the first round, capitalizing on his ground control after defending multiple attempts. Despite the loss, Jackson demonstrated explosive athleticism by repeatedly attempting powerful slams on Sakuraba, earning crowd appreciation and signaling his potential as a future star in the heavyweight division. Other key bouts underscored the event's competitive depth. , making his Pride debut, dominated with a swift submission victory via at 2:37 of the first round, establishing his reputation as a formidable grappler and setting the stage for his upcoming title contention. overcame Mark Kerr by TKO (knees to the body) at 4:56 of the second round, using relentless pressure to wear down the former wrestler. outpointed via unanimous decision after three five-minute rounds, relying on his striking volume to control the pace. Highlights from the undercard included Tokimitsu Ishizawa's upset win over by TKO due to a rib at 4:51 of the first round, where Ishizawa's aggressive striking forced the stoppage. Additionally, submitted Shungo Oyama via arm-triangle choke at 2:30 of the second round, showcasing precise technique in a technical affair. These performances contributed to the event's reputation for fast-paced, decisive finishes that propelled several fighters toward greater prominence in Pride FC.

Pride 16: Beasts from the East

Pride 16: Beasts from the East took place on September 24, 2001, at in , , featuring a card of seven open-weight bouts that showcased a mix of international talent and rising stars in the Pride FC promotion. The event highlighted the growing prominence of practitioners and marked a pivotal moment for several fighters' careers amid Pride's emphasis on high-stakes grappling and striking exchanges. The main event pitted against former UFC Champion , resulting in a first-round submission victory for Nogueira via triangle armbar at 6:10. This decisive finish demonstrated Nogueira's elite ground control and submission skills, solidifying his status as an emerging force in the heavyweight division and earning him momentum toward a future title opportunity. Coleman's defeat underscored the shift toward grappling dominance in Pride's open-weight format, where Nogueira's performance stood out as a notable upset against the wrestling-based veteran. Several key bouts further emphasized the event's intensity, including Don Frye's controversial disqualification win over at 7:27 of the first round due to repeated fouls by Yvel. secured a dominant TKO victory against Akira Shoji with knees and punches at 8:19 of the first round, showcasing his striking power and height advantage. In a closely contested matchup, edged out by after three five-minute rounds, highlighting Arona's versatile in a hard-fought decision. Other highlights included Murilo Rua's emphatic TKO stoppage of via soccer kicks and stomps at 0:51 of the third round, demonstrating Rua's aggressive finishing ability. also prevailed with a first-round TKO (corner stoppage) over Yoshiaki Yatsu at 3:05, capitalizing on his experience against the Japanese veteran. These outcomes contributed to the event's reputation for dramatic finishes and propelled Nogueira's trajectory as a of Pride's heavyweight landscape.

Pride 17: Championship Chaos

Pride 17: Championship Chaos took place on November 3, 2001, at the in , , marking a pivotal event in history with a record-breaking attendance of 53,246 spectators. This massive turnout underscored the growing popularity of in , drawn largely by the inaugural and title bouts that headlined the card. The event featured nine fights under standard rules, with non-title bouts consisting of three 10-minute rounds and a 10-minute first round for finishes. Among the standout non-title contests, delivered a decisive performance against , securing a TKO victory via and follow-up punches at 2:18 of the first round, highlighting Schilt's towering reach and background. outlasted in a closely contested grappling-heavy affair, winning by after three full rounds, where Henderson's Olympic-level wrestling neutralized Rua's submission threats. continued his ascent in Pride FC with a dominant TKO over Yuki Ishikawa via ground-and-pound punches at 1:52 of the first round, solidifying his aggressive style just two events after his promotional debut. Additional undercard highlights included Renzo Gracie's gritty unanimous decision triumph over Michiyoshi Ohara after three rounds, relying on his to control the fight on the ground. The evening also featured quick submissions, with Tom Erikson choking out via triangle at 1:51 of the first round and Mario Sperry submitting with an arm-triangle choke at 2:52 of the opening frame. A special-rules between Mirko Filipović and ended in a after the across five three-minute rounds. These bouts contributed to the event's reputation as a showcase of international talent and diverse fighting styles.

Pride 18: Cold Fury 2

Pride 18: Cold Fury 2 served as the ' year-end event on December 23, 2001, held at the Messe Fukuoka in Fukuoka, , featuring eight open-weight bouts under the promotion's standard rules of three 10-5-5 minute rounds. Following the excitement of inaugural title fights earlier in 2001, this card emphasized established contenders and rising talents in non-championship action, though it reflected waning immediate interest with approximately 8,000 tickets sold, leaving around 2,000 seats empty in the 10,000-capacity venue and signaling a post-title momentum dip compared to the 53,000 attendees at Pride 17 just weeks prior. The main event pitted Dutch kickboxing specialist against Japanese wrestler , with Schilt securing a dominant TKO victory via punches at 3:09 of the first round after dropping Takayama with heavy strikes and finishing on the ground. In a featured bout, reigning middleweight champion , preparing for future title defenses, defeated by TKO due to a doctor's stoppage at 2:22 of the third round, as Otsuka absorbed significant punishment from Silva's knees and punches but refused to yield until medical intervention. Other key matchups included American grappler outpointing Akira Shoji via after three full rounds (20:00 total time), leveraging superior wrestling control, and Ukrainian striker submitting with a heel hook at 4:35 of the first round following a scramble on the mat. Highlights from the undercard underscored emerging dynamics in Pride's roster: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson's promising debut run was halted by a quick disqualification loss to at 0:14 of the first round for an accidental low blow knee, a controversial ruling that nonetheless highlighted Jackson's explosive athleticism and contributed to his ongoing ascent in the promotion despite the setback. Brazilian veteran Allan Goes fell to Alex Stiebling by TKO (knees and punches) at 0:47 of the third round, as Stiebling capitalized on a late surge to overwhelm Goes standing. Additional results featured Yoshihisa Yamamoto's rapid submission win over via armbar at 1:43 of the first round and Murilo "Ninja" Rua's unanimous decision victory against after three rounds, rounding out a card that closed the year on a solid but subdued note for Pride FC.

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