2004 in Pride FC

2004 in Pride Fighting Championships (Pride FC) was a landmark year for the Japanese mixed martial arts promotion, which organized ten events featuring high-profile tournaments, title defenses, and showcase bouts under its distinctive ruleset allowing soccer kicks and stomps. The year's centerpiece was the 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix, a single-elimination tournament to crown the division's champion, structured across three dedicated events: Pride Total Elimination 2004 on April 25 at Saitama Super Arena, which hosted the opening round with sixteen heavyweight competitors in eight bouts; Pride Critical Countdown 2004 on June 20 at the same venue, hosting the quarterfinals and advancing the winners to the semifinals; and Pride Final Conflict 2004 on August 15, where semifinals and the final were scheduled. Reigning heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko, entering as a top seed, navigated the bracket by submitting Naoya Ogawa in the semifinals before facing tournament finalist Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira in the main event, which ended in a no contest at 3:52 of the first round due to an accidental eye poke causing a cut. The final's no contest left the tournament unresolved, but Emelianenko retained his title and was regarded as the de facto champion.^[1][2] Complementing the Grand Prix were the Pride Bushido series, four ring events focused on middleweight and lighter divisions, including Pride Bushido 2 on February 15 at Yokohama Arena, Bushido 3 on May 23 at the same arena, Bushido 4 on July 19 at Nagoya Rainbow Hall, and Bushido 5 on October 14 at Osaka Castle Hall, which emphasized grappling and striking exchanges among rising stars. Pride 27: Inferno on February 1 at Osaka Castle Hall opened the year with notable heavyweight clashes, while Pride 28: High Octane on October 31 at Saitama Super Arena featured middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva defending his title against Frank Shamrock in a superfight that ended in a no contest due to a cut. The year closed with Pride Shockwave 2004: The Last CountDown on December 31 at Saitama Super Arena, a New Year's Eve extravaganza drawing an announced attendance of 48,398 fans and highlighted by Ryo Chonan's stunning third-round submission victory over Anderson Silva via flying scissor heel hook, one of the most iconic finishes in Pride history.^[3] Overall, 2004 solidified Pride FC's global influence amid growing international talent, with Emelianenko's undefeated streak and the promotion's dramatic presentations attracting massive audiences. Key themes included the blend of MMA styles from judo, wrestling, and kickboxing, exemplified in upsets like Kevin Randleman's first-round knockout of Mirko Cro Cop in the Grand Prix opener, one of the biggest wins of his career.^[4]

Overview

Year Summary

In 2004, Pride Fighting Championships (Pride FC) organized 10 events spanning from February 1 to December 31, featuring a total of 91 fights across various weight classes.^[1] These events were primarily hosted at major Japanese venues, including Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Osaka Castle Hall in Osaka, and Nagoya Rainbow Hall in Nagoya.^[5] The schedule included flagship grand prix tournaments and specialized series, showcasing a mix of international talent under Pride's open-weight and ruleset format. As the organization's eighth year of operation since its founding in 1997, Pride FC reached the height of its popularity in Japan, drawing massive crowds to its live events. Major shows consistently attracted over 40,000 spectators, with attendances of 35,000 for Pride Total Elimination 2004 and 35,000 for Pride Final Conflict 2004.^[6][2] This surge reflected Pride's status as Japan's premier mixed martial arts promotion, bolstered by high-profile matchups and innovative production. The year marked the expansion of the Pride Bushido series, introduced to highlight lighter weight classes and alternative rulesets with shorter rounds, contrasting the heavyweight-focused main events. Heavyweight divisions continued to be dominated by fighters from Russia and Brazil, such as Fedor Emelianenko and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, underscoring the promotion's emphasis on elite international competition. Central to the year's narrative was the 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix, which structured several key events around tournament progression.

Key Developments and Storylines

In 2004, Pride Fighting Championships expanded its offerings with the continuation of the Pride Bushido series, featuring events 2 through 5 that emphasized middleweight and lighter weight classes to attract a broader range of international talent and align more closely with global standards.^[1] These events adopted stricter round structures—three five-minute rounds compared to the standard Pride format of longer initial periods—and modified penalty systems, including red cards for fouls that could lead to point deductions or disqualifications, aiming to showcase technical striking and grappling in shorter, more dynamic bouts.^[7] Bushido 2 on February 15 in Yokohama drew over 15,000 fans, while subsequent installments like Bushido 5 in October maintained strong attendance around 10,000-12,000, highlighting Pride's push toward diversified programming beyond heavyweight spectacles. Fedor Emelianenko solidified his status as the unbeaten heavyweight champion throughout 2004, extending his undefeated streak to 23 fights by year's end with dominant performances that built immense anticipation for his participation in the Heavyweight Grand Prix.^[8] Victories over Mark Coleman via armbar and Kevin Randleman via arm-triangle choke in tournament play underscored his versatility, while a no-contest against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira due to a doctor's stoppage only heightened the rivalry's intrigue.^[9] Meanwhile, Wanderlei Silva reigned as the unchallenged middleweight kingpin, defending his title against American striker Quinton Jackson at Pride 28 in a grueling three-round war that affirmed his aggressive style amid rising challenges from U.S. talents seeking to dethrone the Brazilian icon.^[10] The 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix stood as the promotion's centerpiece, drawing a global roster of elite competitors and delivering surprises such as the no-contest between Emelianenko and Nogueira in the scheduled final at Final Conflict 2004, which prevented an immediate tournament conclusion and led to a decisive rematch. Spanning multiple events from April's Total Elimination to December's Shockwave, the tournament showcased international depth with participants from Russia, Brazil, the United States, Croatia, and Japan, culminating in Emelianenko's unanimous decision victory over Nogueira to claim the crown.^[11] This format amplified Pride's appeal, with events broadcast on Fuji Television in Japan reaching millions and emerging U.S. distribution via pay-per-view and cable outlets like HDNet fostering growing overseas interest.^[12] Attendance trends reflected this momentum, consistently exceeding 35,000 per major card—such as 35,000 at Final Conflict—demonstrating sustained fan enthusiasm without significant disruptions.^[13] Organizationally, 2004 proceeded without major controversies, allowing Pride to focus on its distinctive ruleset that permitted soccer kicks and stomps to grounded opponents—techniques banned in the UFC—enhancing the promotion's reputation for unfiltered, high-stakes combat, though emerging financial strains toward year's end hinted at future challenges.^[7] This emphasis on permissive ground strikes, alongside knees to the head of downed fighters, differentiated Pride from more restrictive American promotions and contributed to its raw, spectacle-driven identity.^[14] Title defenses, including Silva's at Pride 28 and Emelianenko's trilogy bout with Nogueira at Shockwave 2004, further exemplified these rules in action, drawing record viewership and reinforcing Pride's global stature.^[15]

Title Fights

Middleweight Title Defense

In 2004, the Pride Fighting Championships middleweight division was dominated by champion Wanderlei Silva, who entered the year with an impressive streak of victories and defended his title once during the year. The sole title defense occurred at Pride 28: High Octane, held on October 31, 2004, at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. This bout pitted Silva against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in a highly anticipated rematch, following Jackson's loss to Silva in the 2003 Middleweight Grand Prix final.^[15][16] The buildup to the fight highlighted the personal and competitive stakes between the two strikers. Their first encounter at Pride Final Conflict 2003 ended with Silva securing a first-round technical knockout via knees at 6:28, earning him the Grand Prix tournament victory alongside his existing middleweight championship. Jackson, seeking redemption and a shot at unification or a major upset, had built momentum with knockout wins in the interim, including a slam knockout over Ricardo Arona earlier in 2004. The rematch carried significant weight as a test of Silva's aggressive Muay Thai style against Jackson's explosive power and wrestling base, positioning it as a pivotal defense in Pride's 205-pound (93 kg) class.^[17][18] The two-round fight unfolded as a brutal stand-up war, showcasing the fighters' mutual willingness to trade strikes. In the opening round, both exchanged heavy punches and knees in close range, with Jackson landing a notable slam but unable to capitalize due to Pride's ruleset favoring ground strikes. Silva absorbed punishment but pressed forward aggressively, setting the tone for a high-volume brawl. Round two saw Silva trap Jackson against the ropes, unleashing a barrage of knees to the head and body; the referee stopped the contest at 3:26 after Jackson collapsed from the accumulated damage, awarding Silva the knockout victory and title retention.^[15][16][18] The outcome reinforced Silva's status as Pride's premier middleweight, extending his win streak and solidifying his reign through aggressive, highlight-reel performances that defined the promotion's era. For Jackson, the loss marked a setback but did not derail his trajectory; he continued competing in Pride with subsequent victories before transitioning to the UFC, where he captured the light heavyweight title in 2007. This defense is widely regarded as one of the greatest fights in PRIDE FC history for its intensity and the fighters' enduring rivalry.^[19][20][18]

Heavyweight Title Defense

The heavyweight title defense in 2004 featured Pride FC champion Fedor Emelianenko defending his title against interim champion and 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix finalist Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira in the main event of Pride Shockwave 2004, held on December 31, 2004, at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.^[21][22] This bout also served to resolve the unresolved Grand Prix final from earlier in the year, unifying the regular and interim titles while crowning the tournament winner.^[23] Emelianenko, entering as the defending champion since his 2003 Grand Prix victory, aimed to extend his dominant reign, while Nogueira, a two-time Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling world champion, sought to claim the undisputed belt after strong performances in the 2004 tournament, including victories over Hirotaka Yokoi, Heath Herring, and Sergei Kharitonov.^[22][24] The fight unfolded as a high-level grappling affair over three 10-5-5 minute rounds, with both fighters trading positions on the mat in intense exchanges. Emelianenko initiated with low kicks and takedowns, using superior control to neutralize Nogueira's submission attempts, including an armbar in the second round, while landing ground-and-pound strikes to secure dominant positions. Nogueira responded with resilient defense and reversal efforts, but Emelianenko's pressure and top control proved decisive, leading to a unanimous decision victory for the champion (all judges scoring 20-18).^[25][26][24] In the aftermath, Emelianenko improved to 18-1 (1 NC) overall, maintaining his undefeated streak in Pride FC and solidifying his status as the promotion's top heavyweight, setting up future defenses including against Mirko Cro Cop in 2005.^[22][8] Nogueira fell to 22-2-1 (1 NC) but earned respect for his competitive showing against the elite grappler, enhancing his legacy as one of the division's most dangerous submission artists despite the loss.^[24][27]

2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix

Participants and Tournament Format

The 2004 Pride FC Heavyweight Grand Prix was organized as a 16-man single-elimination tournament to determine the promotion's undisputed heavyweight champion, unifying the regular title held by Fedor Emelianenko with the interim title held by Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira following Emelianenko's inability to defend due to injury. The structure spread the competition across multiple events to build anticipation and allow recovery time between rounds, with seeding based on fighters' Pride FC rankings, previous achievements, and promotional considerations to create balanced yet compelling matchups. The opening round (round of 16) featured eight bouts at Pride Total Elimination 2004 on April 25, 2004, at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, advancing the winners to the quarterfinals. The quarterfinal round occurred at Pride Critical Countdown 2004 on June 20, 2004, also at Saitama Super Arena. The semifinal round took place at Pride Final Conflict 2004 on August 15, 2004, at the same venue, while the grand final was resolved at Pride Shockwave 2004 on December 31, 2004, at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.^[9] All tournament bouts followed Pride FC's ruleset, consisting of three 10-minute rounds for the opening round (with potential for two additional 5-minute extension rounds in the final under title fight conditions), no weight limit above 93 kg (205 lbs), and allowance of elbows, stomps, soccer kicks, and knees to grounded opponents. Quarterfinals and semifinals used two 5-minute rounds. Seeding placed Emelianenko as the top seed to protect the champion while testing contenders, with Nogueira positioned as a high seed reflecting his status as interim titleholder after victories over notable opponents like Ricco Rodriguez. The draw paired top seeds against lower-ranked or wildcard entrants to ensure competitive progression, with the overall goal of crowning a definitive top contender through exhaustive elimination. The 16 participants in the opening round included a mix of established stars, rising talents, and crossover athletes, headlined by Emelianenko (Russia, defending champion and #1 seed), Nogueira (Brazil, interim champion), and other ranked contenders such as Kevin Randleman (USA), Mirko Filipović (Croatia), Naoya Ogawa (Japan), Semmy Schilt (Netherlands), Sergei Kharitonov (Russia), and Mark Coleman (USA). The full opening round matchups, reflecting the seeded draw, were as follows: These pairings highlighted Pride's emphasis on international diversity and stylistic variety, pitting grapplers against strikers and veterans against prospects.^[28][9]

Quarterfinal Round

The round of 16 of the 2004 Pride Heavyweight Grand Prix was held at Pride Total Elimination 2004 on April 25, 2004, at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, featuring eight elimination bouts to determine the participants advancing to the quarterfinals.^[9] These matches highlighted a mix of wrestling, striking, and submission expertise among the entrants, with all contests concluding decisively in under 10 minutes of total fight time.^[6] The results of the round-of-16 bouts are summarized in the following table: In the opening bout, reigning Pride heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko faced former UFC heavyweight champion and Olympic wrestler Mark Coleman. Emelianenko capitalized on Coleman's aggressive takedown attempts, securing an armbar submission early in the first round to advance efficiently and maintain his undefeated streak in the promotion.^[9] The second bout pitted Kevin Randleman against the favored striker Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipović, known for his devastating soccer kicks and boxing precision. Randleman, leveraging his elite wrestling background, stunned the audience by landing a series of ground-and-pound punches for a first-round knockout, marking one of the tournament's most surprising upsets as Filipović entered as a top contender.^[29] Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, a BJJ specialist and interim champion, met Japanese fighter Hirotaka Yokoi. After a competitive first round, Nogueira transitioned to an anaconda choke in the second round, forcing the tap and showcasing his proficiency in novel submission holds to secure his spot in the quarterfinals.^[6] Closing one half of the bracket, judoka Naoya Ogawa took on K-1 kickboxer Stefan Leko, who brought dangerous stand-up skills to the matchup. Ogawa quickly closed the distance, grounding Leko and applying an arm-triangle choke for the first-round submission, advancing with a performance that highlighted his Olympic-level grappling against a striking specialist.^[9] In the other half, Semmy Schilt submitted Gan McGee with an armbar at 5:02 of round 1, using his height and kickboxing to set up the ground finish.^[6] Sergei Kharitonov overwhelmed Murilo Rua with punches for a TKO at 5:26 of round 1, dominating with striking volume.^[6] Heath Herring quickly dispatched Yoshiki Takahashi via TKO punches at 0:49 of round 1, capitalizing on early aggression.^[6] Paulo Cesar Silva submitted Henry Miller with a kimura at 4:04 of round 1, using his size advantage on the ground.^[6] Emelianenko's rapid finish over the veteran Coleman underscored his status as the tournament favorite, while Randleman's improbable knockout of Filipović shifted expectations for the bracket, injecting unpredictability into the later stages. The victors—Emelianenko, Randleman, Nogueira, Ogawa, Schilt, Kharitonov, Herring, and Paulo Cesar Silva—proceeded to the quarterfinals at Pride Critical Countdown 2004 on June 20, 2004.^[6] The quarterfinal round was held at Pride Critical Countdown 2004 on June 20, 2004, at Saitama Super Arena, featuring four bouts over two 5-minute rounds each.^[30]

Semifinal Round

The semifinal round of the 2004 Pride FC Heavyweight Grand Prix featured the final four competitors, with matches held at Pride Final Conflict 2004 on August 15, 2004, at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, over two 5-minute rounds each.^[13] Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira battled Sergei Kharitonov in a tactical battle of attrition, where Nogueira's BJJ expertise and durability shone through en route to a unanimous decision victory after two five-minute rounds.^[13] Emelianenko, continuing his dominant run, submitted Naoya Ogawa with an armbar at just 0:54 of the first round, swiftly transitioning from a takedown to expose Ogawa's submission vulnerabilities.^[13] These outcomes underscored Emelianenko's unparalleled grappling prowess and Nogueira's resilience under pressure, setting up an anticipated clash between the two submission specialists.^[13]

Final Round and Outcome

The intended final bout of the 2004 Pride Heavyweight Grand Prix took place at Pride Final Conflict 2004 on August 15, between tournament favorites Fedor Emelianenko and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, both of whom had advanced from the semifinals earlier that evening—Emelianenko via armbar submission against Naoya Ogawa, and Nogueira via unanimous decision over Sergei Kharitonov. The matchup ended abruptly in a no contest at 3:52 of the first round after an accidental headbutt by Nogueira resulted in a deep cut above Emelianenko's eye, rendering him unable to continue under Pride's medical stoppage rules.^[31][13][32] This outcome left the Grand Prix unresolved, drawing criticism for the timing and severity of the stoppage, especially given Emelianenko's prior exertion in the semifinal and the high stakes of crowning a champion on the same card.^[33][34] Pride officials scheduled a rematch to settle the tournament, preserving the event's prestige amid the controversy over the no-contest ruling. The resolution occurred at Pride Shockwave 2004 on December 31, where Emelianenko dominated Nogueira over three full rounds, securing a unanimous decision victory (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) at the 5:00 mark of the third round to claim the 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix title.^[25][35] This triumph solidified Emelianenko as Pride's premier heavyweight, enhancing his legacy with the tournament win and its associated ¥10 million prize, while underscoring his resilience following the earlier setback.^[36][34]

Debut Fighters

List of Debutants

In 2004, Pride FC introduced several new fighters to its roster, drawing from diverse backgrounds such as professional wrestling, kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and regional MMA promotions, which contributed to the promotion's growing international appeal. These debutants often entered in high-stakes tournaments like the Heavyweight Grand Prix or the Bushido series, showcasing a mix of established athletes from other combat sports and up-and-coming prospects. The following table enumerates key debutants, grouped by event, with details on their nationality, prior experience, weight class, and debut date.

Notable Debut Performances

In 2004, several fighters made their Pride FC debuts with performances that captured attention due to their skill, the high-profile nature of the matchups, or their subsequent career trajectories. Mark Hunt, a kickboxing specialist transitioning to MMA, marked his promotional debut at Pride Total Elimination 2004 by defeating Dan Christensen via TKO (punches) at 3:28 of the first round, showcasing powerful striking that propelled him into the 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix and established him as a fan favorite for his knockout power in future bouts. This victory highlighted Hunt's potential in the heavyweight division, leading to multiple appearances and a reputation for durable, entertaining fights throughout his Pride tenure.^[45] Naoya Ogawa, an Olympic judo medalist entering MMA for the first time, debuted at the same event against kickboxer Stefan Leko, securing a unanimous decision victory after three rounds by utilizing superior grappling control and takedowns to neutralize Leko's stand-up game. Ogawa's performance advanced him to the Grand Prix quarterfinals, where he submitted Giant Silva, demonstrating the crossover appeal of his wrestling pedigree and drawing significant Japanese audience interest despite his ultimate quick submission loss to Fedor Emelianenko in the semifinals, which underscored the challenges for judo specialists against elite MMA grapplers. Amar Suloev, an undefeated wrestler from Armenia, made his Pride debut at Pride Bushido 4 against fellow newcomer Dean Lister in a grappling-heavy middleweight clash, earning a split decision win after two rounds of intense ground exchanges where Suloev's top pressure and control edged out Lister's submission attempts.^[58] This closely contested bout, both fighters' first in Pride, showcased Suloev's resilience and wrestling dominance, paving the way for additional contracts and positioning him as a reliable contender in the organization's middleweight landscape.^[59] Jens Pulver, the inaugural UFC lightweight champion seeking to expand internationally, debuted at Pride Shockwave 2004 against Takanori Gomi in a high-stakes lightweight superfight, ultimately losing via TKO (punches) at 3:04 of the third round after a competitive war that saw Pulver land effective counters but succumb to Gomi's pressure and volume striking. Despite the defeat, Pulver's gritty showing against a rising star like Gomi highlighted his adaptability to Pride's ruleset and earned respect, influencing his brief but memorable run in the promotion before returning to UFC. Gan McGee, a veteran of UFC heavyweights, entered Pride at Pride 27: Inferno opposite Heath Herring, losing via split decision after three rounds in a bout that tested his wrestling against Herring's aggression. McGee followed with a submission loss via armbar to Semmy Schilt at Total Elimination 2004 at 5:02 of the first round, emphasizing Schilt's returning form and length advantage in grappling exchanges. Though losses, McGee's debut illustrated the steep learning curve for American imports against Pride's specialized heavyweights, contributing to his short stint while underscoring Schilt's resurgence in the Grand Prix.^[37]

Events List

Schedule and Attendance

In 2004, Pride Fighting Championships hosted 10 events across Japan, featuring a mix of numbered cards, the inaugural Bushido series for emerging talents, and the multi-stage Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament. These events showcased the promotion's growing popularity, with venues ranging from mid-sized halls to the massive Saitama Super Arena. The asterisk (*) denotes the three events comprising the 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix: Total Elimination for the opening round (round of 16), Critical Countdown for the quarterfinals, and Final Conflict for the semifinals and final. The Bushido series (events 2, 4, 6, and 8) focused on lighter-weight and developmental bouts, typically drawing smaller crowds at regional arenas. Attendance figures reflect announced totals from event records.^{[60][61][62][63][62][64][62][65][66][62]} Total attendance for the year reached approximately 268,224, with the Grand Prix events accounting for over 133,000 fans and demonstrating Pride's peak drawing power at the Saitama Super Arena. The Bushido series averaged about 12,245 per event, reflecting their role as complementary programming, while the year-end Shockwave card marked one of the promotion's highest single-event turnouts.^[62]

Event Highlights Overview

In 2004, Pride FC's event calendar opened with Pride 27: Inferno on February 1, which served as a triumphant return for several prominent fighters absent since late 2003, reigniting momentum with high-stakes matchups in Osaka Castle Hall.^[67] The subsequent Pride Bushido series—from Bushido 2 on February 15 to Bushido 5 on October 14—emphasized open-weight bouts alongside middleweight (93 kg) contests, providing a platform to develop lighter-division talent and Japanese prospects through faster-paced, varied formats.^[68] The year's centerpiece, the 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix, launched with Total Elimination 2004 on April 25, featuring eight opening round bouts in the 16-man tournament that eliminated half the competitors in a single explosive night at Saitama Super Arena.^[69] Critical Countdown 2004 on June 20 heightened anticipation with the grand prix quarterfinals, narrowing the field amid escalating rivalries.^[30] Final Conflict 2004 on August 15 delivered peak drama with the grand prix semifinals and scheduled final, marked by a no-contest ruling in the final bout due to an accidental eye poke.^[70] Pride 28: High Octane on October 31 spotlighted a pivotal heavyweight title defense, anchoring the card with championship implications at Saitama Super Arena.^[15] The year closed with Shockwave 2004 on December 31, a grand year-end spectacle that resolved the grand prix through a title-unifying rematch while featuring marquee clashes for maximum fan engagement.^[21] Overall, Pride FC's 2004 schedule evolved from standalone events early in the year to a tournament-dominated structure, with the heavyweight grand prix spanning three major shows to drive narrative depth and competitive stakes.^[69]

Pride 27: Inferno

Results

Pride 27: Inferno took place on February 1, 2004, at Osaka Castle Hall in Osaka, Japan, drawing an attendance of 13,366 spectators.^[60] The event featured seven bouts across heavyweight divisions, showcasing a mix of striking finishes, submissions, and decisions that highlighted the technical diversity of Pride FC's ruleset.^[71] The card opened with Igor Vovchanchyn securing a technical knockout victory over Dan Bobish via punches at 11:45 of the second round, demonstrating Vovchanchyn's relentless ground-and-pound pressure.^[60] In the subsequent fight, Sergei Kharitonov submitted Cory Peterson with an armbar at 1:23 of the first round, capitalizing on a quick takedown to end the matchup decisively.^[71] Murilo Rua followed with a first-round arm-triangle choke submission against Alexander Otsuka at 1:25, showcasing his BJJ expertise in controlling the fight from the top position.^[60] Kazuhiro Nakamura earned a unanimous decision win over Dos Caras Jr. after three full rounds, outwrestling his opponent with persistent takedowns and ground control.^[71] Yoshihisa Yamamoto delivered a rapid knockout of Mark Kerr with punches just 40 seconds into the first round, stunning the former UFC champion early with explosive striking.^[60] The co-main event saw Heath Herring edge out Gan McGee via split decision over three rounds, in a closely contested battle marked by heavy exchanges and Herring's superior cardio.^[71] Crowning the night, Mirko Filipović claimed a first-round TKO victory against Ron Waterman through soccer kicks at 4:37, reinforcing his reputation as a devastating striker with precise headhunting.^[60]

Pride Bushido 2

Results

Pride Bushido 2 took place on February 15, 2004, at Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan.^[72] The event featured eleven bouts, primarily in middleweight and lighter divisions under Pride's ruleset, with a focus on two-round formats emphasizing grappling and striking among international talent.^[73] The card opened with Mu Bae Choi submitting Yusuke Imamura via rear-naked choke at 4:08 of the first round, showcasing effective grappling control. Yushin Okami followed with a unanimous decision victory over Ryuta Sakurai after two rounds, dominating with superior wrestling and ground control. Yasuhito Namekawa secured a quick submission win against Egidijus Valavicius with a guillotine choke at 1:05 of the first round.^[72] Sean Sherk earned a unanimous decision over Ryuki Ueyama across two rounds, relying on his wrestling to neutralize takedown attempts. Mario Sperry delivered an ultra-quick knockout of Mike Bencic with a punch just 11 seconds into the first round, highlighting his veteran striking power. Daiju Takase outpointed Chris Brennan via unanimous decision in two rounds, using precise striking and defensive grappling.^[73] Rodrigo Gracie claimed a unanimous decision win against Hayato Sakurai after two rounds, utilizing his BJJ background to threaten submissions throughout. Mirko Filipović achieved a first-round TKO victory over Yoshihisa Yamamoto via punches at 2:12, reinforcing his reputation with devastating head kicks and ground strikes. Takanori Gomi knocked out Jadyson Costa with punches at 4:55 of the first round, displaying his explosive lightweight striking.^[72] In the co-main event, Maurício Rua defeated Akihiro Gono by TKO with soccer kicks at 9:04 of the first round, capitalizing on his ground-and-pound after a takedown. The main event saw Wanderlei Silva knock out Ikuhisa Minowa with punches at 1:09 of the first round, in a high-profile clash that underscored Silva's aggressive muay thai style.^[73]

Pride Bushido 3

Results

Pride Bushido 3 took place on May 23, 2004, at Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan. The event featured 12 bouts primarily in middleweight and lighter divisions, with a focus on grappling and striking under Pride's ruleset, highlighted by matchups between Team Gracie and Japanese fighters.^[74][75] The main event saw Ryan Gracie defeat Ikuhisa Minowa via split decision after two rounds, in a closely contested bout showcasing Gracie's grappling control.^[74] Takanori Gomi opened the card with a stunning first-round TKO victory over Ralph Gracie using knees just 6 seconds in, demonstrating his explosive striking.^[75] Ricardo Almeida earned a unanimous decision win against Ryo Chonan over two rounds, relying on superior wrestling and ground control.^[74] Mirko Filipović secured a unanimous decision over Hiromitsu Kanehara, dominating with takedowns and ground-and-pound. Kazuhiro Nakamura submitted Chalid Arrab with an armbar at 4:45 of the first round, capitalizing on a grappling exchange.^[75] Akira Shoji notched a quick TKO against Tsuyoshi Tamakairiki via punches at 0:18 of round one, overwhelming the former sumo wrestler early. Daiju Takase edged out Carlos Newton by split decision in a competitive striking affair.^[74] Kazuo Misaki took a unanimous decision from Jorge Patino, outworking him with persistent pressure. Mu Bae Choi defeated Yoshihisa Yamamoto by unanimous decision, controlling the pace on the feet. Aleksander Emelianenko submitted Matt Foki with a rear-naked choke at 3:16 of the first round. Katsuhisa Fujii also finished with a rear-naked choke against Kim Jin Oh at 2:58. The opener featured Bertrand Amoussou knocking out Yasuaki Rao at 0:29 of the second round with punches.^[75]

Pride Bushido 4

Results

Pride Bushido 4 took place on July 19, 2004, at Nagoya Rainbow Hall in Nagoya, Japan.^[76] The event featured 11 bouts across various weight classes, emphasizing the Bushido series' focus on middleweight and lighter divisions with a mix of knockouts, submissions, decisions, and one draw. Attendance figures are not publicly available. The main event saw Antônio Rogério Nogueira defeat Kazuhiro Nakamura by split decision after two rounds, in a grappling-heavy contest showcasing Nogueira's Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills.^[77] Takanori Gomi opened the scoring with a first-round knockout via punches against Fabio Mello at 8:07, highlighting his striking prowess in the lightweight division. Paulo Filho edged out Akira Shoji by split decision in the middleweight bout, relying on ground control. Mirko Cro Cop delivered a swift first-round TKO with punches against Shungo Oyama at just 1:00, reinforcing his reputation as a knockout artist.^[76] Other notable finishes included Takashi Sugiura's first-round knockout of Paulo Cesar Silva with punches at 2:35, Ikuhisa Minowa's TKO via punches over Kenichi Yamamoto at 3:23, and Hayato Sakurai's guillotine choke submission of Brady Fink at 4:08. The card also featured decisions for Amar Suloev over Dean Lister and Yoshitomi Mishima (Dokonjonosuke Mishima) over Marcus Aurelio, both by split after two rounds. Luiz Firmino submitted Hiroyuki Abe with an arm-triangle choke in the first round at 2:52. The opener ended in a time-limit draw between Kyosuke Sasaki and Eiji Mitsuoka after two rounds.^[77]

Pride Bushido 5

Results

Pride Bushido 5 took place on October 14, 2004, at Osaka Castle Hall in Osaka, Japan. The event featured eight bouts primarily in middleweight and lighter divisions, emphasizing grappling and striking under Pride's ring format and ruleset.^[78] The card opened with Mauricio "Shogun" Rua securing a TKO victory over Yasuhito Namekawa via punches at 6:02 of the first round, showcasing Rua's aggressive ground-and-pound.^[79] Henry Miller followed with a quick knockout of Mal Foki using punches just 21 seconds into the first round, highlighting his explosive power.^[78] Luiz Firmino earned a unanimous decision over Masakazu Imanari after two rounds, controlling the fight with superior wrestling and striking.^[79] Ikuhisa Minowa defeated Ryuki Ueyama via split decision in a competitive matchup marked by grappling exchanges.^[78] Igor Vovchanchyn claimed a first-round KO against Katsuhisa Fujii with punches and a soccer kick at 4:02, reinforcing his striking prowess.^[79] Ryo Chonan outpointed Carlos Newton for a unanimous decision win over two rounds, dominating with judo throws and ground control.^[78] In the co-main event, Hayato "Mach" Sakurai submitted Crosley Gracie with an armbar at 1:02 of the second round (11:02 total), capitalizing on a grappling battle.^[79] The main event saw Takanori Gomi defend his lightweight title by submitting Charles Bennett via kimura at 5:52 of the first round, solidifying his status as a top striker-grappler.^[78]

Pride 28: High Octane

Results

Pride 28: High Octane took place on October 31, 2004, at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, drawing an attendance of 24,028 spectators.^[66] The event featured nine bouts primarily in heavyweight and middleweight divisions, highlighting intense striking exchanges, submissions, and injuries under Pride FC's ruleset.^[15] The card opened with Heath Herring securing a first-round TKO victory over Hirotaka Yokoi via knees to the head at 1:55, overwhelming his opponent with aggressive ground strikes.^[66] Mu Bae Choi followed with a second-round submission win against Soa Palelei using a rear-naked choke at 4:54, demonstrating strong grappling control after surviving early pressure.^[15] Igor Vovchanchyn claimed a first-round TKO over Kazuyuki Fujita with punches at 4:28, capitalizing on his striking power to end the fight decisively.^[66] Naoya Ogawa defeated Jan Nortje via first-round TKO (punches) at 5:00, using his judo background to transition into damaging ground-and-pound.^[15] Kazuhiro Nakamura submitted Dan Severn with an armbar at 8:21 of the first round, showcasing superior submission skills against the veteran wrestler.^[66] Alistair Overeem earned a second-round TKO victory over Hiromitsu Kanehara due to a doctor's stoppage at 2:50, dominating with kicks and knees.^[15] In the co-main event, Dan Henderson knocked out Yuki Kondo with punches at 1:45 of the first round, highlighting his wrestling-striking hybrid style.^[66] Mirko Filipović secured a first-round TKO win against Josh Barnett via shoulder injury at 4:55, pressuring with strikes to force the stoppage.^[15] The main event saw middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva defend his title with a second-round knockout of Quinton Jackson using knees at 13:45, delivering one of the year's most brutal finishes in a high-stakes rematch.^[66]

Pride Shockwave 2004

Results

Pride Shockwave 2004 took place on December 31, 2004, at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, drawing an attendance of 48,398 spectators. The event featured 11 bouts, including the rescheduled Pride Heavyweight Championship main event from Pride Final Conflict 2004, showcasing a blend of decisions, knockouts, and submissions under Pride FC's ruleset.^[21] The card opened with Ikuhisa Minowa submitting Stefan Leko via heel hook at 0:27 of the first round (following a 10-minute overtime draw in regulation), highlighting Minowa's grappling prowess against the kickboxer. Mu Bae Choi followed with an arm-triangle choke victory over Paulo Cesar Silva at 5:47 of the first round, dominating with ground control.^[21] Ryan Gracie secured an armbar submission against Yoji Anjo at 8:33 of the first round, extending his family's BJJ legacy in Pride. Ryo Chonan achieved one of Pride's most memorable upsets by submitting Anderson Silva with a flying scissor heel hook at 3:08 of the third round, catching the striker off-guard in a grappling exchange.^[21] Makoto Takimoto earned a unanimous decision over Henry Miller after three rounds, utilizing judo throws for control. Rulon Gardner outpointed Hidehiko Yoshida via unanimous decision in a three-round wrestling clinic, avenging a prior loss.^[21] Mirko Cro Cop submitted Kevin Randleman with a guillotine choke just 0:41 into the first round, avenging his Grand Prix quarterfinal loss with quick neck control. Dan Henderson defeated Yuki Kondo by split decision after three rounds of intense striking and grappling exchanges.^[21] Takanori Gomi knocked out Jens Pulver with punches at 6:21 of the first round, solidifying his lightweight dominance in a superfight. In the co-main event, Mark Hunt upset middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva via split decision over three rounds, landing heavy punches to edge out the grappler-turned-striker.^[21] The main event saw Fedor Emelianenko defend his heavyweight title against Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, winning by unanimous decision after three 10-minute rounds of back-and-forth action, including ground control and strikes.