I just heard from a reliable source that the UFC has arranged a 3 fight deal with Pride to bring over Pride heavyweight champion Emelianenko Fedor to take on Tim Sylvia in an upcoming UFC in early 2006. If Fedor wins, he will take on Frank Mir. If he beats Mir, he will then face Andre Arlovski in 2007 in a Pride vs UFC "winner take all" World Championship showdown!!!! Unfortunately, negotiations are still pending. And in exchange for Fedor's services, Pride wants 5 UFC fighters including Tito Ortiz for a 1 fight deal, and also are requesting Chuck Liddell for a possible placement in the Pride Grand Prix middleweight tourny. Pride is looking to match Tito Ortiz in 2007 against Shogun for the championship. No dates mentioned as of yet. Unfortunately Tito Ortiz has not greenlighted such a move to compete in Pride, so much is up in the air as of this time. Additional matches Pride is looking to make include Randy Couture against the younger Noguira, and Chuck Liddell/Wanderlei Silva if possible. More information will be available in the coming week.
Reliable sources have told me that Fedor will indeed be coming to UFC, but his first opponent will be Andre the Giant, who will be making his MMA debut. Andre is seen as a slight favorite, in spite of his being dead for over 10 years. My sources are never wrong. TFK
