Baryshnya

In January 2003, Pride FC had its time of turmoil with the death of Naoto Morishita, the then DSE President who was found dead lynching by his neck in the hotel where he was staying. Further till 2006, Pride had several grand successes in the events it organized for welterweights and lightweights, Bushido; middleweight, Total Elimination 2003 and Final Conflict 2003; Middleweight in 2005, and Open weight in 2006.

In 2006 PRIDE made an announcement of co operating with UFC for showcasing its fighters. DSE had been in agreement with Fuji Network for the broadcast of its shows. In June 2006, Fuji Network made an announcement of termination of its contract with Pride FC on allegation of breach of contract by DSE, resulting in a heavy loss affecting its very sustainability. Pride got a chance to move out and further moved to America.

Finally in late 2006, Dream Stage Entertainment made a sale of Pride to Frank Fertitta III and Lorenzo Fertitta, who are the co-owners of UFC. These two promotions legally being separate entities with different management teams were to assist each other in a manner akin to the AFL-NFL merger. Pride FC, still holds it mark!