According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Quinton Jackson’s contract with PRIDE Fighting Championships will not be renewed. Jackson, who has been with PRIDE since 2001, still has a no-compete that does not expire until after the month of August, but the Ultimate Fighting Championships has expressed interest in picking him up.
Additionally, Phil Baroni, the new American star in the Bushido division of PRIDE, recently had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in the past few weeks. His career had been on the skids in UFC, but he has been more successful in Bushido, beating Ikuhisa Minowa and then Ryo Chonan at the most recent event.
The New Jersey State Athletic Control Board ruled recently that the UFC was correct in its decision in the match between Shonie Carter and Nathan Quarry on the 6/4 UFC PPV where Quarry won via TKO. Carter appealed the decision to the Board on the grounds that the referee had allowed Quarry several illegal elbow blows.
Several Japanese sources are reporting that Rep. Yoshikazu Tarui (Dem., Kiniki Block) is proposing legislation for the country of Japan to recognize themselves as the center of fighting sports. The intent would be to promote tourism, and might include the creation of a museum and fighting tournament.
