Favorite Non UFC Org?

Susan · Post #1 » by **Susan** » Thu Dec 22, 2016 4:26 pm

Was watching BJJ scout's new video on Dominck Cruz and it reminded me of how much I used to love the WEC and how well they developed the lighter weight classes. That prompted me to think about which org was my favorite and figured that'd be a fun discussion with you guys.

So we've got the following orgs and the stars they helped produce for the sport and the niches they carved out:
WEC - (2001-2010)
Developed the lighter weight classes in NA
Notable Fighters: Jose Aldo, Dominick Cruz, Urijah Faber, Carlos Condit, Anthony Pettis, Donald Cerone, Benson Henderson and Demetrious Johnson

Strikeforce - (2006-2013)
Helped pioneer WMMA, developed countless stars
Notable Fighters: Ronda Rousey, Cyborg, Daniel Cormier, Gilbert Melendez, Nick Diaz, Luke Rockhold, Jacare Sousa, Yoel Romero, Miesha Tate, Tyron Woodley, Gegard Mousasi

Pride FC - (1997-2007)
Broke ground in Japan, crossed over to mainstream & provided legitimacy to the sport at it's inception
Notable Fighters - Saku, Fedor, Wanderlei Silva, Shogun, CroCop, Takanori Gomi, Werdum (also fits in Strikeforce), Overeem, Rampage, Big Nog, Little Nog, Arona, Igor Vovchanchyn

Belator - (2008-Current)
Strong org that has developed good presence as UFC alternative
Notable Fighters - Eddie Alvarez, Ben Askren, Hector Lombard, King Mo, Will Brooks, Michael Chandler, Douglas Lima

Elite XC - (2006-2008)
American Freakshow
Notable Fighters - Kimbo Slice, Gina Carono, Jake Shields

Jasen777 · Post #2 » by **Jasen777** » Thu Dec 22, 2016 7:03 pm

It's a shame Strikeforce didn't get WEC. Would have been a true competitor to the UFC (at least in terms of fighters).

Nemesis21 · Post #3 » by **Nemesis21** » Thu Dec 22, 2016 9:44 pm

High 5 · Post #4 » by **High 5** » Thu Dec 22, 2016 9:46 pm

I have very fond memories of the WEC and Strikeforce. It seemed like whenever I recorded one of those events it was always an entertaining night of fights. Not sure which one I liked more. I'll pick WEC for the sake of the poll. They were both certainly a higher level than what I've seen of Bellator and Elite XC. To be honest about 70% of my viewership for those two had to do with Kimbo. I couldn't resist watching his fights no matter how bad they were. (RIP) Of course the one time I did get kind of hyped for a Bellator fighter was before Michael Page's last fight. Which I guess ended up being the worst of his career. Unlucky.

I wasn't watching during the Pride days.

REDDzone · Post #5 » by **REDDzone** » Fri Dec 23, 2016 1:03 am

WEC for me although I liked Strikeforce as well. I think the prime of Pride was when I was on hiatus as a fan. Still obviously a fan and enjoy watching those fights to this day.

Bernman · Post #6 » by **Bernman** » Fri Dec 23, 2016 1:35 am

1. Pride - the quality, pageantry, and occasional intriguing freak fight
2. WEC - younger and smaller guys, but not overly so, flying around
3. Bjornator - strong stable of young, exciting prospects and fun tourney format
4. Strikeforce - solid quality alternative to UFC
5. Spikeforce - cheap knock-off of 3 and 4

Post #7 » by **CPT** » Fri Dec 23, 2016 3:12 am

I'd personally have Dream or K-1 Heros on there ahead of EliteXC, but nobody is going to choose either one.

I take Pride (was just straight up better than the UFC for most of their run), though I see an argument for WEC.

UFC success for their alumni shouldn't really be a factor, or at least not a big one, IMO. I was just never that interested in entire Strikeforce or Bellator cards aside from a few fighters.

Cammo101 · Post #8 » by **Cammo101** » Fri Dec 23, 2016 3:49 pm

Pride had the most talent, but for me this is the WEC. I used to live for those events.