Which MMA organization staged the famous 2005 fight between Fedor Emelianenko and Mirko Cro Cop?

Pride Fighting Championships staged the famous 2005 fight between Fedor Emelianenko and Mirko Cro Cop.

The bout took place at Pride Final Conflict 2005 on August 28, 2005, at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. Fedor Emelianenko won by unanimous decision after three five-minute rounds. It was one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights of its era because both men were elite strikers with extensive high-level experience.

Pride Fighting Championships was a major Japanese MMA organization that operated from 1997 until 2007. Its events featured distinctive rules and presentation, including soccer kicks and stomps in some periods, along with a large ring rather than the UFC’s Octagon.

The fight is sometimes associated with Strikeforce because Fedor later competed there, but the 2005 matchup occurred years before his Strikeforce career. Pride’s assets were ultimately acquired by UFC owners after the promotion ended.