Before UFC was global, Japan was already doing MMA theater.
Pride 5 took place at the Nagoya Rainbow Hall in Nagoya, Japan, on April 29, 1999. This event marked the Pride debuts of Mark Coleman and Vitor Belfort. It also featured a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu demonstration by Rickson Gracie and Royler Gracie.
Production
That iconic Pride entrance ramp and laser show.
Practical Effects
Coleman's ground-and-pound debut changed the game.
Acting
Sakuraba's charisma before he was 'the Gracie Hunter'.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Pride's production values made UFC look like amateur night—in 1999.
This was Coleman's first fight after UFC 12, and he brought the same shorts.
US
