Even while in yakuza controversy, Pride continues to move forward signing 3 new contracts for fighters. In the biggest suprise, Vitor Belfort (13-7) was RE-signed for 3 more fights with Pride. Vitor has lost 4 of his last 5 fights, including the lackluster rematch with Alistair Overeem in which the crowd walked out of the fight. Pride can use Vitor in their sister organization WEC, or sell him out to other promotions much like they just did with Strikeforce (for the Overeem fight). This along with the fact they want Vitor to rematch Wanderlei Silva (whom Vitor beat early in his career) could explain why they signed a fighter who hasn't been impressive in a fight in quite some time.
Pride has also signed heavyweight Yoshihiro Nakao (4-0). This is a home town favorite from K-1 who is infamous for kissing Heath Herring before their fight on New Year's Eve, and getting KO'd. Nakao has wins over Cabbage Correira and Don Frye. He is an amateur wrestler who debut at the July 1st PPV against an as yet unnamed heavyweight.
Finally, Pride signed Chute Boxe member Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos (14-8). This exciting 200lb.er loves and I mean loves to fight stand up wars and always makes his fights exciting and brutal. He debut has not yet been announced though it is assumed he will fight on the Bushido series.
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