UFC Japan? Pride returns???

It is reported that Pride/UFC has hired Saitama Super Areana for Dec. 31. This has of course traditionally been the main event of the year for Pride. Now it is rumored to return (http://blog.bodymaker.jp/user/takasu/002/8139.html).

This might still be only a rumor, and I remember something similar in May/June, when Pride/UFC was rumored to have rented the same areana for an event in August. Yoshida Hidehiko will hold center stage, the post does not actually say who is holding the event.

However, Sherdog reports today that UFC is close to getting a TV deal in Japan with the WOW network (http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=9252). This seems like too much of a coincidence... With a deal like that, they will likely start holding events in Japan and the best way to kick that off would be with a big New Year Eve event. But, as I have said, this is not the first time I have heard similar rumors. Lets hope there is something to it!