Round 5 President Damon Lau announces the release of the Ultimate Collector Series 9 featuring brand new fighters to the Round 5 collection, including two PRIDE tributes, and a Championship Edition available today. The “Ultimate Collector” Series 9 is headlined by a limited edition debut of UFC and Pride great Don “The Predator” Frye, featuring his iconic mustache and American flag shorts. An exclusive UFC edition, limited to 750 pieces, commemorates Frye’s championship run through the David and Goliath Tournament staged at UFC VIII. Each figure is individually numbered and wrapped in retro packaging that features an autograph from The Predator on the back.
Series 9 also marks the first Round 5 appearance by welterweight fan-favorite Nick Diaz. Series 9 will feature a standard Diaz figure, a limited edition PRIDE version, and a Diaz brother two-pack pairing Nick with his brother Nate Diaz. In addition to Nick Diaz, Series 9 features the debuts of newly crowned UFC lightweight champion Ben “Smooth” Henderson, The Ultimate Fighter alumnus Chris “The Crippler” Leben, and Jason “Mayhem” Miller. Rounding out Series 9 is an updated Championship Edition of Cain Velasquez, paying tribute to his victory over Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 to claim the UFC heavyweight title. “If I had to describe this Series in one word, it would be ‘entertaining’,” says Lau. “We’ve included some of the most colorful personalities in the sport in this release, as well as some past and present champions.” As with previous Ultimate Collector Series releases, each figure in Series 9 arrives on shelves in protective UFC-themed packaging, containing a short bio detailing each fighter. “Ultimate Collector” Series 9 will be available in May at Walmart and Toys”R”Us in Canada, and FYE in the United States.