Gary Shaw: A Hand on the Scales

by Kid Nate on Jun 16, 2008 2:19 PM EDT in News Comment 4 comments

At MixedMartialArts.com, I opine about the bitter harvest Elite XC is reaping from Gary Shaw's decision to ignore the weight classes outlined in the unified rules:

When boxing promoter Gary Shaw decided to start promoting MMA, one of his first moves was to deviate from the weight classes outlined in the unified rules. He dispensed with the 135lb class for women, replacing it with a 140lb class. And in the men's divisions, he exchanged the usual 155lb lightweight class for a 160lb class.

Shaw put his thumb on the scales, attempting to give an advantage to two of the only stars in his organization. Now it's coming back to bite him.

I believe that Shaw's cynical willingness to bend the rules to his advantage betrays a contempt for MMA as a sport. Sports have rules. Rules that are followed.

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Read More: gary shaw, nate diaz, elite xc, gina carano

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It reminds me of my first ever wrestling match...

I was in 5th grade…went through a camp…and got matched up with a kid who was a good 10 lbs heavier than me (which is a lot at that age) because we were about the same height. Shaw is basically using that same “awww.come on…it’s close enough!” mentality.

Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.

"The reason a lot of people do not recognize opportunity is because it usually goes around wearing overalls and looking like hard work." -- Thomas Edison

by Brent Brookhouse on Jun 16, 2008 3:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Is the “EliteXC created the 160lb division just for Nick Diaz” rhetoric backed by any real proof, or is it just your opinion? Because last time I check they had guys like KJ Noons fighting for them too. There are plenty of fighters who get stuck between 170 and 155.

Was PRIDE showing a contempt for MMA by using a 160lb division?

by smoogy on Jun 16, 2008 4:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Pride showed their contempt for MMA by fixing fights and associating with the Yakuza.

Intentional Blog on Balls

by Richard Wade on Jun 16, 2008 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve always felt like Shaw’s manipulation of weight classes was in order to make a quick buck, especially in the case of Gina Carano. I suppose having divisions different than the UFC could be seen as an attempt to provide an alternative, but all it really does create more inconsistency as MMA tries to build itself.

by Andy R on Jun 16, 2008 7:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs