Where Should Elite XC Go From Here?
by Brent Brookhouse on Jun 2, 2008 11:31 AM EDT
in News
64 comments
Let me start by saying...I have cooled off. The Elite XC show, particularly the main event, got to me and it got to me badly. As a fan of the sport I had honestly never thought that we'd see CBS broadcasting a major event and when it happened the result was a piling on of poor production, bad endings to fights, and shady looking goings-on which all seemed to protect their "chosen ones." I personally am still not backing down from the thinking that there were certain elements of "fight fixing" that took place in New Jersey on Saturday night.
If I'm being honest, what happened wrecked me for the better part of a day. But I went out yesterday, ate some good Greek food, drank a few beers, and came home to watch the Tivo'ed WEC event. Nothing works to recharge your MMA batteries like two great title fights.
So I woke up this morning and thought "What fights would I have on my next CBS show?" We know that they have a good bit of time to figure this out after the 7/26 show was canceled. Which also means that fighters from this past show should be available to fight again by the time the next CBS show rolls around.
We all know that Gary Shaw is finding excuses to not challenge Kimbo to step up his competition as is evident in his post-fight interview with MMARated where Shaw was asked if Brett Rogers was a possible next opponent for Slice:
Brett is going to have to learn that it's about the money...You wanna build the character to a creshendo...tonight was the start of it...I don't think it's a fight I would do...I might do Rodgers against "Junior" Silva...You don't run me...I don't read blogs...I run a professional sports franchise.
As a side note...always nice to see the bully side of a promoter come out when challenged.
I personally wouldn't do Rogers/Kimbo right now anyway. There is one fight and one fight only that makes sense for me and that is Kimbo Slice vs. James Thompson. There is too much controversy surrounding the fight for them to not do a rematch to "clear the air." Kimbo's power is now a big question mark for me. He hit Thompson flush several times and James didn't drop. If Kimbo's power punches can hit Thompson's glass jaw and not drop him like a sack of potatoes then I kind of wonder if the legendary Slice power is a bit of a myth. The only way for Kimbo to regain his mystique is to rematch Thompson and dispose of him in "no doubt" fashion. Rogers vs. Silva makes a lot of sense as if Rogers loses that fight he is in a perfect position to fight Kimbo (assuming he gets past Thompson) and if he wins then you have a big personality as the face of the heavyweight division.
Regardless of what happens, until they fight I would have Kimbo and Rogers fighting on the same show every time out.
Were I doing the matchmaking you'd see the following card for the next CBS show*:
- Robbie Lawler vs. Scott Smith for the EXC Middleweight Championship
- Brett Rogers vs. "Junior" Silva
- Kimbo Slice vs. James Thompson
- Gina Carano vs. TBD (at 145 lbs)
So lets hear it from you guys. Lets do a little Monday Morning Fantasy Matchmaker. What would you do for the next EXC on CBS card? How would you remove the stink of this past Saturday?
*Disclaimer: the author of this article does not, and never has, ran Gary Shaw - Runner of Professional Sports Franchises.
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Better fighters
Even though I have officially sworn off all elitexc cards from now on, I will chime in on this.
I think the best way to start repairing the damage they have done is to schedule the best fighters on the roster for their next show. That means Nick Diaz, Jake Shields, and borrow Gil Melendez. Get them some servicable opponents, and let the skill of the sport sell itself. Stop hanging your hat on the sideshow portion of the sport. Just my two cents.
by strictlymma.com on Jun 2, 2008 11:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
- Jake Shields vs. Drew Fickett
- Eddie Alvarez vs. Nick Diaz
Is a start…
by Nick Thomas on Jun 2, 2008 11:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Alvarez vs Diaz!
I think I just got a hard-on. What an awesome fight that would be. Wonder if Alvarez would take that fight?
by strictlymma.com on Jun 2, 2008 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah!
I just want to see Nick Diaz fight again. I used to really enjoy watching him and his style.
by mythbuster on Jun 2, 2008 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously…I thought they were getting rid of that and the fireworks when the CBS deal was announced.
by Tonley on Jun 2, 2008 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Above all else, scrap the goddamn dancers
Haven’t they taken a hint from the people around the manly catwalk when the dancers come on? Nobody watches them. They’re either looking at the cage or the entrance or picking their goddamn noses. You can bring entertainment without being trashy. Like in the Japanese promotions. Granted, they’re a bit more over the top but the overall sends a different message… and one that’s preferably over Busta Rhymes rapping about some bling or the booty shaking hoohas nobody pays attention to.
by Gong on Jun 2, 2008 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would like to see Nick Diaz and Jake Shields on the next card also. Kimbo/Thompson II makes sense although I don’t know if I actually want to watch it. Gina Carano needs to be there and make whatever weight she’s supposed to. I really think Shayna Baszler deserves to get her chance, but I don’t think there is room for two televised women’s matches. I just don’t see Shaw giving Baszler a shot at Carano at this point. She’s way too dangerous.
by Cannon Jacques on Jun 2, 2008 12:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Great article. My only problem with the potential match-ups that you have outlined is that at this point you only have one fighter who did not just appear on CBS this past Saturday night. What happens if you build up all these fighters and have the general public believe that these are your ‘stars’ and then they lose to someone who the general public has never heard of. Not only that but I believe that you will run the risk of upsetting some of the other important pieces of your organization if you continue to let the same people share the spotlight while others dedicate the same blood, sweat, and tears but do not get their chance to prove themselves on national tv. All the fights you listed are great and I believe that you need to include a few of them on the next broadcast. However, some people may tune into some of your other cards if you include someone who they have now seen on network television. I believe this has to be the goal of Elite XC as they need to build their brand, not only a select few fighters. It will not be enough for them to only have shows every 3 or 4 months that hold any merit.
by scottish_rage on Jun 2, 2008 12:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Building around the 'Brand'
Is going to be tough for EXC. I agree with your take and I think Shaw and co. has to re-think the marketing strategy because unlike professional wrestling, but similar to boxing, fans watch MMA/boxing for the fight, the technique, the match up. Yes the pre-fight hype and build up are add value but if you can’t deliver a solid fight card, and/or whether the fights (or fighters) don’t deliver, than you leave fans feeling ripped off.
I felt wanting a little more Carano v. Young and Lawler v. Smith.
Hence, can one argue Zuffa’s brand strategy now?
Good points SR.
by Gregory Kim on Jun 2, 2008 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah SR...
The thing is…Rogers and Kimbo need to be on the same card every time one of them fights (and hopefully wins) the other should do the same that same night. It’s standard pro-wrestling stuff…which I know Gregory would like to avoid…but it does draw in a lot of viewers. If both guys get on a roll then you’re in a good position.
Gina has to be on the show. Lawler/Smith II has to happen and I think the CBS audience would tune back in for that one. so…yeah…you’re a little stuck with a lot of the same guys. I would want to stick a Diaz or Shields on the undercard also though.
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 2, 2008 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rogers and Kimbo need to be on the same card every time one of them fights (and hopefully wins) the other should do the same that same night. It’s standard pro-wrestling stuff…
Maybe one of them can even guest commentate during the others match, and somehow interfere.
“oh my god, Kimbo just slipped some brass knucks to Thompsons opponent! Come on Ref!”
by mythbuster on Jun 2, 2008 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha...
I wouldn’t put it past Shaw.
The reasoning behind my thinking on keeping them on the same card is simple. If people tune in to see one of them fight…they see the other. So when they eventually hear “Kimbo Slice is going to fight Brett Rogers” they’re not going to respond with “who?” they’re going to think “shit, I’ve wanted to see that since the CBS show!”
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 2, 2008 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brent, I definitely agree with you. The fans need to know who these guys are, but is Elite XC not putting their eggs all in one basket if we only see these guys fight on national tv every time? I guess the argument can, and should, be made that perhaps their eggs were all in one basket even before the CBS deal but what happens when Kimbo and/or Rogers lose to their opponents who no one has ever heard of? In the world of MMA we all know that anything can, and does, happen. It is great to build up this matchup, but only if they both continue to win when placed on the same card. I think Elite XC needs to have some contingency plans in place for their product and only focusing on certain fighters will prove detrimental to the organization in my opinion. My question to you is whether any of the general public had any idea who both Lawler and Smith were before they saw their fight this past Saturday? My belief is that hardly any of them did. I also think that if you asked them today what their names were, they would not be able to tell you. However, those same people will tune in to see Kimbo next time as well. Most of these people have no idea what happened after the show at the press conference with Rogers and, therefore, I think the only reason to try to build this fight up is with the hardcore fans who follow the everyday happenings in MMA. The trouble with this is that the hardcore fans know better than to be baited into believing that this match is really a big deal at all.
by scottish_rage on Jun 2, 2008 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
...as for will people know what happened at the press conference? They sure will if you buy a little ad time and plug the fact that it happened and to tune into the next show. Or if you play it at the start of the next show.
And what you said about Lawler/Smith proves my point as to why you have to keep throwing Kimbo on these shows. He brought people in…which turned Lawler and Smith into much bigger stars…because people SAW them when they were waiting for Kimbo.
If one of them loses than so be it. There is a certain point where you have to take a risk. Storylines HAVE to be important. The amount of people who are hardcores is very small and to the non-hardcores the constant “there is bad blood between these two!” thing gets them excited.
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 2, 2008 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree 100% with that. Kimbo needs to be on the show. Lawler/Smith however? I’m not so sure about that. I think you need to use Kimbo and, to a lesser extent Carano, to get people to tune in. After those two though you need to show the general public a wide range of what the organization has to offer. I also agree that once you plug the fact that this conflict arose between Kimbo and Rogers at the press conference people will tune in. I think for this simple fact it is not necessary to include Rogers and Kimbo on every show together. They already have their back story written and once Kimbo is ready for that test I think you will be able to sell that fight whether people have only seen Rogers fight this past Saturday, as well as the clip of the conflict between him and Kimbo during the ads leading up to their fight.
by scottish_rage on Jun 2, 2008 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It will be interesting to see what mods (if any) EliteXC and CBS make to the next televised card, especially from a production standpoint. Hopefully some higher profile fights aside from Lawler/Smith will be signed and heavily marketed. Hopefully Jake, Diaz, Shamrock and Ninja are available for that card. A co-promotion with Strikeforce would be sweet, but with Strikeforce’s NBC deal, there’s gotta be a conflict of interest? If not, I’m not sure if there would be any contractual issues if Le, Thompson or Gil were to fight on CBS. Any help?
Agree with StrictlyMMA’s first post. Let the skill of the sport sell itself…in time, but it remains to be seen if it will work on network TV.
Aside from the fight stoppages, the dancers, pyro and the long ass entrance introductions, I thought EliteXCs production was decent, but not great. Thought Gus, Mauro and Frank did a servicable job. The back stage interviews were handled well but felt as if I was waiting for the Hulkster to come out of his locker room be interviewed; “Let me tell you brother…” Overall I was not surprised by the overall delivery.
by Gregory Kim on Jun 2, 2008 12:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This Kimbo shit is starting to leave a bad taste in my mouth. The dancers and rappers too. And Shaw and his son.
Funny thing about Dan Miragliotta is that right after the EliteXC show I was channel surfing and came across the end of a UFC Unleashed. Dan Miragliotta was reffing the fight and it was the GG vs Fabricio fight. Miragliotta ends the fight with GG against the cage after about 15 unanswered blows from Fab.
Id like to see more of Shields and Diaz on the network shows. Diaz is good cause he is like a walking soap opera and always brings the drama. I dont think James and Kimbo should fight again so soon. Let Kimbo fight someone else. I’d love to see him fight Roy Nelson.
by Yasnian on Jun 2, 2008 12:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
I saw the exact same thing. I’m not saying Miragliotta took a bribe on Saturday. What I am saying is, when your actions are totally inconsistent with the way you’re officiating, it brings you into question. This is why there are always questions about the NBA (which now have their answers). As fans, I don’t think we expect all referees to be exactly the same. What we do expect is for them to make calls consistent with themselves, from fight to fight, from fighter to fighter, and from round to round. He didn’t do a good job on Saturday, at all, and that’s the reason we’re questioning him.
by jebushchrist on Jun 2, 2008 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Less Kimbo, more Diaz and/or Shields. I know that’s not possible, but they need to start making new stars so they can stop relying on a man without much of a future at this point.
by Gong on Jun 2, 2008 12:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
...I agree that I don’t want Kimbo in the main event any time soon. But using him to draw people in (the final segment of the show did crazy ratings) will HELP to establish new stars. I think Rogers, Gina, Lawler and Smith all saw their stock rise from the increased exposure that Kimbo helped to provide. You’ve got to use him to help get more eyes on the product. That is the one skill he does have.
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 2, 2008 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where Should Elite XC Go From Here?
Away, please.
by Richard Wade on Jun 2, 2008 1:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I second this answer.
Shaw has the wrong vision and direction for MMA and no matter what talent and match-ups EXC acquires they’ll never have the integrity and essential quality of a first-rate promotion like the UFC or DREAM.
Alvarez and Diaz should quit EXC and build their legacy with DREAM. They’ve already made a splash with the Japanese audience and would do well not to squander it.
by Flying Gogoplata on Jun 2, 2008 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wetzel’s column was hilarious:
“The CBS announcing crew’s endless hyperbole reaching its pinnacle when one of them compared Kimbo to Tiger Woods.
This would be applicable if Tiger had gained fame hitting trick shots in putt putt and then was invited to a second rate club championship which CBS was conned into televising. He then shot a final round 124, after which he was declared the winner anyway.”
by Richard Wade on Jun 2, 2008 1:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
wow...
that is my favorite thing I’ve read all day.
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 2, 2008 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was also interviewed on the Jim Rome Show this morning. Through the first 90 minutes it has been almost nothing but MMA. Rome’s opinion is that MMA would be blowing up right about now had the WEC event been televised by CBS instead of EXC which sucked if you know the sport but was entertaining if you don’t.
by Richard Wade on Jun 2, 2008 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sadly...
...it wouldn’t have pulled a 7.1 or whatever the crazy rating was once the Kimbo fight started.
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 2, 2008 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fewer people would have turned in, but fewer people would have been turned off.
by Richard Wade on Jun 2, 2008 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Still listening to Rome...
He keeps hitting on the fact that you don’t let Thompson into the cage without draining that softball on the side of his head unless they wanted it to explode.
by Richard Wade on Jun 2, 2008 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was shocked
to see how full it was. It’s not a hard process (painful yes…hard no) to drain an ear.
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 2, 2008 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And from the second you saw it, you just knew it was going to explode during the fight.
by Richard Wade on Jun 2, 2008 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also liked this one a lot:
If you’re a fan of MMA, then what Elite XC trotted out as a main event was mostly an absurd exhibition. It’s like tuning in for the NBA Finals and finding the And 1 Mixtape Tour – only with announcers pretending Hot Sauce is a better player than Kobe Bryant.
"Yesterday I was lying, today I am telling the truth." -- Bob Arum
by SC on Jun 2, 2008 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For all the shit I take for being related to someone so polarizing, it’s nice to see he really gets MMA and is one of the only mainstream sportswriters that has gottten into it.
Ken/Kimbo is the right fight next. It has some more intrigue because of Ken’s name, and while Kimbo should beat him, Ken has the ability to submit kimbo.
by Michael Rome on Jun 2, 2008 2:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Shamrock if he decides to should be able to take down and submit Ferguson easily, but there’s probably more money to be made by standing in front of him and getting knocked out.
by Richard Wade on Jun 2, 2008 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait
You’re related directly to Jim Rome? Like, literally related?
by Luke Thomas on Jun 2, 2008 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am related, he’s my dad’s first cousin.
by Michael Rome on Jun 2, 2008 2:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Huh...
I never knew that….
...I mean…stop throwing around your weight with the staff here. I’m sick of it!
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 2, 2008 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No shit. I thought you were kidding when you said you were related.
by Richard Wade on Jun 2, 2008 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Main event—Lawler/Smith 2
Noons/Diaz 2
Kimbo/Rogers
Shields/TBA
Gina/Butterbean
"They said you was hung!!"
"And they was RIGHT!"
by BJJDenver on Jun 2, 2008 2:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Haha...
...who will miss weight by more in the Gina/Butterbean fight?
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 2, 2008 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gina/Butterbean
Carano via heel hook, rd 1.
Actually, they should face off in a All-You-Can eat Hot wings contest. Looks like Gina can hang with Butterbean.
by strictlymma.com on Jun 2, 2008 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait!
Wasn’t Kimbo sorta completely exposed as a guy with no ground game and questionable striking power? Why the hell should they keep putting him on television? Is it impossible for EliteXC to hire some top talent? I didn’t see anybody on the main card that I would put in a top 10 list (regardless of what everyone else seems to think of Robbie Lawler). Well, except for Gina Carano. Speaking of which:
Gina Carano is a STAR. I watched the fight with two women and they both kept going on and on about how hot Gina is. When women react that way, you’ve got something special. And her striking was more technical than most of the men in MMA – more of her, and let’s have her take on Roxy!
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.
by jemaleddin on Jun 2, 2008 4:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He still is a television draw....
...and what top talent is out there to be signed? They can bring in Ortiz (no earlier than 6 months from now) but other than that there isn’t a lot of “top talent.” Lawler is a top 10 middleweight.
Kimbo drew a 7.5 rating…which IS HUGE for a Saturday night. I wouldn’t have him headline a show anytime soon. But I’d certainly put him on television.
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 2, 2008 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They need to get to co-promoting with Affliction, Adrenaline and so on. that is about the only way i see these promotions making it long term. It’s funny, but the flux of free agents that we were all anticipating, kind of got diluted. UFC better release some more fighters for these guys to pick up.
Why is it 6 months for Tito? Does he have some sort of exclusive period with UFC?
"They said you was hung!!"
"And they was RIGHT!"
by BJJDenver on Jun 2, 2008 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
They do have a no-compete clause in his contract. But it doesn’t matter because he has a medical suspension for 6 months anyway.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on Jun 2, 2008 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah, thanks.
"They said you was hung!!"
"And they was RIGHT!"
by BJJDenver on Jun 3, 2008 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn’t the point of all these second string promotions that they let their fighters fight anywhere they like? There’s a ton of pseudo-free agents around: SIGN THEM!
And if he’s a television draw, have him fight a live bear or a pack of dogs or something. Don’t let’s waste TV time on calling what he does MMA.
As for Lawler: Since he was chased out of the UFC as a welterweight, I don’t buy his status in the top 10 for middleweight. But now we’re talking opinions….
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.
by jemaleddin on Jun 2, 2008 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know what...
I think the biggest thing is that the announcers need to get the hyperbole under control when it comes to Kimbo. Rather than selling him as someone who is developing as a fighter…they sold him as being in the same category as Tiger Woods.
If they put him on TV they need to say “he is a flawed fighter…he is developing his game but isn’t there yet…he can be beaten” etc. It can’t be such a huge oversell. That is one of the biggest flaws they made. They sold him as being the end-all-be-all and then he got manhandled for a large portion of that fight.
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 2, 2008 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not just the announcers
Some of the blame is on Gary Shaw and everyone else who has been hyping Kimbo as the Messiah of MMA. I mean, it’s not like Mauro even sounds credible, is it? :-P
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.
by jemaleddin on Jun 2, 2008 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will not be watching any live events or proelite.com prelim fights. I will only watch select fighters fight on youtube or dailymotion. I won’t support any sponsors that sponsor elitexc. Unlike yourself, I am not cooled off because I was never hot. What I am is disgusted and will continue to be disgusted at Elitexc for the tragedy this past Saturday. Thank god for WEC.
by MrNiceGuyMMA on Jun 2, 2008 5:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh, the humanity!!!
"They said you was hung!!"
"And they was RIGHT!"
by BJJDenver on Jun 2, 2008 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe the fact...
...that I’ve seen so much worse in boxing allowed me to chill out a little easier than someone like you. But hey…that is totally your right to boycott their events and sponsors.
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 2, 2008 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, we can argue the good and bad until we turn blue (which is getting pretty close, lol). Despite it not being my style of mma show, it was somewhat entertaining to me, and I could see casual/new fan finding it very entertaining.
"They said you was hung!!"
"And they was RIGHT!"
by BJJDenver on Jun 2, 2008 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can I ask where the 7.5 is coming from? Everywhere I’ve seen has the Kimbo number at 4.7. That is really good, but I have not seen 7.5.
I agree that Gina Carano should be the face of this promotion. Her striking is exciting, she’s got a cool personality, and she’s easy to get behind. She has real skill! Move her to 145 if need be, or she can keep forfeiting 12% and keep whipping ass. Either way, I think the promotion should focus on Gina and eventually Ortiz when they sign him while they bring Kimbo along with special attraction fights. He was clearly a draw once, but will he be again after that showing? I think the guy is going to become hated by MMA fans that will really want to see him lose.
If I was Gary Shaw, I’d very much consider sacraficing the Kimbo star to Tito Ortiz if they can sign Tito to a long term deal (3 years, 6 fights). It’s a money match for hype reasons, and Tito is actually a skilled and charismatic face that can dominate over there.
by Michael Rome on Jun 2, 2008 6:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I heard that earlier today...
...I’ll have to see if I can track down the facts once I get home from dinner.
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 2, 2008 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of Gina, is there a reason the women only fight three minute rounds? It would seem in EXC’s best interest that their most exciting fighter be in fights that have a chance to go longer than nine minutes total.
by Richard Wade on Jun 2, 2008 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dunno
It was EXC’s choice. Kaitlin and Gina have both said that they think it’s BS, but I think that break saved Gina from gassing in the first. 3-minute rounds are like pleats: the fat person’s friends. :-)
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.
by jemaleddin on Jun 2, 2008 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Re-runs are no fun
The card sucked the first time, so why re-do it? Kimbo got a gimme in Thompson, and he still screwed it up. Put Kimbo vs. Cabbage and let the chips fall where they may.
Though I do agree that Smith deserves a rematch against Lawler. But this time get a real ref and doctor.
by thetakeover on Jun 2, 2008 10:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good idea:
How about we do the card Brent provided above, but we rearrange the opponents:
- Gina Carano vs. Kimbo Slice (Gina by TKO, first round)
- Robbie Lawler vs. James Thompson (Thompson by exploding ear-testicle, round 3)
- Scott Smith vs. “Junior” Silva (Smith by last second KO shortly before dying of a ruptured liver),
- Brett Rogers vs. TBD (TBD by early stoppage – this is EliteXC after all)
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on Jun 2, 2008 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ear-testicle? That’s amazingly awful.
by Richard Wade on Jun 3, 2008 2:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d hold off Gina, build up an opponent for her with another women’s match. I’d do…
Kimbo v. Ken Shamrock
Drew Fickett v. Jake Shields
Robbie Lawler v. Scott Smith
Brett Rogers v. Antonio Silva
Two Women (don’t know who they have signed)
by Michael Rome on Jun 3, 2008 12:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I wish Gina had more personality...
...so that they could have her announce fights when she isn’t on the card. But she is very vanilla…
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 3, 2008 1:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
mmm…vanilla.
"They said you was hung!!"
"And they was RIGHT!"
by BJJDenver on Jun 3, 2008 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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