FEMALE MMA STANDOUTS SHAYNA BASZLER AND CRISTIANE CYBORG ADDED TO THE CARD FOR SECOND PRIMETIME BROADCAST OF "CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS", SATURDAY, JULY 26, ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK
SHOWTIME To Televise Three Live Fights Preceding CBS Broadcast, Including EliteXC Heavyweight Championship Featuring Antonio "Big Foot" Silva vs. Justin Eilers
The female bout between Shayna Baszler of Sioux Falls, S.D. and Brazil's Cristiane Cyborg has been added to the lineup for the second primetime broadcast of CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS, live from the Stockton Arena in Stockton, Calif. on Saturday, July 26 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
Baszler and Cyborg, who are fighting in the 140 pound weight class, complete the primetime matchups for the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS on July 26.
Other CBS fights include:
·"Ruthless" Robbie Lawler vs. Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith (for EliteXC Middleweight title)
·Jake Shields vs. Nick Thompson (for EliteXC Welterweight title)
·Nick Diaz vs. Thomas "Wildman" Denny (Lightweights)
Nicknamed "The Queen Of Spades," the talented Baszler is 9-4 and has won her last four starts. All of Baszler's victories have come via submission; her last four outings ended in the first round.
Regarded as one of the roughest and toughest women in MMA, Cyborg has a record of 4-0. This will be the United States debut for Cyborg, who has scored first-round technical knockouts in her last three fights.
SHOWTIME will televise three live fights preceding the CBS broadcast from 8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT including:
● Antonio "Big Foot" Silva vs. Justin Eilers (for EliteXC Heavyweight title)
● Wilson Reis vs. Brian Caraway (140 lb. weight class)
● Rafael Feijao vs. TBD (light heavyweight fight)
CBS Sports play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson, cageside analysts Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo, and reporter Karyn Bryant will return as the "CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" broadcast team and also have the call for the SHOWTIME telecast.
CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS will be produced by SHOWTIME Sports. The executive producer is David Dinkins, Jr.
For more information on the first CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS, visit cbssports.com
To learn more about each fighter, click below to access their proelite.com webpage:
Robbie Lawler
Scott Smith
Nick Diaz
Thomas Denny
Jake Shields
http://Shaynabaszler.proelite.com/
http://cristianecyborg.proelite.com/
Nick Thompson
Antonio Silva
http://justineilers.proelite.com/
http://wilsonreis.proelite.com/
http://briancaraway.proelite.com/
http://rafaelfeijao.proelite.com/
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Showing posts with label Scott Smith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scott Smith. Show all posts
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Pre-Sale Continues For a Fantastic MMA Card That Includes Lawler-Smith Rematch, Shields-Thompson EliteXC Title Fight, Diaz-Denny, ‘Big Foot’ Silva
LOS ANGELES– Fans seeking to participate in the most significant sporting event in the recent history of Stockton, Calif. -- an exciting evening of mixed martial arts, which includes two EliteXC world title fights -- have the opportunity to reserve their seats now.
Tickets, starting at $35 for the Saturday, July 26 fight card at the Stockton Arena go on sale tomorrow/this Friday, June 27. The pre-sale for tickets continued today/Thursday, June 26. The fight card is presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live fight division, EliteXC.
Tickets can be purchased at the Stockton Arena Box Office (Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Saturday (noon-4 p.m.), by phone at (209) 373-1700 and (866) 373-7088 (toll free) or online at www.stocktontickets.com. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. PT. The first live fight is at 3:15.
“We’re looking forward to staging this tremendous event at the beautiful Stockton Arena,’’ said Douglas DeLuca, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Inc. “Local fans not only will get a chance to watch some of the best fighters in EliteXC, but some of the best in the world.
“With so many fighters from the area -- Nick Diaz (Stockton), Scott Smith (Elk Grove) and Jake Shield (San Francisco) -- Stockton is a perfect fit. We’ll rock the arena and sell it out. This show will appeal to new and established fans, whether they’re in attendance or watching on television.
“The record-breaking numbers for the history-making May 31 CBS telecast said it all. There definitely is a place and a primetime audience for mixed martial arts on network TV. May 31 was a ratings success and Saturday, July 26, on CBS -- and SHOWTIME -- will be one too. We're all excited about our lineup for Stockton and working with CBS and SHOWTIME again.’’
EliteXC was the first to present mixed martial arts on a premium network (SHOWTIME) and in primetime on network television (CBS). On Saturday, July 26, EliteXC will offer back-to-back CBS and SHOWTIME telecasts.
The second half of the televised card will be the second mixed martial arts event shown live in primetime on network television.
CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS will air live on the CBS Television Network at 9-11 p.m. ET/PT. The inaugural May 31 broadcast was a ratings success, peaking at 6.51 million viewers.
A four-fight, two-hour CBS broadcast will be preceded by a three-fight, one-hour telecast live on SHOWTIME (8 p.m. ET/PT), which has televised MMA since February 2007. A fight featuring promising heavyweight Antonio “Big Foot” Silva (10-1) will highlight the show.
EliteXC middleweight champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (15-4, 1 NC) of Granite City, Ill., via St. Louis, by way of Davenport, Iowa, and Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (13-4, 1 NC) will clash in an eagerly awaited rematch in the main event of “Saturday Night Fights: Lawler-Smith II’’ on CBS.
In a second world title fight, Jake Shields (20-4-1) and Nick Thompson (36-9-1) will collide for the vacant EliteXC 170-pound belt. Both fighters are on a roll. Shields has won nine in a row. Thompson, of Minneapolis, has won 12 straight and 21 of 22. Shields hasn’t lost in more than three years, Thompson in more than two. The world title fights are scheduled for five, five-minute rounds.
With a likely grudge rematch with EliteXC lightweight champion KJ Noons hanging in the balance, hometown hero Nick Diaz will seek his third victory in three months when he faces Thomas “Wildman’’ Denny (26-16) in one of the two, three-round, five-minute scraps on CBS.
Other matchups will be announced in the near future. Fans can watch pre- and post-fight interviews at ProElite.com (see Fighter Pages below).
The crowd-pleasing Lawler and the hard-hitting Smith fought May 31 on CBS in Newark, N.J. To the dismay of the fighters and some fans, a hotly contested, dead even fight seemingly on its way to becoming an instant classic ended in a controversial No Contest.
A thriller in which both had won a round was halted, some insist prematurely, at 3:26 of the third round after Smith was accidentally poked in the eye and deemed unable to continue. Despite his pleas to the contrary, the fight was called by cage-side doctors.
A disappointing, unsatisfactory conclusion made an immediate rematch almost automatic. Lawler and Smith do indeed have unfinished business.
“I’m looking forward to fighting him again,’’ said the soft-spoken, serious-minded Lawler, who captured the EliteXC 185-pound belt with a dramatic, convincing third-round TKO (strikes) over defending champion Murilo “Ninja” Rua on Sept. 15, 2007, in Honolulu on SHOWTIME.
“Smith is a tough guy, but I felt pretty good out there and thought I was winning. It’s too bad it ended that way.’’
Said Smith, who owns a gym in Sacramento: “Neither one of us wanted the fight to end that way, so we definitely have some unfinished business we need to take care of. I wanted to continue fighting. I’m more confident going into this rematch than I was going into the first fight. It will be exciting fighting so close to home. Elk Grove is literally just a few minutes from Stockton.’’
Fighting twice in seven weeks will not be a factor for Lawler. “Timing-wise, it is fine for me,’’ said a determined, dedicated, always dangerous southpaw who is known for aggressiveness and a swing-for-the-fences style, but has performed with intelligence and poise in recent outings.
“I was good for the last one, but I’ll be great for this one,” Lawler added. “I’ll be faster and stronger. I’ve been in the gym almost every day since the first fight. Every fight for me is equal to the other. They are all big, at the time. I’m ready to go.’’
Smith is a “freestyle” fighter and knockout artist who comes out throwing bombs with an abandon that’s made him a huge fan favorite. Aptly nicknamed “Hands Of Steel’’ -- he’s a union field foreman in his family’s steel business – Smith has won 13 of his 15 fights by KO or TKO.
But one of the most dangerous strikers in the business also owns a strong wrestling background and possesses terrific cardio. “I train hard in all aspects of the game,’’ Smith said.
Smith, who says the foot he injured against Lawler is “100 percent,’’ detests fights that go the distance. So one only can imagine what he may have been thinking when the fight with Lawler ended like it did. “Not once did I ever say, ‘I want to stop this fight’ ’’ Smith said.
“I’m too smart and experienced for that. I was just blown away when it was stopped.’’
The Shields-Thompson matchup to decide the first EliteXC welterweight belt-holder should be a fantastic technical fight between two of the best all-around fighters in the world at 170. Those tuning in to CBS will see a different-type style matchup than they saw on May 31.
For Shields, a life-long vegetarian who was raised in a remote area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California, the shot at the EliteXC crown has been a long time coming.
“This is my dream come true. I’m really excited,’’ said Shields, a former college wrestler at San Francisco State and now a Cesar Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Shields has notable triumphs over Yushin Okami, Dave Menne, Hayato Sakurai and Carlos Condit.
“This is really a great fight. Nick’s definitely a great opponent. I respect him. He’s experienced, game and very tough. It’ll be exciting fighting so close to home in Stockton in front of friends and family, but I know I will have my work cut out.’’
Due to a couple of postponements and a back injury, Shields will be making his first start since he defeated Mike Pyle at EliteXC’s event on Nov. 10, 2007 on SHOWTIME.
“There will be no excuses. My back is 100 percent,” said Shields, who’s unbeaten since December 2004. “I struggled with it a lot longer than I wanted, but I knew if I was patient and did the right things my time would come. In a way it was a blessing. Now, I am more motivated than ever.”
Thompson is the third fighter from Minneapolis to appear on CBS, joining Brett Rogers and Kaitlin Young, who fought on the historic May 31 event.
The last Bodog welterweight belt-holder, Thompson is experienced and certainly no easy mark. For sure, his work rate can’t be faulted. Amazingly, this will be his 47th fight since he turned pro less than five and half years ago. He hasn’t been defeated since April 2006. In his last start, he scored a second-round submission (kimura) over Michael Costa on June 8, 2008.
“A fight with Jake has been my No. 1 choice for a long time,” said Thompson, who owns a victory over highly regarded Eddie Alvarez and also has whipped the likes of Chris Wilson, Josh Neer and Brian Gassaway. “I think we both wanted this fight. That the fight is on CBS is a huge opportunity exposure-wise and an added bonus.’’
Diaz is a true hard-core MMA fighter who’s willing to “fight anybody who thinks they’re better than me.’’ On June 14, he scored a third-round TKO over Muhsin Corbbrey one fight before Noons retained his crown by demolishing Yves Edwards in 48 seconds on SHOWTIME.
After the Noons’ fight, Diaz was invited inside the cage to discuss a rematch but heated words were exchanged and a scuffle between the fighters’ camps ensued. “I'm not a punk. I did not start it,’’ Diaz said. “Noons is a poser. His side started it. I was just doing my job.’’
Diaz wants desperately to settle the score with Noons, who won their first fight and the EliteXC title by TKO (cuts) on Nov. 10, 2007, on SHOWTIME. It was a result that did not sit well with Diaz or some fans and the smack talk has escalated ever since.
“Everybody knows the deal with Noons and the kind of guy he is,’’ Diaz said. “But my focus is only on this fight. KJ knows his days are numbered. He can’t run from me forever.’’
A colorful fighter known for wild and crazy hairstyles, Denny, of Victorville, Calif., via Huntington Beach, Calif., is a crowd-pleasing, crafty veteran who has won four of his last five.
Denny, who likes to keep it on the ground, specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling and Muay Thai kickboxing. His self-proclaimed signature moves are “knees and elbows.’’ But, mostly, Denny likes to “give pain. I like to make my opponent suffer.’’
A former King of the Cage champion, Denny is coming off a first-round disqualification victory over Malaipet on March 21, 2008, on ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series. Denny had mostly totally dominated until Malaipet was DQ’d for illegal elbows to the back of the head.
The outspoken, oft-misunderstood Diaz has drawn both criticism and praise for his “tough guy’’ tirades, but Denny does not seem to mind. “I think his antics are entertaining, but it will be more entertaining when I punch him in the face,’’ he said.
Silva is coming off a hard-fought, three-round split decision victory over former champion Ricco Rodriguez on Feb. 16, 2008, on SHOWTIME. Silva, whose initial nine victories had come in the first round, won by the scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 28-29.
“I know I can fight better than I did the last time,’’ said Silva, who possesses excellent striking and grappling skills and moves extremely well for a fighter his size. “My goal is to prove I’m the No. 1 heavyweight in the world. I want that heavyweight title belt.”
For more information on EliteXC and other MMA-related stories, including bios, video-on-demand, photos, stats, Fantasy Fight Game TM and more, please visit ProElite.com and EliteXC.com. For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video, photo galleries and complete telecast information, please visit http://www.SHO.com/Sports.
Fighter pages: Lawler (http://robbielawler.proelite.com), Smith (http://scottsmith.proelite.com), Shields (http://jakeshields.proelite.com), Thompson (http://nickthompson.proelite.com), Diaz (http://nickdiaz.proelite.com), Denny (http://thomasdenny.proelite.com), Silva (http://antoniosilva.proelite.com)
About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite Inc., the parent company of EliteXC, delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, network television programming on CBS Television Network, cable television programming on Showtime Networks Inc., and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA on the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem, all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Tickets, starting at $35 for the Saturday, July 26 fight card at the Stockton Arena go on sale tomorrow/this Friday, June 27. The pre-sale for tickets continued today/Thursday, June 26. The fight card is presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live fight division, EliteXC.
Tickets can be purchased at the Stockton Arena Box Office (Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Saturday (noon-4 p.m.), by phone at (209) 373-1700 and (866) 373-7088 (toll free) or online at www.stocktontickets.com. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. PT. The first live fight is at 3:15.
“We’re looking forward to staging this tremendous event at the beautiful Stockton Arena,’’ said Douglas DeLuca, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Inc. “Local fans not only will get a chance to watch some of the best fighters in EliteXC, but some of the best in the world.
“With so many fighters from the area -- Nick Diaz (Stockton), Scott Smith (Elk Grove) and Jake Shield (San Francisco) -- Stockton is a perfect fit. We’ll rock the arena and sell it out. This show will appeal to new and established fans, whether they’re in attendance or watching on television.
“The record-breaking numbers for the history-making May 31 CBS telecast said it all. There definitely is a place and a primetime audience for mixed martial arts on network TV. May 31 was a ratings success and Saturday, July 26, on CBS -- and SHOWTIME -- will be one too. We're all excited about our lineup for Stockton and working with CBS and SHOWTIME again.’’
EliteXC was the first to present mixed martial arts on a premium network (SHOWTIME) and in primetime on network television (CBS). On Saturday, July 26, EliteXC will offer back-to-back CBS and SHOWTIME telecasts.
The second half of the televised card will be the second mixed martial arts event shown live in primetime on network television.
CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS will air live on the CBS Television Network at 9-11 p.m. ET/PT. The inaugural May 31 broadcast was a ratings success, peaking at 6.51 million viewers.
A four-fight, two-hour CBS broadcast will be preceded by a three-fight, one-hour telecast live on SHOWTIME (8 p.m. ET/PT), which has televised MMA since February 2007. A fight featuring promising heavyweight Antonio “Big Foot” Silva (10-1) will highlight the show.
EliteXC middleweight champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (15-4, 1 NC) of Granite City, Ill., via St. Louis, by way of Davenport, Iowa, and Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (13-4, 1 NC) will clash in an eagerly awaited rematch in the main event of “Saturday Night Fights: Lawler-Smith II’’ on CBS.
In a second world title fight, Jake Shields (20-4-1) and Nick Thompson (36-9-1) will collide for the vacant EliteXC 170-pound belt. Both fighters are on a roll. Shields has won nine in a row. Thompson, of Minneapolis, has won 12 straight and 21 of 22. Shields hasn’t lost in more than three years, Thompson in more than two. The world title fights are scheduled for five, five-minute rounds.
With a likely grudge rematch with EliteXC lightweight champion KJ Noons hanging in the balance, hometown hero Nick Diaz will seek his third victory in three months when he faces Thomas “Wildman’’ Denny (26-16) in one of the two, three-round, five-minute scraps on CBS.
Other matchups will be announced in the near future. Fans can watch pre- and post-fight interviews at ProElite.com (see Fighter Pages below).
The crowd-pleasing Lawler and the hard-hitting Smith fought May 31 on CBS in Newark, N.J. To the dismay of the fighters and some fans, a hotly contested, dead even fight seemingly on its way to becoming an instant classic ended in a controversial No Contest.
A thriller in which both had won a round was halted, some insist prematurely, at 3:26 of the third round after Smith was accidentally poked in the eye and deemed unable to continue. Despite his pleas to the contrary, the fight was called by cage-side doctors.
A disappointing, unsatisfactory conclusion made an immediate rematch almost automatic. Lawler and Smith do indeed have unfinished business.
“I’m looking forward to fighting him again,’’ said the soft-spoken, serious-minded Lawler, who captured the EliteXC 185-pound belt with a dramatic, convincing third-round TKO (strikes) over defending champion Murilo “Ninja” Rua on Sept. 15, 2007, in Honolulu on SHOWTIME.
“Smith is a tough guy, but I felt pretty good out there and thought I was winning. It’s too bad it ended that way.’’
Said Smith, who owns a gym in Sacramento: “Neither one of us wanted the fight to end that way, so we definitely have some unfinished business we need to take care of. I wanted to continue fighting. I’m more confident going into this rematch than I was going into the first fight. It will be exciting fighting so close to home. Elk Grove is literally just a few minutes from Stockton.’’
Fighting twice in seven weeks will not be a factor for Lawler. “Timing-wise, it is fine for me,’’ said a determined, dedicated, always dangerous southpaw who is known for aggressiveness and a swing-for-the-fences style, but has performed with intelligence and poise in recent outings.
“I was good for the last one, but I’ll be great for this one,” Lawler added. “I’ll be faster and stronger. I’ve been in the gym almost every day since the first fight. Every fight for me is equal to the other. They are all big, at the time. I’m ready to go.’’
Smith is a “freestyle” fighter and knockout artist who comes out throwing bombs with an abandon that’s made him a huge fan favorite. Aptly nicknamed “Hands Of Steel’’ -- he’s a union field foreman in his family’s steel business – Smith has won 13 of his 15 fights by KO or TKO.
But one of the most dangerous strikers in the business also owns a strong wrestling background and possesses terrific cardio. “I train hard in all aspects of the game,’’ Smith said.
Smith, who says the foot he injured against Lawler is “100 percent,’’ detests fights that go the distance. So one only can imagine what he may have been thinking when the fight with Lawler ended like it did. “Not once did I ever say, ‘I want to stop this fight’ ’’ Smith said.
“I’m too smart and experienced for that. I was just blown away when it was stopped.’’
The Shields-Thompson matchup to decide the first EliteXC welterweight belt-holder should be a fantastic technical fight between two of the best all-around fighters in the world at 170. Those tuning in to CBS will see a different-type style matchup than they saw on May 31.
For Shields, a life-long vegetarian who was raised in a remote area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California, the shot at the EliteXC crown has been a long time coming.
“This is my dream come true. I’m really excited,’’ said Shields, a former college wrestler at San Francisco State and now a Cesar Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Shields has notable triumphs over Yushin Okami, Dave Menne, Hayato Sakurai and Carlos Condit.
“This is really a great fight. Nick’s definitely a great opponent. I respect him. He’s experienced, game and very tough. It’ll be exciting fighting so close to home in Stockton in front of friends and family, but I know I will have my work cut out.’’
Due to a couple of postponements and a back injury, Shields will be making his first start since he defeated Mike Pyle at EliteXC’s event on Nov. 10, 2007 on SHOWTIME.
“There will be no excuses. My back is 100 percent,” said Shields, who’s unbeaten since December 2004. “I struggled with it a lot longer than I wanted, but I knew if I was patient and did the right things my time would come. In a way it was a blessing. Now, I am more motivated than ever.”
Thompson is the third fighter from Minneapolis to appear on CBS, joining Brett Rogers and Kaitlin Young, who fought on the historic May 31 event.
The last Bodog welterweight belt-holder, Thompson is experienced and certainly no easy mark. For sure, his work rate can’t be faulted. Amazingly, this will be his 47th fight since he turned pro less than five and half years ago. He hasn’t been defeated since April 2006. In his last start, he scored a second-round submission (kimura) over Michael Costa on June 8, 2008.
“A fight with Jake has been my No. 1 choice for a long time,” said Thompson, who owns a victory over highly regarded Eddie Alvarez and also has whipped the likes of Chris Wilson, Josh Neer and Brian Gassaway. “I think we both wanted this fight. That the fight is on CBS is a huge opportunity exposure-wise and an added bonus.’’
Diaz is a true hard-core MMA fighter who’s willing to “fight anybody who thinks they’re better than me.’’ On June 14, he scored a third-round TKO over Muhsin Corbbrey one fight before Noons retained his crown by demolishing Yves Edwards in 48 seconds on SHOWTIME.
After the Noons’ fight, Diaz was invited inside the cage to discuss a rematch but heated words were exchanged and a scuffle between the fighters’ camps ensued. “I'm not a punk. I did not start it,’’ Diaz said. “Noons is a poser. His side started it. I was just doing my job.’’
Diaz wants desperately to settle the score with Noons, who won their first fight and the EliteXC title by TKO (cuts) on Nov. 10, 2007, on SHOWTIME. It was a result that did not sit well with Diaz or some fans and the smack talk has escalated ever since.
“Everybody knows the deal with Noons and the kind of guy he is,’’ Diaz said. “But my focus is only on this fight. KJ knows his days are numbered. He can’t run from me forever.’’
A colorful fighter known for wild and crazy hairstyles, Denny, of Victorville, Calif., via Huntington Beach, Calif., is a crowd-pleasing, crafty veteran who has won four of his last five.
Denny, who likes to keep it on the ground, specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling and Muay Thai kickboxing. His self-proclaimed signature moves are “knees and elbows.’’ But, mostly, Denny likes to “give pain. I like to make my opponent suffer.’’
A former King of the Cage champion, Denny is coming off a first-round disqualification victory over Malaipet on March 21, 2008, on ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series. Denny had mostly totally dominated until Malaipet was DQ’d for illegal elbows to the back of the head.
The outspoken, oft-misunderstood Diaz has drawn both criticism and praise for his “tough guy’’ tirades, but Denny does not seem to mind. “I think his antics are entertaining, but it will be more entertaining when I punch him in the face,’’ he said.
Silva is coming off a hard-fought, three-round split decision victory over former champion Ricco Rodriguez on Feb. 16, 2008, on SHOWTIME. Silva, whose initial nine victories had come in the first round, won by the scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 28-29.
“I know I can fight better than I did the last time,’’ said Silva, who possesses excellent striking and grappling skills and moves extremely well for a fighter his size. “My goal is to prove I’m the No. 1 heavyweight in the world. I want that heavyweight title belt.”
For more information on EliteXC and other MMA-related stories, including bios, video-on-demand, photos, stats, Fantasy Fight Game TM and more, please visit ProElite.com and EliteXC.com. For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video, photo galleries and complete telecast information, please visit http://www.SHO.com/Sports.
Fighter pages: Lawler (http://robbielawler.proelite.com), Smith (http://scottsmith.proelite.com), Shields (http://jakeshields.proelite.com), Thompson (http://nickthompson.proelite.com), Diaz (http://nickdiaz.proelite.com), Denny (http://thomasdenny.proelite.com), Silva (http://antoniosilva.proelite.com)
About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite Inc., the parent company of EliteXC, delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, network television programming on CBS Television Network, cable television programming on Showtime Networks Inc., and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA on the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem, all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
THE NEXT "CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" TO BE BROADCAST JULY 26 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK
THE NEXT "CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" TO BE BROADCAST JULY 26 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK
In a Rematch of their Recent Controversial Title Fight on CBS,
EliteXC Middleweight Champion Robbie Lawler Will Defend Against Scott Smith, While Jake Shields Squares off Against Nick Thompson For the Vacant EliteXC Welterweight Belt
CBS to Broadcast Four Live Fights (Including Two Title Fights) From 9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT; SHOWTIME to Televise Three Live Fights (Including EliteXC Heavyweight Title Fight) from 8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT
LOS ANGELES, June 25 — CBS and EliteXC announced today that the next CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS will be broadcast live from the Stockton Arena in Stockton, Calif. on Saturday, July 26 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. The four-fight broadcast will be highlighted by the highly anticipated rematch between "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler and Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith for the EliteXC Middleweight Title.
The night of mixed martial action will begin with three live fights on SHOWTIME (8:00-9:00 PT, ET/PT) including an EliteXC Heavyweight Championship match featuring Antonio "Big Foot" Silva.
"One venue, two networks and seven exciting world class fights adds up to an entertaining and memorable mixed martial arts event in prime time," said Doug DeLuca, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Inc.
In a rematch of their exciting, controversial first fight on May 31 on CBS, Lawler, the EliteXC middleweight champion from St. Louis by way of Davenport, Iowa, will put his title on the line once again against hard-hitting challenger Smith of Elk Grove, Calif. Their last meeting, a fight that many called the fight of the night, ended in controversy when doctors called the fight after Smith caught an unintentional finger in the eye late in the third round. Smith claimed he was ready to continue, but the fight was stopped and declared a no contest.
In a second world title fight on CBS, two of the sports' most talented welterweights will collide when San Francisco's Jake Shields, who has won nine in a row, gets his long awaited shot at a world title when he squares off against Nick Thompson of Minneapolis, Minn., who has won 12 straight and 20 of his last 21 fights, for the vacant EliteXC 170-pound belt.
The world title fights are scheduled for five, five-minute rounds.
Also on CBS, hometown favorite Nick Diaz of Stockton, Calif. will face Thomas "Wildman" Denny of Hesperia, Calif. The talented Diaz, who will be seeking his third victory in three months, needs a win to stay in the hunt for a potential rematch with ElliteXC lightweight champion KJ Noons. Denny, a winner in four of his last five fights, is coming off a first-round disqualification victory over the highly regarded Malaipet on March 21, 2008.
The remaining primetime match-ups for the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS on July 26 will be announced at a later date. The SHOWTIME match-ups also will be announced in the near future.
CBS Sports play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson, cageside analysts Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo, and reporter Karyn Bryant will return as the "CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" broadcast team and also have the call for the SHOWTIME telecast.
CBS's inaugural mixed martial arts broadcast on May 31, 2008 dominated its time period in all key young men and young adult demographics. The total viewership increased throughout the night, peaking at 6.51m viewers for the Kimbo Slice vs. James Thompson fight. The entire broadcast (9:00-11:51 PM) averaged 4.85m viewers.
The intense nature of the contests and the theatrical elements of its live events have made mixed martial arts one of the fastest growing spectator sports in the U.S. Over the last several years, the genre has seen tremendous growth in popularity, especially among the coveted 18-34 demographic.
Mixed martial arts is a sport evolved from a number of ancient combat disciplines including judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, wrestling and kickboxing. World-class athletes engage in hand-to-hand combat in a ring — both caged and traditional — and must adapt their fighting style to fit their opponent. The wide variety of styles and techniques make every event an unpredictable spectacle.
CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS will be produced by SHOWTIME Sports. The executive producer is David Dinkins, Jr.
For more information on CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS, visit cbssports.com
To learn more about fighters, click below to access their proelite.com webpage:
Robbie Lawler
Scott Smith
Nick Diaz
Thomas Denny
Jake Shields
Nick Thompson
Antonio Silva
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
In a Rematch of their Recent Controversial Title Fight on CBS,
EliteXC Middleweight Champion Robbie Lawler Will Defend Against Scott Smith, While Jake Shields Squares off Against Nick Thompson For the Vacant EliteXC Welterweight Belt
CBS to Broadcast Four Live Fights (Including Two Title Fights) From 9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT; SHOWTIME to Televise Three Live Fights (Including EliteXC Heavyweight Title Fight) from 8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT
LOS ANGELES, June 25 — CBS and EliteXC announced today that the next CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS will be broadcast live from the Stockton Arena in Stockton, Calif. on Saturday, July 26 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. The four-fight broadcast will be highlighted by the highly anticipated rematch between "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler and Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith for the EliteXC Middleweight Title.
The night of mixed martial action will begin with three live fights on SHOWTIME (8:00-9:00 PT, ET/PT) including an EliteXC Heavyweight Championship match featuring Antonio "Big Foot" Silva.
"One venue, two networks and seven exciting world class fights adds up to an entertaining and memorable mixed martial arts event in prime time," said Doug DeLuca, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Inc.
In a rematch of their exciting, controversial first fight on May 31 on CBS, Lawler, the EliteXC middleweight champion from St. Louis by way of Davenport, Iowa, will put his title on the line once again against hard-hitting challenger Smith of Elk Grove, Calif. Their last meeting, a fight that many called the fight of the night, ended in controversy when doctors called the fight after Smith caught an unintentional finger in the eye late in the third round. Smith claimed he was ready to continue, but the fight was stopped and declared a no contest.
In a second world title fight on CBS, two of the sports' most talented welterweights will collide when San Francisco's Jake Shields, who has won nine in a row, gets his long awaited shot at a world title when he squares off against Nick Thompson of Minneapolis, Minn., who has won 12 straight and 20 of his last 21 fights, for the vacant EliteXC 170-pound belt.
The world title fights are scheduled for five, five-minute rounds.
Also on CBS, hometown favorite Nick Diaz of Stockton, Calif. will face Thomas "Wildman" Denny of Hesperia, Calif. The talented Diaz, who will be seeking his third victory in three months, needs a win to stay in the hunt for a potential rematch with ElliteXC lightweight champion KJ Noons. Denny, a winner in four of his last five fights, is coming off a first-round disqualification victory over the highly regarded Malaipet on March 21, 2008.
The remaining primetime match-ups for the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS on July 26 will be announced at a later date. The SHOWTIME match-ups also will be announced in the near future.
CBS Sports play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson, cageside analysts Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo, and reporter Karyn Bryant will return as the "CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS" broadcast team and also have the call for the SHOWTIME telecast.
CBS's inaugural mixed martial arts broadcast on May 31, 2008 dominated its time period in all key young men and young adult demographics. The total viewership increased throughout the night, peaking at 6.51m viewers for the Kimbo Slice vs. James Thompson fight. The entire broadcast (9:00-11:51 PM) averaged 4.85m viewers.
The intense nature of the contests and the theatrical elements of its live events have made mixed martial arts one of the fastest growing spectator sports in the U.S. Over the last several years, the genre has seen tremendous growth in popularity, especially among the coveted 18-34 demographic.
Mixed martial arts is a sport evolved from a number of ancient combat disciplines including judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, wrestling and kickboxing. World-class athletes engage in hand-to-hand combat in a ring — both caged and traditional — and must adapt their fighting style to fit their opponent. The wide variety of styles and techniques make every event an unpredictable spectacle.
CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS will be produced by SHOWTIME Sports. The executive producer is David Dinkins, Jr.
For more information on CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS, visit cbssports.com
To learn more about fighters, click below to access their proelite.com webpage:
Robbie Lawler
Scott Smith
Nick Diaz
Thomas Denny
Jake Shields
Nick Thompson
Antonio Silva
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Saturday, June 7, 2008
ELITEXC RETURNS TO SHOWTIME WITH BACK-TO-BACK FIGHT NIGHTS Friday, June 13, “CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights” Replay on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT);
Saturday, June 14, LIVE at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Honolulu, EliteXC Lightweight Championship - Noons vs. Edwards - Headlines Five-Fight Telecast
NEW YORK– EliteXC will return to SHOWTIME with back-to-back mixed martial arts telecasts beginning Friday, June 13, at 11 p.m. ET/PT with a replay of the May 31 landmark MMA event, “CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights.”
Each of the five fights that made up the CBS broadcast will be shown in their entirety on SHOWTIME, including the impressive performance by Gina Carano, the thrilling EliteXC middleweight title brawl between champion Robbie Lawler and Scott Smith, and the main event of Kimbo Slice against James Thompson.
The following evening, Saturday, June 14, LIVE from Honolulu, Hawaii, EliteXC will present a five-fight telecast on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast) highlighted by an EliteXC lightweight title fight pitting defending champion K.J. Noons of San Diego, Calif., against Yves Edwards of Houston, Texas. The four other televised fights include the world-class Nick Diaz against the dangerous Muhsin Corbbrey, Rafael Feijao against Wayne Cole, Murilo “Ninja” Rua against Tony Bonello, and Dave Herman against Ron Waterman.
For more information on these and other SHOWTIME Sports telecasts, please visit www.SHO.com/sports. A complete schedule of upcoming SHOWTIME Sports telecasts follows.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Date:
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Start Time:
9 p.m. ET/PT
Main Event:
Vernon Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) vs. Sergio Mora (20-0-1, 5 KOs) – WBC Super Welterweight Title, 12 Rounds
Co-Feature Event:
Carlos Quintana (25-1, 19 KOs) vs. Paul Williams (33-1, 24 KOs) – WBO Welterweight Title Rematch, 12 Rounds
Promoter(s):
Gary Shaw Productions and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC; DiBella Entertainment; Northeast Promotions; and Goossen Tutor Promotions
Venue:
Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Conn.
EliteXC Replay May 31 EliteXC on SHOWTIME
Date:
Friday, June 13, 2008
Start Time:
11 p.m. ET/PT
Main Event:
Kimbo Slice vs. James Thompson
Co-Feature Bouts:
Robbie Lawler vs. Scott Smith – EliteXC Middleweight Title
Gina Carano vs. Kaitlin Young
Phil Baroni vs. Joe Villasenor
Jon Murphy vs. Brett Rogers
Promoter(s):
EliteXC
Venue:
Prudential Center – Newark, NJ
EliteXC
Date:
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Start Time:
10 p.m. ET/PT
Main Event:
K.J. Noons vs. Yves Edwards – EliteXC Lightweight Title
Co-Feature Bouts:
Nick Diaz vs. Muhsin Corbbrey
Murilo “Ninja” Rua vs. Tony Bonello
Dave Herman vs. Ron Waterman
Rafael Feijao vs. Wayne Cole
Promoter(s):
EliteXC
Venue:
Neal S. Blaisdell Center – Honolulu, HI
SHOBOX
Date:
Friday, June 20, 2008
Start Time:
11 p.m. ET/PT
Main Event:
Andre Ward (15-0, 10 KOs) vs. Jerson Ravelo (18-2, 12 KOs) – Super Middleweights, 12 Rounds
Co-Feature:
Ronald Hearns (18-0, 14 KOs) vs. Jose Luis Gonzalez (12-3-1, 10 KOs) – Junior Middleweights, 10 Rounds
Highlights ONLY:
Eddie Chambers (30-1, 16 KOs) vs. Raphael Butler (31-4, 24 KOs) – Heavyweights, 10 Rounds
Promoter(s):
Goossen Tutor Promotions
Venue:
Grand Cayman Island
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Date:
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Start Time:
9 p.m. ET/PT
Main Event:
Arthur Abraham (26-0, 26 KOs) vs. Edison Miranda II (30-2, 26 KOs) –166 pounds (Catchweight), 12 Rounds
Co-Feature:
Giovanni Lorenzo (26-0, 18 KOs) vs. Raul Marquez (41-3, 29 KOs) – IBF Middleweight Title Eliminator, 12 Rounds
Promoter(s):
Seminole Warriors Boxing and Sauerland Event in association with The Seminole Tribe of Florida
Venue:
Hard Rock Live – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood, Fla.
SHOBOX SPECIAL EDITION
Date:
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Start Time:
11 p.m. ET/PT
Main Event:
Ricardo Torres (31-1, 28 KOs) vs. Kendall Holt (23-3, 12 KOs) – WBO Junior Welterweight Title Rematch, 12 Rounds
Co-Feature:
Lamont Peterson (26-0, 19 KOs) vs. TBD – Lightweights, 10 Rounds
Promoter(s):
Top Rank, Inc.
Venue:
Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Date:
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Start Time:
9 p.m. ET/PT
Main Event:
Dimitri Kirilov (29-3-1, 9 KOs) vs. Vic Darchinyan (29-1-1, 23 KOs) – IBF Super Flyweight Title, 12 rounds
Co-Feature Event:
TBD
Promoter(s):
Cedric Kushner Promotions, Inc.
Venue:
TBD
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
NEW YORK– EliteXC will return to SHOWTIME with back-to-back mixed martial arts telecasts beginning Friday, June 13, at 11 p.m. ET/PT with a replay of the May 31 landmark MMA event, “CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights.”
Each of the five fights that made up the CBS broadcast will be shown in their entirety on SHOWTIME, including the impressive performance by Gina Carano, the thrilling EliteXC middleweight title brawl between champion Robbie Lawler and Scott Smith, and the main event of Kimbo Slice against James Thompson.
The following evening, Saturday, June 14, LIVE from Honolulu, Hawaii, EliteXC will present a five-fight telecast on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast) highlighted by an EliteXC lightweight title fight pitting defending champion K.J. Noons of San Diego, Calif., against Yves Edwards of Houston, Texas. The four other televised fights include the world-class Nick Diaz against the dangerous Muhsin Corbbrey, Rafael Feijao against Wayne Cole, Murilo “Ninja” Rua against Tony Bonello, and Dave Herman against Ron Waterman.
For more information on these and other SHOWTIME Sports telecasts, please visit www.SHO.com/sports. A complete schedule of upcoming SHOWTIME Sports telecasts follows.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Date:
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Start Time:
9 p.m. ET/PT
Main Event:
Vernon Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) vs. Sergio Mora (20-0-1, 5 KOs) – WBC Super Welterweight Title, 12 Rounds
Co-Feature Event:
Carlos Quintana (25-1, 19 KOs) vs. Paul Williams (33-1, 24 KOs) – WBO Welterweight Title Rematch, 12 Rounds
Promoter(s):
Gary Shaw Productions and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC; DiBella Entertainment; Northeast Promotions; and Goossen Tutor Promotions
Venue:
Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Conn.
EliteXC Replay May 31 EliteXC on SHOWTIME
Date:
Friday, June 13, 2008
Start Time:
11 p.m. ET/PT
Main Event:
Kimbo Slice vs. James Thompson
Co-Feature Bouts:
Robbie Lawler vs. Scott Smith – EliteXC Middleweight Title
Gina Carano vs. Kaitlin Young
Phil Baroni vs. Joe Villasenor
Jon Murphy vs. Brett Rogers
Promoter(s):
EliteXC
Venue:
Prudential Center – Newark, NJ
EliteXC
Date:
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Start Time:
10 p.m. ET/PT
Main Event:
K.J. Noons vs. Yves Edwards – EliteXC Lightweight Title
Co-Feature Bouts:
Nick Diaz vs. Muhsin Corbbrey
Murilo “Ninja” Rua vs. Tony Bonello
Dave Herman vs. Ron Waterman
Rafael Feijao vs. Wayne Cole
Promoter(s):
EliteXC
Venue:
Neal S. Blaisdell Center – Honolulu, HI
SHOBOX
Date:
Friday, June 20, 2008
Start Time:
11 p.m. ET/PT
Main Event:
Andre Ward (15-0, 10 KOs) vs. Jerson Ravelo (18-2, 12 KOs) – Super Middleweights, 12 Rounds
Co-Feature:
Ronald Hearns (18-0, 14 KOs) vs. Jose Luis Gonzalez (12-3-1, 10 KOs) – Junior Middleweights, 10 Rounds
Highlights ONLY:
Eddie Chambers (30-1, 16 KOs) vs. Raphael Butler (31-4, 24 KOs) – Heavyweights, 10 Rounds
Promoter(s):
Goossen Tutor Promotions
Venue:
Grand Cayman Island
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Date:
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Start Time:
9 p.m. ET/PT
Main Event:
Arthur Abraham (26-0, 26 KOs) vs. Edison Miranda II (30-2, 26 KOs) –166 pounds (Catchweight), 12 Rounds
Co-Feature:
Giovanni Lorenzo (26-0, 18 KOs) vs. Raul Marquez (41-3, 29 KOs) – IBF Middleweight Title Eliminator, 12 Rounds
Promoter(s):
Seminole Warriors Boxing and Sauerland Event in association with The Seminole Tribe of Florida
Venue:
Hard Rock Live – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood, Fla.
SHOBOX SPECIAL EDITION
Date:
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Start Time:
11 p.m. ET/PT
Main Event:
Ricardo Torres (31-1, 28 KOs) vs. Kendall Holt (23-3, 12 KOs) – WBO Junior Welterweight Title Rematch, 12 Rounds
Co-Feature:
Lamont Peterson (26-0, 19 KOs) vs. TBD – Lightweights, 10 Rounds
Promoter(s):
Top Rank, Inc.
Venue:
Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Date:
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Start Time:
9 p.m. ET/PT
Main Event:
Dimitri Kirilov (29-3-1, 9 KOs) vs. Vic Darchinyan (29-1-1, 23 KOs) – IBF Super Flyweight Title, 12 rounds
Co-Feature Event:
TBD
Promoter(s):
Cedric Kushner Promotions, Inc.
Venue:
TBD
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights Photos, Brief Recap And Undercard Results
On a history-making evening which featured a lot of exciting, entertaining two-way action and a little bit of everything, including licks, kicks and controversy, unbeaten Kimbo Slice (3-0) of Perrine, Fla., scored a hard-fought third-round TKO over England's James "Colossus" Thompson (16-9) in the main event of the
inaugural "CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights" on the CBS Television Network.
Kimbo Slice follows up with an uppercut as a bloodied James Thompson attempts to retaliate.
Photos: TOM CASINO/EliteXC
The monumental event, the first-ever mixed martial arts card shown live in primetime on network television, was witnessed by 8,033, at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., and millions more on CBS.
It was presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live fight division EliteXC.
"The night was electric, every fight was exciting,'' EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said. "I'm sure all the viewers who watched stayed glued to their television sets for the entire show.
"Kelly Kahl (Senior Executive Vice President, CBS Primetime) and everybody at CBS, Ken Hershman (Senior Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports Programming) and everybody at SHOWTIME, the EliteXC fight team, everybody at the Prudential Center, the media and fans, I can't thank them all enough.''
Said Doug DeLuca, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Inc. "All the athletes did the sport of mixed martial arts proud. The sport has a whole new audience after tonight.''
In other CBS fights, EliteXC middleweight champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (15-4) of St. Louis, by way of Granite City, Ill., retained his belt when his match with Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (15-4) of Sacramento, Calif., was declared a no contest. A good action fight with ferocious exchanges was stopped with 1:34 left in the third round after Smith was accidentally poked in the eye. Since a world title fight in New Jersey must go three full rounds to be official, it went into the books as a No Contest.
Robbie Lawler connects with a vicious kick to the body against Scott Smith.
Gina Carano (6-0) of Las Vegas, Nev., defeated Kaitlin Young (4-2) of Circle Pines, Minn., by TKO at the end of the second round;
Gina Carano delivers a perfect leg kick against Kaitlin Young.
Joey Villasenor (26-6) of Albuquerque, N.M., registered a 1:11, first-round TKO over Phil Baroni (10-10) of Long Island, N.Y., in a battle of 185-pounders;
Joey Villasenor lands a smashing right hand as Phil Baroni attempts to cover up.
Hard-hitting Brett Rogers (7-0) of St. Paul, Minn., who called out Kimbo at the post-fight press conference, scored a 1:01, first-round TKO over Jon Murphy (4-3) of Minersville, Pa.Brett Rogers lands a short, solid right hand to the face of Jon Murphy.
In fights streamed live and for free at ProElite.com: Chris “The Story” Liguori (9-7) of Red Bank, N.J., scored a second-round TKO over Jim Bova (3-1) of New Ringgold, Penn., Carlton Haselrig (2-0), of Johnstown, Penn., won by TKO when Carlos Moreno (5-3), of Elizabeth, N.J., failed to answer the bell for the second round; Matt Makowski (3-0) of Philadelphia, Pa. registered a second-round TKO over Nick “The Mad Monkey” Serra (8-3) of East Meadow, N.Y.; Wilson Reis (4-0) of Philadelphia submitted (rear-naked choke) Justin Robbins (12-4-1) of Granite City, Ill., at 4:06 of the opening round; and James “Binky” Jones (7-5) of Baltimore, Md., triumphed by submission (rear naked choke) over Calvin Kattar (2-1) of Methuen, Mass., at 4:49 of the first.
In preliminary bouts that were not streamed at ProElite.com, Zach Makovsky (4-1) of Philadelphia took a unanimous decision over Brazilian Andre “Gigetto” Soares (5-2) of Pinebrook, N.J., by the scores of 29-26 twice and 29-28; and Joe Sampieri (1-2) of Manhattan, N.Y. knocked out Mike Groves (0-2) of Philadelphia at 4:58 in the first round.
CBS announcer Gus Johnson handled play-by-play Saturday with legendary Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo serving as analysts and Karyn Bryant as cageside reporter.
CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS was produced by SHOWTIME Sports. The executive producer was David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.
Fighter pages (CBS): Slice (http://kimboslice.proelite.com), Thompson (http://jamesthompson.proelite.com), Lawler (http://robbielawler.proelite.com), Smith (http://scottsmith.proelite.com), Carano (http://ginacarano.proelite.com), Young (http://kaitlinrose.proelite.com), Villasenor (http://joeyvillasenor.com), Baroni (http://philbaroni.proelite.com), Rogers (http://brettrogers.proelite.com), Murphy (http://jonmurphy.proelite.com).
Fighter pages (ProElite.Com): Haselrig (http://carltonhaselrig.proelite.com), Moreno (http://carlosmoreno.proelite.com), Liguori (http://chrisliguori.proelite.com), Bova (http://jimbova.proelite.com), Serra (http://nickserra.proelite.com), Makowski (http://mattmakowski.proelite.com), Robbins (http://justinrobbins.proelite.com), Reis (http://wilsonreis.proelite.com), Jones (http://jamesjones.com), Kattar (http://calvinkattar.proelite.com), Makovsky (http://zachmakovsky.proelite.com), Soares (http://andresoares.proelite.com), Sampieri (http://joesampieri.proelite.com), Groves (http://mikegroves.proelite.com).
About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite, Inc. delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment. The company has established a partnership with CBS that brings MMA to a major primetime network for the first time. Through acquisitions of MMA organizations in Asia and Europe, ProElite is a global leader with an exclusive distribution agreement for its program library with IMG Media. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters [elitexc.com]. The company’s social media platform, ProElite.com, continues to add thousands of subscribers each month due to the large number of live streaming MMA events, social networking tools, and original and partner-driven content.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
inaugural "CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights" on the CBS Television Network.
Kimbo Slice follows up with an uppercut as a bloodied James Thompson attempts to retaliate.
Photos: TOM CASINO/EliteXC
The monumental event, the first-ever mixed martial arts card shown live in primetime on network television, was witnessed by 8,033, at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., and millions more on CBS.
It was presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live fight division EliteXC.
"The night was electric, every fight was exciting,'' EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said. "I'm sure all the viewers who watched stayed glued to their television sets for the entire show.
"Kelly Kahl (Senior Executive Vice President, CBS Primetime) and everybody at CBS, Ken Hershman (Senior Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports Programming) and everybody at SHOWTIME, the EliteXC fight team, everybody at the Prudential Center, the media and fans, I can't thank them all enough.''
Said Doug DeLuca, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Inc. "All the athletes did the sport of mixed martial arts proud. The sport has a whole new audience after tonight.''
In other CBS fights, EliteXC middleweight champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (15-4) of St. Louis, by way of Granite City, Ill., retained his belt when his match with Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (15-4) of Sacramento, Calif., was declared a no contest. A good action fight with ferocious exchanges was stopped with 1:34 left in the third round after Smith was accidentally poked in the eye. Since a world title fight in New Jersey must go three full rounds to be official, it went into the books as a No Contest.
Robbie Lawler connects with a vicious kick to the body against Scott Smith.
Gina Carano (6-0) of Las Vegas, Nev., defeated Kaitlin Young (4-2) of Circle Pines, Minn., by TKO at the end of the second round;
Gina Carano delivers a perfect leg kick against Kaitlin Young.
Joey Villasenor (26-6) of Albuquerque, N.M., registered a 1:11, first-round TKO over Phil Baroni (10-10) of Long Island, N.Y., in a battle of 185-pounders;
Joey Villasenor lands a smashing right hand as Phil Baroni attempts to cover up.
Hard-hitting Brett Rogers (7-0) of St. Paul, Minn., who called out Kimbo at the post-fight press conference, scored a 1:01, first-round TKO over Jon Murphy (4-3) of Minersville, Pa.Brett Rogers lands a short, solid right hand to the face of Jon Murphy.
In fights streamed live and for free at ProElite.com: Chris “The Story” Liguori (9-7) of Red Bank, N.J., scored a second-round TKO over Jim Bova (3-1) of New Ringgold, Penn., Carlton Haselrig (2-0), of Johnstown, Penn., won by TKO when Carlos Moreno (5-3), of Elizabeth, N.J., failed to answer the bell for the second round; Matt Makowski (3-0) of Philadelphia, Pa. registered a second-round TKO over Nick “The Mad Monkey” Serra (8-3) of East Meadow, N.Y.; Wilson Reis (4-0) of Philadelphia submitted (rear-naked choke) Justin Robbins (12-4-1) of Granite City, Ill., at 4:06 of the opening round; and James “Binky” Jones (7-5) of Baltimore, Md., triumphed by submission (rear naked choke) over Calvin Kattar (2-1) of Methuen, Mass., at 4:49 of the first.
In preliminary bouts that were not streamed at ProElite.com, Zach Makovsky (4-1) of Philadelphia took a unanimous decision over Brazilian Andre “Gigetto” Soares (5-2) of Pinebrook, N.J., by the scores of 29-26 twice and 29-28; and Joe Sampieri (1-2) of Manhattan, N.Y. knocked out Mike Groves (0-2) of Philadelphia at 4:58 in the first round.
CBS announcer Gus Johnson handled play-by-play Saturday with legendary Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo serving as analysts and Karyn Bryant as cageside reporter.
CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS was produced by SHOWTIME Sports. The executive producer was David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.
Fighter pages (CBS): Slice (http://kimboslice.proelite.com), Thompson (http://jamesthompson.proelite.com), Lawler (http://robbielawler.proelite.com), Smith (http://scottsmith.proelite.com), Carano (http://ginacarano.proelite.com), Young (http://kaitlinrose.proelite.com), Villasenor (http://joeyvillasenor.com), Baroni (http://philbaroni.proelite.com), Rogers (http://brettrogers.proelite.com), Murphy (http://jonmurphy.proelite.com).
Fighter pages (ProElite.Com): Haselrig (http://carltonhaselrig.proelite.com), Moreno (http://carlosmoreno.proelite.com), Liguori (http://chrisliguori.proelite.com), Bova (http://jimbova.proelite.com), Serra (http://nickserra.proelite.com), Makowski (http://mattmakowski.proelite.com), Robbins (http://justinrobbins.proelite.com), Reis (http://wilsonreis.proelite.com), Jones (http://jamesjones.com), Kattar (http://calvinkattar.proelite.com), Makovsky (http://zachmakovsky.proelite.com), Soares (http://andresoares.proelite.com), Sampieri (http://joesampieri.proelite.com), Groves (http://mikegroves.proelite.com).
About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite, Inc. delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment. The company has established a partnership with CBS that brings MMA to a major primetime network for the first time. Through acquisitions of MMA organizations in Asia and Europe, ProElite is a global leader with an exclusive distribution agreement for its program library with IMG Media. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters [elitexc.com]. The company’s social media platform, ProElite.com, continues to add thousands of subscribers each month due to the large number of live streaming MMA events, social networking tools, and original and partner-driven content.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Friday, May 30, 2008
CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS MAY 31 -- FEATURING KIMBO SLICE, GINA CARANO, PHIL BARONI, FIGHT CARD AND ANNOUNCER TEAM; Final Presser Quotes
“CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS’’Spotlight Live, New York City, Incredibly popular Kimbo Slice, of Perrine, Fla., will face England’s James “Colossus’’ Thompson in the main event in one of five fights on the inaugural “CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS”this Saturday, May 31 (9-11 p.m. ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
Shaw stands next to Kimbo Slice, who will fight England's James "Colossus'' Thompson in the main event of a five-fight telecast.
Photos: TOM CASINO/EliteXC
The history-making, first-ever mixed martial event in primetime on network television will be presented by Los Angeles-based Pro Elite, Inc.’s live fight division, EliteXC, from the Prudential Center at Newark, N.J.
Colossus takes his turn at the mike.
In other televised fights: Crowd-pleasing EliteXC middleweight champion “Ruthless’’ Robbie Lawler of St. Louis defends against hard-hitting Scott Smith of Sacramento, Calif.; talented unbeaten Gina Carano of Las Vegas will face confident, hard-hitting Kaitlin Young of Circle Pines, Minn., in a women’s fight at 140 pounds, exciting, charismatic Phil Baroni of Long Island, N.Y., meets determined, hard-nosed
Joey Villasenor of Albuquerque, N.M. in a 185-pound scrap and undefeated, power-punching Brett Rogers of Minneapolis takes on the versatile Jon Murphy of Philadelphia in a heavyweight match.
The 10 athletes who will compete during a fight card presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.'s live fight division, EliteXC, on CBS, and Shaw pose at the conclusion of the press conference. The fighters (left-to-right): Brett Rogers, Joey Villasenor, Kaitlin Young, Scott Smith, Colossus, Kimbo, Robbie Lawler, Gina Carano, Phil Baroni and Jon Murphy.
Tickets for the live event start at $25 and are available at Ticketmaster locations, by phone (201)507-8900, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the Prudential Center box office (973) 757-6625. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET. The first live fight is at 6:30.
GARY SHAW, EliteXC Live Events President
“I want to thank everybody for being here. Saturday, at 9 p.m., on CBS is going to be a tremendous, historic night for mixed martial arts and EliteXC is proud to present it to the millions and millions watching on television and live in attendance. No one is going to be disappointed. CBS, its announcers, the production team, all of us at ProElite and EliteXC, the fight team, could not be happier or more excited.
A special thanks to Ken Hershman (Senior Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports Programming, Matt Blanc (Chief Executive Officer, SHOWTIME) and SHOWTIME – without them, none of this would have been possible.
I also want to thank the press for the outstanding job they have done for this mega event. We are on the front pages of sports sections. The turnout here is outstanding. So, thanks to all of you.
I would have our fighters fight with another organization. I have said all along, the UFC is a fine organization. They are nice people. They put on some of the finest fights in the world, but it is not the only organization that has fine fighters or fights.
We will hopefully announce the next CBS fight on Saturday. There are two parts of it – it is CBS programming making sure it doesn’t conflict with any other commitments and it is us getting the right venue. Those are the two things we are working on right now. I can tell you it will be late summer to very early fall. (But) Pray for us for Saturday first.
Ticket sales are at about 7,000 right now. We are happy about it. In-arena ticket sales may be hurt because of the area and because it is going to be on primetime television. I think we have done such a spectacular job talking about CBS that it is almost like people want to stay home and watch it on CBS and have a party.
Roughly 96 percent of the CBS affiliates are showing the fight card. Every major market is showing the fight.
It won’t be much different of a format. For us, we have been on SHOWTIME which is a network that is advertising free. We will roll out the show in the same manner, but will have commercial breaks. The in-arena atmosphere will be high energy and entertaining. Commercials will be the only difference. We are not going to cut away right before a knock out.’’
DOUG DELUCA, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Inc.
“First of all, I want to thank my wife and my baby in the first row. Without them, I wouldn’t be on this wild ride with Gary and Kelly (Kahl, Senior Executive Vice President, CBS Primetime). Thank you to all the press. I am an entertainment guy myself, so to see all of the support for this sport in its shining moment is an amazing thing. This is being broadcast in many other countries. We are in for one hell of a night. You know in a business when the team is gelling. Everybody is working like a team.
Gary said most of the thank yous, but I want to say a big thank you to our partners, SHOWTIME and, now, CBS, who have thrown all the guns at this. You see the press this is getting. You see the promos surrounding the event. They (both) promised they would be a true partner and they have been a true partner. Everyone is really in for a treat. It is really going to be a special event. I am as excited as Gary. This is a first-class announce team. This team is excited. They are working overtime on their own. They know they sport. They are meeting with the athletes.
I always say when I talk about broadcasting how the NFL taught viewers how to watch football. We are going to help the viewers who not-yet fans of MMA, tell them about MMA and draw them in. Anyone who gives it a chance will fall in love with the sport and be compelled by it.
The huge thanks is to our fighters. They put so much pressure on themselves each time they compete. The pressure that this event has added to these guys, I don’t envy. They are all doing it with smiles. My hat is off to you guys. A heartfelt thanks for a great event. Win, lose or draw, you are all champs.
The ProElite team has been working hard for over a year. We promised that it would come together and it will come together on Saturday night. I hope to see all of your there and thank you from the bottom of my heart.’’
EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw speaks at a jam-packed dais during the final press conference for "CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS'' Thursday at Spotlight Live in downtown Manhattan, N.Y. The history-making, first-ever mixed martial arts event in primetime on network television will be shown this Saturday, May 31, on the CBS Television Network (9 p.m.-11 p.m. ET/PT).
GARY SHAW ON KIMBO
"The first time I introduced Kimbo, I was introducing him as a YouTube sensation with over 10 million hits. I knew he was a star then. I knew he could be a superstar. There are great basketball players, but nothing like Michael Jordan. There are great golfers, but nothing like Tiger Woods. Every once in a while there is someone who crosses over that line to a superstar. You just know. When Mike Tyson walked in, the place erupted. When someone else walked in there were only a few claps. Well, Kimbo Slice is a superstar. He is probably the most recognizable name in all of MMA. On May 31, when he gets in the cage, he will be the single most known face of MMA.
(UFC’s) Dana White will be at home watching us on CBS. When he rips Kimbo Slice, it only proves he is an idiot. When he says that BJ Penn is the best fighter in the whole family and can knock out Kimbo Slice, the DEA should raid his home. I know BJ Penn would never say that and is probably embarrassed. Although BJ Penn is the best fighter in the family, he’s not the smartest Penn (JD, his brother, is an executive at EliteXC).
If you want to do something good for the sport, you should support CBS. Whether Kimbo has two fights, or six, he is raising the tide of MMA. All ships rise with the tide. The fighters on this card have said it. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. He trains with Bas Rutten. If you train with him, you are a real fighter. Randy (Khatami), the whole camp you see, are not paid by Kimbo. They are a family. He is first class. He is the closest thing I know to Tyson. He has an off and off switch. When he is off, you would have him baby sit your kids without a second thought. When it is on, someone is in trouble for sure.
Kimbo has a complex side to him as well. He is intelligent. He is well-read, well-versed. He is street through and through. He has not forgotten where he came from. On the bus ride over here, he told me he bought two 26-inch TVs and is going to give them to someone needy in the work area in Newark. He wants to leave Newark with a positive impression. It not only says something about Kimbo but the MMA family. I am telling you, Kimbo Slice is real.
We are up for the challenge in a cage. When this is over, you will be proud that Kimbo has represented MMA. You will be proud he is a family man and has taken care of his kids. You will find when the story is over that Kimbo rose to the occasion as a standup guy. He is our franchise player right now. The guys that has helped us more than he knows. I have called upon him more than any other athlete."
KIMBO
“I don’t have much to say. I was to thank CBS and EliteXC. CBS rules.
I don’t feel like all the pressure is on me to perform a certain way. Not at all.
I don’t underestimate any fighter. Just because he has lost a couple fights, doesn’t mean he isn’t going to come out strong.’’
“JAMES THOMPSON
“It is a wonderful opportunity for me. I have come in nice and quiet and I am looking forward to it. It has been a long time coming to get on CBS. I am very lucky and I look forward to making the most of it.’’
“RUTHLESS’’ ROBBIE LAWLER
“I don’t have much to say. I’m ready to fight. It is nice to be on CBS. I am going to put on a show.’’
SCOTT “HANDS OF STEEL’’ SMITH
"I have to thank my family and friends. They have followed me from Vegas to Miami to Ireland and now to New Jersey. They support and believe in me. They know what I am capable of and now it is time to show the fans that tune into CBS. This fight is a dream fight for me. Robbie is an exciting fighter and a great champion, but I believe that I can be a champion. These guys are awesome. Once again, this is a fight I would buy on pay-per-view to watch. It is great that everyone will be able to see it. Thanks to CBS for allowing me to be a part of it.’’
GINA CARANO
“I would like to thank my fans, all the people that have supported me and God. I think Kaitlin is a great opponent for me. (We’re going to) blow the (heck) of our women’s MMA. I appreciate everyone’s support and I hope the fight goes well. I’m ready. Let’s do it.
It depends on the day if I feel pressure. Sometimes I feel pressure. Sometime it depends on the hour. Sometimes I say ‘forget about the pressure.’ I am just another human being that is living and doing the best I can. I am doing surprisingly well today. I am looking forward to the fight. I want to get this fight over and jump into the gym and train for the next one.
I think Kaitlin is going to be one of my tougher matchups. I think this is going to be a very big test of what I am capable of doing. I hope it comes out good. You can only hope for the best.’’
KAITLIN YOUNG
"I want to thank EliteXC, CBS and ProElite. I think it will be a great fight. We bring out the best in each other. I think that women’s MMA has been overlooked in other leagues until EliteXC came around. I am really excited and honored. I have trained harder for this fight than I ever have. I’m excited to put on a good fight for you on Saturday night."
JOEY VILLASENOR
"I want to say what an honor it is for a veteran like me to fight on such a big card. We are making history, not only for MMA and EliteXC, but for my family. From that night on, my family lives forever. That gives me nothing but great pride. They are going to have a chance to see all of us fighters. Everyone is going to have a chance to see us, family men and real people. It is a chance to get new fans out there. I can’t wait to perform on Saturday. I feel like I am at my best. What an honor.’’
PHIL BARONI
“I am just a fighter. I am here to fight. Once I step in the cage, I am just here to fight no matter how many TV’s are on it.
“I am ready to stomp this guy. He knows it and I know it.’’
JON MURPHY
“I just want to thank Gary and EliteXC, ProElite and CBS. I have been doing this for five years or so and I am glad to be a part of it. We had always hoped that it would get to this level. It is going to gain a lot of fans. I am looking forward to Saturday’s fight.
I am excited to have the first fight. It is a good way to set the tone. When Brett and I go out there and have a great fight, we will set the tone for the evening.
Being on network TV is a huge step for all that is happening in MMA. It is going to be showing to the widest audience possible. It is obviously going to pick up more fans. It is perfect for me.
Brett’s a big, strong guy. He fights hard. He is a pretty athletic guy from what I have seen. I think our styles match up perfectly and it is going to be a great fight. Of course, I am going to win. I don’t predict, I just go and fight. This is the best shape I have been in, so I am ready to rock.
I donated 15 inches of my hair to “Locks of Love” back on Jan. 1. That is pretty much why I grew it in the first place – two and a half years worth.’’
BRETT ROGERS
I would like to thank EliteXC for allowing me to be a part of this. This is real big thing to be on CBS. I have been fighting for five or six years. I never thought I’d be here today. I’d like to thank my family, friends and sponsors. We are the first show and I know it will be exciting.
It means a lot to be the first fight on such a big night. I’m thankful that EliteXC is even allowing me a chance. I am respectful for that. But I’ve been working hard and deserve this. I am definitely going to take my time and win each fight.
I predict our fight is going to be stand and bang unless he decides he wants to take me to the ground. If he wants to hold me, I might play into his game, but I say I win by KO.
It’s funny. Every time Kimbo has fought, I’ve been on the same fight card. I have my views on it, but it is good because everyone wants to see the show. He is the highlight right now. At least people can see me too and I can catch the eyes of the fans. Once I get to his level, there will be no surprises. Everyone will know what I am capable of doing and they will love what they see.’’
GUS JOHNSON, Play-By-Play Announcer
“I’d like to say it’s an honor to work with these artists from the world of mixed martial arts. They are truly real, live warriors. I think we all can learn a lot from their passion, commitment and dedication. This is a sport that has to be given the proper credit for shows like this. These great artists will start to gain recognition nationally and internationally with this broadcast on CBS.
I have had an opportunity to call a lot of major national events with the National Football League on CBS, the NCAA Tournament and I am the voice of the Knicks. I have had a chance to call boxing at Madison Square Garden at a very high level. I have had the opportunity to train as a boxer, to study as a kung fu artist, and most recently to take up jiu-jitsu.
This sport is the sport of the future. It takes a very intelligent person to be able to fight in so many different ways whether that be standing or a jiu-jitsu man using guillotines. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved. I love this sport and it is a rising sport for kids of all ages, especially that 15-22 demographic. I believe there are jiu-jitsu academies and martial art studios popping up all over the county because of it. I really believe mixed martial arts and, hopefully EliteXC, will lead the way to a whole new era in American sports.’’
FRANK SHAMROCK, Analyst
"I certainly know what it feels like to throw some kicks and punches. I’ve done all that stuff. I am honored to be the commentator for this momentous event. Mixed martial arts is a lifestyle. It’s an art form. It is a mini-movement in the USA and around the world. For some reason right now, making a living through fighting and having a purpose for that and representing your family, your community, yourself in a professional fashion has just become fashionable and I appreciate that. I have been that guy for some time. I plan to call it like I see it. I plan to put my special flavor on it, which is to tell the truth. I am proud to be part of such an amazing movement at such an amazing time. Hopefully, I have some good years left in me. It is an honor to be here. Thank you for this.’’
MAURO RANALLO, Analyst
"I want to thank ProElite and everyone involved. I want to thank SHOWTIME and of course the people at CBS for having the foresight to bring the greatest sport to the forefront. I am deeply honored and thrilled to be a part of this landmark event. I have been a fan of Gus Johnson for many years. I think we have the same passion and intensity. I know he is going to be tremendous for this sport. Of course, Frank Shamrock is a pioneer in the sports of MMA, an entertainer and definitely one of the most educated people when it comes to articulating our sport. I think it is up to me and the other commentators to tell the story of all of these tremendous athletes up here. They are all intelligent, all educated, all of them champions in there specialty whether it is judo, boxing. It is a dawn of a new era in mixed martial arts. I had the opportunity to commentate in Japan where there were 35,000-40,000 people in the stands and they were front page the next day. It is about time that MMA is front page news for the right reasons here. We are all going to entertain and educate. These fighters are going to put on one hell of a show. Enjoy the show. Thank you very much."
KARYN BRYANT, Reporter
“Thank you, Gary and Ken. I was so glad someone came and asked me to do this. This is going to be amazing. I have been a fan of this sport for several years. This is the wave of the future. This is the sport of right now. We already get along great, the announce team. I think the enthusiasm, passion and love we have for this sport will really show. I am really glad to see Gina and Kaitlyn here. I’m glad there are women on the card. It is really a thrill to see that and introduce people to the sport. ‘We’ love fighting just as much as the guys. I think it is going to be a win-win for everyone. I’m pleased, thrilled. I’ve been a MTV vee-jay, I’ve sat behind the desk at CNN. I love this job. It’s a blast. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity. I think it is going to be great.’’
NICK LEMBO, NJ Sports Commission
“There is a middle school here where we used to have MMA shows. Within six years, we’ve gone from middle school to primetime network television on CBS. I think it is great for the sport. I’m very glad Gary selected New Jersey as the host venue. It’s a huge moment for the sport.’’
JOY GULLEDGE, Prudential Center
"On behalf of ownership at the AEG facility. I am happy to be here. We are a very new building and are excited to ride the wave of excitement surrounding MMA. We are looking forward to an exciting event. We hope to see everyone there."
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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Shaw stands next to Kimbo Slice, who will fight England's James "Colossus'' Thompson in the main event of a five-fight telecast.
Photos: TOM CASINO/EliteXC
The history-making, first-ever mixed martial event in primetime on network television will be presented by Los Angeles-based Pro Elite, Inc.’s live fight division, EliteXC, from the Prudential Center at Newark, N.J.
Colossus takes his turn at the mike.
In other televised fights: Crowd-pleasing EliteXC middleweight champion “Ruthless’’ Robbie Lawler of St. Louis defends against hard-hitting Scott Smith of Sacramento, Calif.; talented unbeaten Gina Carano of Las Vegas will face confident, hard-hitting Kaitlin Young of Circle Pines, Minn., in a women’s fight at 140 pounds, exciting, charismatic Phil Baroni of Long Island, N.Y., meets determined, hard-nosed
Joey Villasenor of Albuquerque, N.M. in a 185-pound scrap and undefeated, power-punching Brett Rogers of Minneapolis takes on the versatile Jon Murphy of Philadelphia in a heavyweight match.
The 10 athletes who will compete during a fight card presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.'s live fight division, EliteXC, on CBS, and Shaw pose at the conclusion of the press conference. The fighters (left-to-right): Brett Rogers, Joey Villasenor, Kaitlin Young, Scott Smith, Colossus, Kimbo, Robbie Lawler, Gina Carano, Phil Baroni and Jon Murphy.
Tickets for the live event start at $25 and are available at Ticketmaster locations, by phone (201)507-8900, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the Prudential Center box office (973) 757-6625. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET. The first live fight is at 6:30.
GARY SHAW, EliteXC Live Events President
“I want to thank everybody for being here. Saturday, at 9 p.m., on CBS is going to be a tremendous, historic night for mixed martial arts and EliteXC is proud to present it to the millions and millions watching on television and live in attendance. No one is going to be disappointed. CBS, its announcers, the production team, all of us at ProElite and EliteXC, the fight team, could not be happier or more excited.
A special thanks to Ken Hershman (Senior Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports Programming, Matt Blanc (Chief Executive Officer, SHOWTIME) and SHOWTIME – without them, none of this would have been possible.
I also want to thank the press for the outstanding job they have done for this mega event. We are on the front pages of sports sections. The turnout here is outstanding. So, thanks to all of you.
I would have our fighters fight with another organization. I have said all along, the UFC is a fine organization. They are nice people. They put on some of the finest fights in the world, but it is not the only organization that has fine fighters or fights.
We will hopefully announce the next CBS fight on Saturday. There are two parts of it – it is CBS programming making sure it doesn’t conflict with any other commitments and it is us getting the right venue. Those are the two things we are working on right now. I can tell you it will be late summer to very early fall. (But) Pray for us for Saturday first.
Ticket sales are at about 7,000 right now. We are happy about it. In-arena ticket sales may be hurt because of the area and because it is going to be on primetime television. I think we have done such a spectacular job talking about CBS that it is almost like people want to stay home and watch it on CBS and have a party.
Roughly 96 percent of the CBS affiliates are showing the fight card. Every major market is showing the fight.
It won’t be much different of a format. For us, we have been on SHOWTIME which is a network that is advertising free. We will roll out the show in the same manner, but will have commercial breaks. The in-arena atmosphere will be high energy and entertaining. Commercials will be the only difference. We are not going to cut away right before a knock out.’’
DOUG DELUCA, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Inc.
“First of all, I want to thank my wife and my baby in the first row. Without them, I wouldn’t be on this wild ride with Gary and Kelly (Kahl, Senior Executive Vice President, CBS Primetime). Thank you to all the press. I am an entertainment guy myself, so to see all of the support for this sport in its shining moment is an amazing thing. This is being broadcast in many other countries. We are in for one hell of a night. You know in a business when the team is gelling. Everybody is working like a team.
Gary said most of the thank yous, but I want to say a big thank you to our partners, SHOWTIME and, now, CBS, who have thrown all the guns at this. You see the press this is getting. You see the promos surrounding the event. They (both) promised they would be a true partner and they have been a true partner. Everyone is really in for a treat. It is really going to be a special event. I am as excited as Gary. This is a first-class announce team. This team is excited. They are working overtime on their own. They know they sport. They are meeting with the athletes.
I always say when I talk about broadcasting how the NFL taught viewers how to watch football. We are going to help the viewers who not-yet fans of MMA, tell them about MMA and draw them in. Anyone who gives it a chance will fall in love with the sport and be compelled by it.
The huge thanks is to our fighters. They put so much pressure on themselves each time they compete. The pressure that this event has added to these guys, I don’t envy. They are all doing it with smiles. My hat is off to you guys. A heartfelt thanks for a great event. Win, lose or draw, you are all champs.
The ProElite team has been working hard for over a year. We promised that it would come together and it will come together on Saturday night. I hope to see all of your there and thank you from the bottom of my heart.’’
EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw speaks at a jam-packed dais during the final press conference for "CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS'' Thursday at Spotlight Live in downtown Manhattan, N.Y. The history-making, first-ever mixed martial arts event in primetime on network television will be shown this Saturday, May 31, on the CBS Television Network (9 p.m.-11 p.m. ET/PT).
GARY SHAW ON KIMBO
"The first time I introduced Kimbo, I was introducing him as a YouTube sensation with over 10 million hits. I knew he was a star then. I knew he could be a superstar. There are great basketball players, but nothing like Michael Jordan. There are great golfers, but nothing like Tiger Woods. Every once in a while there is someone who crosses over that line to a superstar. You just know. When Mike Tyson walked in, the place erupted. When someone else walked in there were only a few claps. Well, Kimbo Slice is a superstar. He is probably the most recognizable name in all of MMA. On May 31, when he gets in the cage, he will be the single most known face of MMA.
(UFC’s) Dana White will be at home watching us on CBS. When he rips Kimbo Slice, it only proves he is an idiot. When he says that BJ Penn is the best fighter in the whole family and can knock out Kimbo Slice, the DEA should raid his home. I know BJ Penn would never say that and is probably embarrassed. Although BJ Penn is the best fighter in the family, he’s not the smartest Penn (JD, his brother, is an executive at EliteXC).
If you want to do something good for the sport, you should support CBS. Whether Kimbo has two fights, or six, he is raising the tide of MMA. All ships rise with the tide. The fighters on this card have said it. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. He trains with Bas Rutten. If you train with him, you are a real fighter. Randy (Khatami), the whole camp you see, are not paid by Kimbo. They are a family. He is first class. He is the closest thing I know to Tyson. He has an off and off switch. When he is off, you would have him baby sit your kids without a second thought. When it is on, someone is in trouble for sure.
Kimbo has a complex side to him as well. He is intelligent. He is well-read, well-versed. He is street through and through. He has not forgotten where he came from. On the bus ride over here, he told me he bought two 26-inch TVs and is going to give them to someone needy in the work area in Newark. He wants to leave Newark with a positive impression. It not only says something about Kimbo but the MMA family. I am telling you, Kimbo Slice is real.
We are up for the challenge in a cage. When this is over, you will be proud that Kimbo has represented MMA. You will be proud he is a family man and has taken care of his kids. You will find when the story is over that Kimbo rose to the occasion as a standup guy. He is our franchise player right now. The guys that has helped us more than he knows. I have called upon him more than any other athlete."
KIMBO
“I don’t have much to say. I was to thank CBS and EliteXC. CBS rules.
I don’t feel like all the pressure is on me to perform a certain way. Not at all.
I don’t underestimate any fighter. Just because he has lost a couple fights, doesn’t mean he isn’t going to come out strong.’’
“JAMES THOMPSON
“It is a wonderful opportunity for me. I have come in nice and quiet and I am looking forward to it. It has been a long time coming to get on CBS. I am very lucky and I look forward to making the most of it.’’
“RUTHLESS’’ ROBBIE LAWLER
“I don’t have much to say. I’m ready to fight. It is nice to be on CBS. I am going to put on a show.’’
SCOTT “HANDS OF STEEL’’ SMITH
"I have to thank my family and friends. They have followed me from Vegas to Miami to Ireland and now to New Jersey. They support and believe in me. They know what I am capable of and now it is time to show the fans that tune into CBS. This fight is a dream fight for me. Robbie is an exciting fighter and a great champion, but I believe that I can be a champion. These guys are awesome. Once again, this is a fight I would buy on pay-per-view to watch. It is great that everyone will be able to see it. Thanks to CBS for allowing me to be a part of it.’’
GINA CARANO
“I would like to thank my fans, all the people that have supported me and God. I think Kaitlin is a great opponent for me. (We’re going to) blow the (heck) of our women’s MMA. I appreciate everyone’s support and I hope the fight goes well. I’m ready. Let’s do it.
It depends on the day if I feel pressure. Sometimes I feel pressure. Sometime it depends on the hour. Sometimes I say ‘forget about the pressure.’ I am just another human being that is living and doing the best I can. I am doing surprisingly well today. I am looking forward to the fight. I want to get this fight over and jump into the gym and train for the next one.
I think Kaitlin is going to be one of my tougher matchups. I think this is going to be a very big test of what I am capable of doing. I hope it comes out good. You can only hope for the best.’’
KAITLIN YOUNG
"I want to thank EliteXC, CBS and ProElite. I think it will be a great fight. We bring out the best in each other. I think that women’s MMA has been overlooked in other leagues until EliteXC came around. I am really excited and honored. I have trained harder for this fight than I ever have. I’m excited to put on a good fight for you on Saturday night."
JOEY VILLASENOR
"I want to say what an honor it is for a veteran like me to fight on such a big card. We are making history, not only for MMA and EliteXC, but for my family. From that night on, my family lives forever. That gives me nothing but great pride. They are going to have a chance to see all of us fighters. Everyone is going to have a chance to see us, family men and real people. It is a chance to get new fans out there. I can’t wait to perform on Saturday. I feel like I am at my best. What an honor.’’
PHIL BARONI
“I am just a fighter. I am here to fight. Once I step in the cage, I am just here to fight no matter how many TV’s are on it.
“I am ready to stomp this guy. He knows it and I know it.’’
JON MURPHY
“I just want to thank Gary and EliteXC, ProElite and CBS. I have been doing this for five years or so and I am glad to be a part of it. We had always hoped that it would get to this level. It is going to gain a lot of fans. I am looking forward to Saturday’s fight.
I am excited to have the first fight. It is a good way to set the tone. When Brett and I go out there and have a great fight, we will set the tone for the evening.
Being on network TV is a huge step for all that is happening in MMA. It is going to be showing to the widest audience possible. It is obviously going to pick up more fans. It is perfect for me.
Brett’s a big, strong guy. He fights hard. He is a pretty athletic guy from what I have seen. I think our styles match up perfectly and it is going to be a great fight. Of course, I am going to win. I don’t predict, I just go and fight. This is the best shape I have been in, so I am ready to rock.
I donated 15 inches of my hair to “Locks of Love” back on Jan. 1. That is pretty much why I grew it in the first place – two and a half years worth.’’
BRETT ROGERS
I would like to thank EliteXC for allowing me to be a part of this. This is real big thing to be on CBS. I have been fighting for five or six years. I never thought I’d be here today. I’d like to thank my family, friends and sponsors. We are the first show and I know it will be exciting.
It means a lot to be the first fight on such a big night. I’m thankful that EliteXC is even allowing me a chance. I am respectful for that. But I’ve been working hard and deserve this. I am definitely going to take my time and win each fight.
I predict our fight is going to be stand and bang unless he decides he wants to take me to the ground. If he wants to hold me, I might play into his game, but I say I win by KO.
It’s funny. Every time Kimbo has fought, I’ve been on the same fight card. I have my views on it, but it is good because everyone wants to see the show. He is the highlight right now. At least people can see me too and I can catch the eyes of the fans. Once I get to his level, there will be no surprises. Everyone will know what I am capable of doing and they will love what they see.’’
GUS JOHNSON, Play-By-Play Announcer
“I’d like to say it’s an honor to work with these artists from the world of mixed martial arts. They are truly real, live warriors. I think we all can learn a lot from their passion, commitment and dedication. This is a sport that has to be given the proper credit for shows like this. These great artists will start to gain recognition nationally and internationally with this broadcast on CBS.
I have had an opportunity to call a lot of major national events with the National Football League on CBS, the NCAA Tournament and I am the voice of the Knicks. I have had a chance to call boxing at Madison Square Garden at a very high level. I have had the opportunity to train as a boxer, to study as a kung fu artist, and most recently to take up jiu-jitsu.
This sport is the sport of the future. It takes a very intelligent person to be able to fight in so many different ways whether that be standing or a jiu-jitsu man using guillotines. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved. I love this sport and it is a rising sport for kids of all ages, especially that 15-22 demographic. I believe there are jiu-jitsu academies and martial art studios popping up all over the county because of it. I really believe mixed martial arts and, hopefully EliteXC, will lead the way to a whole new era in American sports.’’
FRANK SHAMROCK, Analyst
"I certainly know what it feels like to throw some kicks and punches. I’ve done all that stuff. I am honored to be the commentator for this momentous event. Mixed martial arts is a lifestyle. It’s an art form. It is a mini-movement in the USA and around the world. For some reason right now, making a living through fighting and having a purpose for that and representing your family, your community, yourself in a professional fashion has just become fashionable and I appreciate that. I have been that guy for some time. I plan to call it like I see it. I plan to put my special flavor on it, which is to tell the truth. I am proud to be part of such an amazing movement at such an amazing time. Hopefully, I have some good years left in me. It is an honor to be here. Thank you for this.’’
MAURO RANALLO, Analyst
"I want to thank ProElite and everyone involved. I want to thank SHOWTIME and of course the people at CBS for having the foresight to bring the greatest sport to the forefront. I am deeply honored and thrilled to be a part of this landmark event. I have been a fan of Gus Johnson for many years. I think we have the same passion and intensity. I know he is going to be tremendous for this sport. Of course, Frank Shamrock is a pioneer in the sports of MMA, an entertainer and definitely one of the most educated people when it comes to articulating our sport. I think it is up to me and the other commentators to tell the story of all of these tremendous athletes up here. They are all intelligent, all educated, all of them champions in there specialty whether it is judo, boxing. It is a dawn of a new era in mixed martial arts. I had the opportunity to commentate in Japan where there were 35,000-40,000 people in the stands and they were front page the next day. It is about time that MMA is front page news for the right reasons here. We are all going to entertain and educate. These fighters are going to put on one hell of a show. Enjoy the show. Thank you very much."
KARYN BRYANT, Reporter
“Thank you, Gary and Ken. I was so glad someone came and asked me to do this. This is going to be amazing. I have been a fan of this sport for several years. This is the wave of the future. This is the sport of right now. We already get along great, the announce team. I think the enthusiasm, passion and love we have for this sport will really show. I am really glad to see Gina and Kaitlyn here. I’m glad there are women on the card. It is really a thrill to see that and introduce people to the sport. ‘We’ love fighting just as much as the guys. I think it is going to be a win-win for everyone. I’m pleased, thrilled. I’ve been a MTV vee-jay, I’ve sat behind the desk at CNN. I love this job. It’s a blast. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity. I think it is going to be great.’’
NICK LEMBO, NJ Sports Commission
“There is a middle school here where we used to have MMA shows. Within six years, we’ve gone from middle school to primetime network television on CBS. I think it is great for the sport. I’m very glad Gary selected New Jersey as the host venue. It’s a huge moment for the sport.’’
JOY GULLEDGE, Prudential Center
"On behalf of ownership at the AEG facility. I am happy to be here. We are a very new building and are excited to ride the wave of excitement surrounding MMA. We are looking forward to an exciting event. We hope to see everyone there."
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Monday, May 26, 2008
CBS Conference Call Quotes: Kimbo, Colossus, Bas Rutten, Gary Shaw; CBS Media Day Photos at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19
Good day and welcome to the CBS EliteXC Fighter conference call. Today’s conference is being recorded.
At this time, I would like to turn the conference over to Mitch Graham. Go ahead please, sir.
Mitch Graham: Hi, everyone. This is Mitch Graham from CBS Publicity. Welcome to the CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights Main Event conference call.
On the call, we have our headliners, Kimbo Slice and James Thompson along with Kimbo’s trainer Bas Rutten and EliteXC Live Events President Mr. Gary Shaw. Kimbo and James are headlining the inaugural CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights live from the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Saturday May 31 from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. on CBS.
L-r, Doug DeLuca, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Kelly Kahl, Sr. Executive VP, CBS Primetime and Gary Shaw, Live Events President, EliteXC during a press conference at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Obviously, we are thrilled to have teamed up with EliteXC to bring fans everywhere the first ever MMA event live on network television and primetime. EliteXC has put together an outstanding five-fight card for the first show on CBS.
And with that, I’ll now turn it over to Mr. Gary Shaw.
Gary Shaw: Thank you, Mitch and thank you James and Kimbo and Bas for joining us and the rest of the press. It’s a huge day on May 31st, 9:00 p.m. primetime on CBS for all of mixed martial arts. It’s the opportunity for it to be seen by a hundred million eyeballs, plus it’s the opportunity for everybody to understand that mixed martial arts is really a sport, and the athletes are true athletes with many different disciplines.
It’s going to be an exciting night, five fights headlined obviously by Kimbo Slice and James Thompson, and a great cast of characters and fighters that you have seen before, with Robbie Lawler fighting to defend his world championship against Scott Smith and obviously our featured women’s fighter, which is Gina Carano.
MMA fighter Gina Carano performs an open workout at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008
Rockstar is one of our major sponsors, and we thank Rockstar and we thank the union of EliteXC along with CBS to bring together the first ever mixed martial arts show on terrestrial TV. I don’t want to take up any more time. It’s about the fighters.
I’m going to let James Thompson open up with a few words first, then I’m going to have Kimbo, and then we’re going to throw right to the questions. So James, you want to make any opening comments?
James Thompson: Yes, cheers, Gary. I just want to say it’s James “Colossus” Thompson here on the phone from England. I’m training hard and really looking forward to May 31st. It’s going to be a war.
Gary Shaw: OK, thank you. And Kimbo?
Kimbo Slice: Hey, Gary; how’s it going, buddy?
Gary Shaw: Good, good. I miss you, buddy.
Kimbo Slice: All righty.
Gary Shaw: You want to make any opening statement to the press, Kimbo?
Kimbo Slice: Nope, not at all.
Gary Shaw: OK. Operator?
MMA fighter Kimbo Slice performs an open workout at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Operator: At this time, ladies and gentlemen, if you do have an audio question, simply press the star then one on your touch-tone phone. You may withdraw your question at any time by pressing the pound key.
And we’ll first go to Michael Wood from ESPN Magazine. Go ahead please.
Michael Woods: All right. Kimbo, Gary, Colossus, thanks for taking the time out. I appreciate it. Kimbo, have you seen the cover of yourself on the cover of ESPN Mag yet?
Kimbo Slice: Yes, I thought it was amazing, man. You guys did great work. Thanks guys so much for also taking the time to show me that kind of love.
Michael Woods: Yes, it looks great, and we’re hoping for a great show and for your continued success because it’s a great story for the building up of MMA. James, I want to ask you first very quickly.
James Thompson: Yes.
Michael Woods: I was referring to the fact that Kimbo was on the cover of ESPN Magazine this week, and the press coverage of him has been amazing. There’s been so many people grabbing him, and I’m wondering if you think that possibly he’s concentrating too much on that kind of stuff, getting caught up on that and overlooking you?
James Thompson: Well, you know, we can only guess. I mean Kimbo’s got a lot to display. He’s with a professional team with Bas Rutten, and I’m not. And I’m sure he realizes – I mean what sort of stage you know what I mean so – and I’d like to say he’s got some kind of real concern with what we’ve got. I won’t be thinking he’s taking it lightly.
Michael Woods: And Kimbo, I’m guessing the answer is no, but I’ll ask it to you anyway. I know you like to keep your eye on the prize, but what are some of the things that you do so you don’t get too caught up in the media hype and ‘damn, my face is on the cover of that magazine’ and get your head too big? How do you deal with that?
Kimbo Slice: Well, I look at it like this. Those type of things are more for the fans than anybody, and I continue to concentrate on my training and what I have to do. Like he said, I know what is at stake here and I know what it means to me you know, so to take a few minutes or an hour out of my time you know that’s fine, that’s cool. You know when I get back to training you know I train and that’s what’s up.
MMA fighter Kimbo Slice performs an open workout at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Michael Woods: Thanks. Good stuff. Hey guys, have a great fight. Everyone stay safe and we’ll talk to you again soon. Take care.
James Thompson: Yes, thank you. I appreciate it.
Operator: We’ll take our next question from the side of Beau Dure with USA Today. Go ahead please.
Beau Dure: Hello. This is a question for Kimbo, and I want to point out that I am just a messenger here. This is not me saying this. This is a quote that I want to get your reaction to. It’s Dana White, and it says ‘B.J. Penn at 155 pounds would destroy Kimbo Slice. Kimbo Slice isn’t anywhere near that type of level. He’s not a professional athlete.’ So, Kimbo, and then I guess Gary too, your reactions?
Gary Shaw: I’ll do it first. Dana White is a j***-off. That’s what Dana White is. He’s a f***ing idiot and you can quote me on that. If he cared about mixed martial arts and the sport instead of caring about his big-a** swimming pool and his own personal gains, he would understand that statements like that make someone into a jerk.
First of all, I love B.J. Penn and he is a friend of mine. And his brother J.D. Penn works with our company. Kimbo Slice with one shot would knock out B.J. Penn, a 155 pounder. But they’re never going to fight. It’s an idiotic statement from a complete idiot.
Kimbo doesn’t need to say anything at all. But I understand you’re the messenger. I don’t mean it against you, but this is a conference call about fighters, two fighters fighting each other and a real competitive match-up on a first-ever CBS live MMA event, and Dana White is an idiot. And if he wasn’t an idiot, May 31st would’ve been the UFC instead of EliteXC. I rest my case.
Beau Dure: All right. Thanks, Gary. Kimbo, do you want to take it?
Kimbo Slice: You know, it’s a free country. You know, everyone’s entitled to their own opinion.
Beau Dure: All right. Thanks, Kimbo.
L-r, Nick Diaz, Jake Shields, Scott Smith, Kimbo Slice, Gary Shaw, Gina Carano, Phil Baroni and Robbie Lawler during a press conference at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Operator: We’ll take our next question from Denny Burkholder with CBSSports.com.
MMA fighters, l-r, Robbie Lawler, Kimbo Slice, Gina Carano and Scott Smith at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Denny Burkholder: Hi, guys. I’d like to offer a question for Bas. You’ve been a player in this sport for years and I was just wondering what it’s like for an MMA pioneer like yourself to see the sport finally broadcast on primetime network TV?
Bas Rutten: You know, that’s what we all are fighting for. I expected this way sooner when I had my first fight in Japan. The next day, they stopped me on the street. I was thrilled. This is going to be the biggest thing, and you will see it got bigger.
That was in the beginning there, and I said it. This was in 1993. I said the first person who’s going to put this on free TV, regular TV, is going to make a killing because that’s what they want. But the world wasn’t ready for it yet. And now the world is ready for it, so I think it’s great.
Denny Burkholder: OK, now a question for James. James, you were knocked out by Brett Rogers in February, and now you find yourself fighting in the main event against Kimbo Slice. What happened in that last fight and how will you avoid this same thing happening versus Kimbo?
James Thompson: Well, what happened in the last, you know, it’s very hard to predict what will happen in a fight. You do all your training, so – I mean you go out there and I’m hoping to win it. It didn’t happen for me on that occasion. And basically I look at (the line). I look at where there’s long (goals) in my game, etc., go back to the drawing board. I just keep on drilling things, keep on being positive and (that’s what he can do).
Denny Burkholder: OK, now a couple of questions for Kimbo. Kimbo, you’ve become so popular in such a short period of time., you’re fighting in main events despite still being relatively new to the sport. My question is where do you think your MMA skill level is at right now? Do you feel like you still have a lot to learn?
Kimbo Slice: Yes, yes. I will always feel that way no matter what level that I’m going up to, no matter the magnitude, the popularity. I will always feel like I’m a baby at the sport and the game. I’m always willing and ready to learn.
Denny Burkholder: OK, now we know you’re training with Bas. You haven’t had a chance yet to show us your ground fighting. Are you looking forward to showing more versatility or would you just be happy to keep things standing?
Kimbo Slice: I think each fighter (is effective) and I never underestimate our opponent. You know, if I was training someone to fight me, that’s what I would work on. I would have my opponent try to take me to the ground, but that’s where they’re going to underestimate me you know.
Denny Burkholder: Very good, OK. Now I have a couple of questions for Gary. Gary, following up on a (question), you said numerous times that MMA promoters should work together for the fans. EliteXC has been very active working with Strikeforce, DREAM and other groups. Would you all work together with Affliction or were they – are they the exception?
Gary Shaw: Right now they’re the exception because they’re a clothing company. Would I work with them in a fight? Yes, I would work with them in a fight. And then would fighters wear Affliction clothing on our telecast? No because I don’t let – allow them to wear competitors’ clothing on our telecast. Would I work with Affliction in the co-promotion? Yes.
Denny Burkholder: Now I’m going to the topic of fighter sponsorships and you know wearing sponsors on your clothing on your way to the cage. One of Kimbo’s sponsors is Reality Kings, and Reality Kings operates a number of pornographic Web sites. Was there ever any discussion of banning Reality Kings from sponsoring Kimbo on the CBS show due to being on primetime network TV?
Gary Shaw: Yes, Reality Kings will not be on his clothing.
Denny Burkholder: OK. Was that a EliteXC call or CBS call or what?
Gary Shaw: It’s both. We understand what’s socially responsible, and CBS has a very high standard for standards and practices. And every logo we put on or whatever we do goes through CBS in their standards and practices.
Denny Burkholder: I know that sponsorships are a pretty big chunk of fighter income. Was there any – did you do anything to make that up to Kimbo that he wouldn’t getting that sponsorship money?
Gary Shaw: You know I gave him a big hug. I showed him love.
Denny Burkholder: All right, very good. Thanks, guys. Best of luck next week.
Gary Shaw: Thank you.
Operator: Our next question comes to us from Jaime Martinez from No Holds Barred. Go ahead please.
Jaime Martinez: First question I have was for Kimbo Slice. Kimbo, because James Thompson is ataller opponent than others, have you had to adjust your training schedule and your trअ ining technique?
Kimbo Slice: Because he’s what?
Jaime Martinez: Taller.
Gary Shaw: Well, James Thompson’s taller than a lot of the other opponents.
Jaime Martinez: Have you had to adjust your training because of that?
Kimbo Slice: I have a pretty long reach.
Jaime Martinez: OK, and Gary, I wanted to ask you about what kind of ratings you were expecting because from what I understand, it’s around three to four million viewers. Is that right?
Gary Shaw: Well, you know, everybody has their own expectations. I don’t know what CBS’s expectations are. I think it’s a new timeslot for sports on Saturday evening’s primetime. It’s definitely a new spot for mixed martial arts that’s never been seen. So, we’re not really sure where the ratings are going to be. I’m hopeful we hit a home run. CBS has put all their assets behind us in this promotion. I couldn’t ask for anything more, and I believe we’ve done our job and we’re sure our athletes have done their jobs in helping to promote the show. So, you know, let’s talk after the 31st. The chips will fall where they may, and we’ll make whatever adjustments we have to afterward.
Jaime Martinez: All right, gentlemen, I appreciate it. Thank you.
Gary Shaw: Thank you.
Operator: We now move on to Jason Probst from Sherdog.com. Go ahead please.
MMA fighter Kimbo Slice performs an open workout at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Jason Probst: This question is for both Bas and Kimbo. Obviously it’s a lot of transition to make the move to mixed martial arts. Kimbo, what were your impressions of Bas when you started working with him and what point did you decide that ‘this is the guy I want to work with’?
Kimbo Slice: Actually about a year ago. I have a great impression of Bas. Bas is the man. You know what I’m saying? Can’t get a better trainer, a better coach a better adviser of the sport and of the game. I mean he explains everything to me why. And to my knowledge I can pick it up better. I can understand the cause and the effect of everything, and I wouldn’t want to change that.
Jason Probst: And Bas, what were your initial impressions of Kimbo? Obviously this guy was an Internet phenomenon but what did you think coming in when you started work with him and at what point did you say this is a guy that can make the transition?
Bas Rutten: Well, with him being so big and popular already and to put all – everything on the line to go pro -- and there’s a big chance of losing it all because like they say you know he can be a tough guy on the street, but that doesn’t mean anything if you’re going to do it against a pro. But he said, “No, I want to (go) with the pros.’ And I think that has something to say about his motivation, and that’s what sparked interest with me.
He took that risk to go pro so at least, you’re not going to be a guy who’s going to say, ‘Oh, I fought through on the street fights I never won – I never lost.’ You know I want a guy who actually does it against guys who also full time train and you get that.
Jason Probst: Bas, obviously mixed martial arts has a huge grappling in it. With such a short time frame to get Kimbo acclimated to that, did that change the strategy you used to kind of get him to use certain submission tactics versus making it more complex? How did you address getting up, going on the ground, takedowns, clinches and things like that. How did you incorporate that into Kimbo’s game?
Bas Rutten: Like I do with everybody else, I had to learn the hard way. A long time ago I lost – when I lost my last fight against Ken Shamrock, I said, ‘You know what, I don’t like losing. I’m not going to lose anymore.’
So I start training two, three times a day and won my next eight fights I won by submission. So that actually my record shows I beat more people by submission than by knockout.
So right away when Kimbo came in, we already started working on it. I knew he was going to be a striker. I think that Kimbo’s hands are better than 80 percent of the guys in the mixed martial arts game right now. Why would you play? They’re going to try to take him down, so that’s what we really expect is going to happen.
Operator: Our next question comes to us from Damon Martin of MMA Weekly Radio. Go ahead please.
Frank Shamrock emcees an MMA demonstration by Nick Diaz (black shorts) and Jake Shields (white shorts) at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Damon Martin: Thanks for doing the call everybody today. First question is for James. James, you had worked for a little bit with Xtreme Couture in Vegas. And I think you said you’re back in England now. Can you talk about who you’re training with and what it was like with Xtreme Couture?.
James Thompson: I’m training with a team called London Street Fighters at the moment in England. You know I spent some time actually (deciding where to train). I joined a great team with great people. I learn from them. The problem was Sean Thompkins has done a lot of work with Bas and Kimbo. I didn’t want to put him in such an awkward position. Sean is a great guy. So I started looking for all the teams and followed up on one in England. It’s all been going great for me.
Damon Martin: And so you would work with him again in the future?.
James Thompson: Yes, yes, yes. I would. I mean London – I hope that for next fight, too. I have really enjoyed working with them. I’ve had fine training.
Damon Martin: Very good. And for Kimbo, we talked about some of the negative stuff but recently a lot of fighters have come out supporting you – Josh Barnett, B.J. Penn and Tito Ortiz said he’s really changed his opinion of you, so a lot of positivity coming from a lot of long-standing MMA fighters. What does that mean to you as a guy who’s still kind of new in the sport to get that support and kind of turn those people around your way?
Kimbo Slice: My feeling about those guys has never changed. I’m not a sometimes person. I still have love for the sport. I still have love for all my brothers and sisters in the MMA world. They know it. And we’re only going to get bigger and better and make more money doing what we do. And this is what we love to do; (we) fighters entertain. And you know and that’s where I stand with that.
Damon Martin: Gary, in one of the conference calls previously, you mentioned the women’s title coming soon. What about the heavyweight title and where does Antonio Silva and maybe Kimbo or James Thompson fit into that picture?
Gary Shaw: Right now we’re close to doing a heavyweight title. We’ll probably do the heavyweight title in 2008 and Kimbo’s there and James Thompson is there and obviously Junior Silva is right there at the top.
Damon Martin: All right, thanks, everybody. I appreciate it.
Gary Shaw: Thank you too.
Operator: We now go to Bernard Fernandez from the Philadelphia Daily News.
Bernard Fernandez: Before this thing came up about May 31st, I had seen pretty much all of Kimbo’s fights on YouTube because my son had downloaded all of them and has made me watch them. But Gary, on the conference call (Wednesday), Frank Shamrock said that this was a day that was 15 years in coming. And he also said that he got into MMA from watching Bruce Lee movies.
Frank Shamrock emcees an MMA demonstration by Nick Diaz (black shorts) and Jake Shields (white shorts) at the CBS
I’m just wondering, in watching those YouTube tapes of or download of Kimbo, if he’s not really like real-life embodiment of the Philo Beddoe character played by Clint Eastwood in those “Every Which Way but Loose” and any-which-way-but-you-can movies from 20 years ago. I mean it’s not like street fighting. It’s something that street fighting livens or something that just came up. I mean can you kind of address that?
Gary Shaw: Sure. I watched. (Jared) my son made me watch Kimbo’s downloads. That’s how I got interested in Kimbo. I didn’t know Kimbo Slice existed.
When I saw him obviously this very first thought in my mind is he is a purebred heavyweight fighter. I watched the way he moved. He reminded me of Tyson. He has natural head movement. He fought side to side. He did things very naturally. I didn’t think of him as a backyard or a street fighter. I immediately thought of him in boxing.
Jared then told me, ‘Dad, he’s training in MMA, and I believe he’s training with Bas Rutten.’ That’s all I needed to know. And having an MMA company, I put two guys on a plane. There’s no more to the story. I sent them to Florida. I told them, ‘Don’t come back (until) we had Kimbo Slice’s signature not only on a piece of paper but every page of the contract.
And so I didn’t look at him as a character or anything else. I looked at him as this big, mean fighting machine that I thought that I could turn into a superstar. Having met Kimbo and having bonded with Kimbo, he’s triangular. He’s got an on-off switch like Tyson. He can baby-sit your kids and be sweet. He is a real mean fighting machine that you don’t want to meet in a backyard or an alley or anywhere else.
And then there’s the third part of the triangular, which is that he is a very complex individual. So, he’s a lot of different things and a family man, and he has what it takes to be a superstar. And that’s why we’re backed up with over a 150 requests right now for interviews. And that’s why he’s on the cover of ESPN Magazine. And now there are other magazines wanting to cross over that have nothing to do with sports. And I know, Bernard, how long you’ve been covering boxing, and you know the difference between a fighter, a star and a superstar. Kimbo Slice is a superstar.
Bernard Fernandez: OK, I appreciate it.
Gary Shaw: Thank you.
Operator: We next go to Sharon Robb from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Go ahead please.
Sharon Robb: Kimbo, hello. Mixed martial arts has been around for a very, very long time and finally it’s a very hot sport. I’m curious what your initial attraction was and what took you so long to get involved with it?
Kimbo Slice: My initial attraction -- and I’m not saying this because he’s here -- was Bas Rutten. (When I saw how he loved the sport and lived, I said then) if I’m going to train with anybody, it has to be that guy. That’s what made the transition for me to cross over to the MMA world and leave street fighting alone.
Operator: We’ll move on to the side of Pedro Gonzalez from Sports Review. Go ahead please.
MMA fighter Kimbo Slice performs an open workout at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Pedro Gonzalez: Hi and thanks for giving us the time. Kimbo, I grew up in Cutler Ridge close to Goulds and Perrine (Florida) areas. How much did growing up in a rough area attribute to your toughness?
Kimbo Slice: It doesn’t have a lot to do with it. It comes with (the) neighborhood. I actually went to schools -- Cutler Ridge Middle, Bel-Air Elementary, Richmond Middle and also Palmetto Senior High. You know those neighborhoods are pretty rough, (but) it was school. (If it is time to throw down), we’ve got to throw it down.
Pedro Gonzalez: What is your ultimate goal with MMA? Where do you see yourself in five years?
Kimbo Slice: To continue to be fighting. I see myself receiving one of the heavyweight titles whether it’s boxing or MMA and holding on to them.
Pedro Gonzalez: Are you ever scared or nervous when you approach a fight?
Kimbo Slice: No.
Pedro Gonzalez: Who do you think punches harder? You or Mike Tyson?
Kimbo Slice: I don’t know. We have to do a test to find that out.
Pedro Gonzalez: How often do random people in the street cause problems with you or try to challenge you to a fight?
Kimbo Slice: Never. It never happened.
Operator: We now move on to Eddie Goldman from No Holds Barred.
MMA fighter Kimbo Slice performs an open workout at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Eddie Goldman: Thank you. Hello, everybody. Kimbo, besides the financial aspects, how is becoming a professional mixed martial arts partnered with EliteXC changed your life? Or has it?
Kimbo Slice: It’s changed my life tremendously. I’ve learned – I guess that I’ve learned -- discipline. I’ve learned (commitmentship). I’ve learned to be more loyal to something that I love (besides) my family.
When I’m in training mode, it’s a three-month or for however long (stint). There’s no drugs, there’s no smoking, there’s no drinking and there’s no sex. And that’s some serious (commitmentship) and I’m loyal.
This does mean something to me. I’m fighting for a reason. I’m fighting for my family. I’m fighting for myself. I’m fighting to never go back into the gutter again. I’m fighting to raise my kids up to be in a different environment. There’s a lot I’m fighting for.
I’m not just in there slugging it out you know. It’s a chess game. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned to use my brain. I can drink a cup of water and also write something and watch TV and read a book. I can do all. I’m versatile now. You know, I’m no longer one dimensional in my life. I can do a lot of different things now that I’m training.
Eddie Goldman: There was a recent article by a writer on ESPN.com that was very critical of your image and used a lot of epithets about you.
Gary Shaw: Don’t even go there, Eddie, because any article that starts, ‘Although I’ve never spoken with the man and although I’ve never met the man,’ -- that alone disqualifies the article and doesn’t warrant a question. And I’m not going to let Kimbo even give an answer.
Eddie Goldman: Well, I just wanted to get his rebuttal to it.
Gary Shaw: There is no rebuttal. Anybody that will write an article that’s speaking third person
and without meeting the person is not a journalist.
Eddie Goldman: OK. I’m not disagreeing with you. I just wanted to …
Gary Shaw: OK, well …
Eddie Goldman: … get his take on it.
Gary Shaw: … forget it.
Eddie Goldman: I’ve got a question for James also. James, you’ve been brought into this fight. Kimbo is the big star attraction on the cover of ESPN Magazine and is the main one being …
James Thompson (interrupting): Some people don’t even say hello to me.
Eddie Goldman: I know. I’m sorry about that. (But) how are you going to approach this fight? Do you think you’re being brought in to be knocked out? And obviously you want to win this fight on this big stage and being on CBS. How are you going to approach Kimbo?
James Thompson: You know, obviously, I’m being brought in to – I’m mean I’m a big guy, I’m an exciting fighter, I look big and mean but you know they’re hoping I get knocked on the chin and that’s not over for me. I mean fans will call me “James See You Later.’’
It doesn’t matter to me. That doesn’t bother me at all. It doesn’t bother me because it gives me a chance (to make amends). I mean after my last few fights, I don’t think I really deserve the chance. But to get this chance (is massive) to me. I mean it really is a big thing and I intend to take full advantage of it.
Eddie Goldman: I want to ask also finally Kimbo and James. Do you guys both expect this to be a short fight over in the first round? Kimbo first.
Kimbo Slice: Well, I’m expecting the fight to go to the ground. I’m expecting to do some of my ground game. Man, you don’t understand. I’m more excited about going to the ground than I am standing up right now. You know the last quarter of our training has been ground by ground by ground. I’m really looking forward to that right now.
Eddie Goldman: And James, how do you see it? Do you think it’s actually ending up going to the ground or do you think it’ll be a stand-up battle?
James Thompson: There are so many different elements in it. I wouldn’t even like to predict where the fight’s going to go. All I know is I’m training hard. I’m sure Kimbo’s training hard. You know we both come to fight, we both come to entertain and we both come to give our all. So all I know is it’s going to be one exciting fight.
Operator: We next go to Steve Feitl from Home News Tribune of East Brunswick. Go ahead please.
Steve Feitl: Hi, good afternoon, everybody. My first question is for James. With Kimbo being a relatively young fighter and you know knowing how his skills are developing, does that make it somewhat more difficult to prepare for fighting him?
James Thompson: To a certain extent because you have this – well you know obviously Kimbo’s very aggressive. Obviously. he’s got a good stand-up. You know that’s what we’ve seen. And you can answer with a question mark. All I can do is see what I’ve got to work with and where my game is and fill in the holes I have and fight hard.
Steve Feitl: Kimbo, this is obviously a huge night in the world of mixed martial arts, a big opportunity for mixed martial arts. Do you feel any extra responsibility considering you’re kind of the guy that they’re kind of building this all around as far as EliteXC?
Kimbo Slice: You know I know what I have to do and I never had a problem doing what I have to do.
Operator: Our next question comes to us from Doug Jeffrey. Go ahead please.
Doug Jeffrey: Thank you for your time. I appreciate it very much you guys. James, your walk-ins are very, very intense. What goes through your mind during that time you are walking in to the cage?
James Thompson: Nothing really goes through my mind. It’s just a mixture of adrenaline. It’s there. It’s kind of all those kinds of things mixed in together, which you kind of just go along with. It’s kind of the kind of what comes out of your end. You know I mean that kind of intense amplifier.
Doug Jeffrey: OK. What is your biggest concern with Kimbo?
James Thompson: His beard. I don’t want to get the oval bed rush. You know I mean that’s what I mean. Now I mean obviously he’s an aggressive stand-up fighter. I’ve got holes in my stomach defense. I mean I’ve got to make sure I’m tight and you know I mean I don’t want to be going to war with Kimbo. I mean that’s no secret. Eventually, I want it to go to the floor and see what he’s got there.
Doug Jeffrey: Bas, can you assess Kimbo’s skill level?
Bas Rutten: Well, it’s up there you know. The thing is we fought three fights with a two-minute-and-twelve-second total time. There’s nothing much we can say from that, right? So we got to fight – I foresee everything being really good because the way he is before a fight, he’s very relaxed.
He really likes to fight. He keeps his mind together which is a very difficult thing to do for a fighter because you see a lot of fighters who are really good in the dojo, but then once they bring it to the fight they get stage fright and they lock up there and like only 20 percent comes out. But I don’t see a problem, so I think he’s going to have a great career just as long as there are no injuries -- that’s the only thing I wish because that’s what happened with me. Then, I foresee a great career.
Doug Jeffrey: Kimbo, what is your biggest concern with James going in to the fight?
Kimbo Slice: I don’t have one.
Doug Jeffrey: Totally confident and ready to go?
Kimbo Slice: Yes, sir.
Doug Jeffrey: OK, good deal. Thanks for your time, you guys.
Gary Shaw: OK, Doug. Take care, man.
Operator: Your next question comes to us from Jack Encarnacao from The Fight Network. .
Jack Encarnacao: Hi, guys. Thanks for taking the call. I really appreciate it. Gary, how close were you guys to making a Kimbo versus Ken Shamrock fight for the CBS debut?
The CBS Broadcast Team, l-r, David Dinkins, Jr., cageside reporter Karyn Bryant, play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson, analysts Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Gary Shaw: Not really close. Ken is one of our fighters and we absolutely would’ve considered him had he won in England, but the fact is that he didn’t win and I didn’t like the way he lost. I didn’t think it was appropriate for the first CBS telecast.
Jack Encarnacao: How about in James Thompson’s case, who also is coming off a loss like Ken?
Gary Shaw: I think he just walked into (a shot). It was a different type of loss. I mean it was more competitive. I thought he walked into a punch. He fought Brett Rodgers, who we have a lot of respect for, so much respect that he’s on this CBS telecast. Somebody asked before about James coming in to be a sacrificial lamb for Kimbo. Well, a lot of people thought that Brett Rodgers was a sacrificial lamb for James Thompson. I’ve been in the fight game long enough to know that anything can happen on any night. And if you’re not well prepared, then you know you are in a problem. But as Buster Douglas showed when beat Mike Tyson, anything can happen on any night. That’s why the smart people will tune in on May 31st primetime, 9:00 p.m, on CBS.
Jack Encarnacao: Kimbo, why do you think so many people want to see you fight?
Kimbo Slice: Because you’ve got a lot of people out there who love the sport. They love the fact that people who love boxing are transitioning now over to MMA. And they love a battle like back in the days when the Romans just filled their buildings up with millions or hundreds of thousands of people to watch the Roman gladiators go at it. This is the modern day time. Now we’re in the new millennium, this is a new era, and it’s the same thing you know. People love to be entertained. You know man to man. That’s what people love. Luckily for me, I’m one of those gladiators. I love to fight. I love to perform. It’s your move and my move. It’s one on one. You know I can take a punch. Can you take a punch? You know you’re going to put me in a move. I’m going to try to get out and I’m going to slip you in a move. And that’s what it’s about with me.
Jack Encarnacao: Kimbo, do you get a sense that you are bringing new people into the sport that don’t watch right now?
Kimbo Slice: Yes, I’ve been all around and I’m getting that and, you know, that’s good. That’s good that we’re able to be a positive influence on the public; that people are getting more involved. That is a good thing because that means that we are part of -- you know James, myself and , everybody on this fight card -- we’re going to (show that this really is a) sport. And that’s what it’s about.
Jack Encarnacao: Bas, you’ve been around the sport pretty much longer than anybody else, and I wondered if you have ever seen anything in Japan or even in America like what’s happening with Kimbo? Can you compare it to anything as far as the general interest in this and his story?
Bas Rutten: I would say Bob Sapp in Japan. But then, Bob, I think got more attracted to pro wrestling and then they started doing more and more interviews and TV and he got sidetracked a little bit. In the beginning, let’s not forget that he gave Antonio Nogueira a run for his money, pile driving on his head. But then when they started pulling away because he was so big – I had dinner with Bob Sapp one time and they had to close the restaurant because people were gathering in the front of it. We had to escape from the back.
With Kimbo, it’s the same. Wherever you go, people recognize him. Kids recognize him, all those people. He rams his car into another car you know in front of a church very close to my gym. And the people from the church, they ran out and they go, ‘Oh my God, Kimbo Slice. We were watching you before we went to church on YouTube.’ I will say also that Kimbo is really focused on the training and we have tried to keep him away from the movies for now.
Jack Encarnacao: Kimbo, do you follow all the press about you? Do you ever look at it or do you completely shut it out?
Kimbo Slice: I completely shut it out.
Jack Encarnacao: Except ESPN The Magazine, right?
Kimbo Slice: Yes.
Jack Encarnacao: All right. It’s all good. Thank you, guys.
Operator: Thank you. We’ll now move on to Kevin Garvey from TheGARV.com. Go ahead please.
Kevin Garvey: Hey, guys. Thanks for taking the call. Kimbo, you did a lot of bare knuckle boxing in your day. How are your knuckles, your hands now? Are they in good shape?
Kimbo Slice: My hands are great.
Kevin Garvey: Kimbo, you mentioned that you’d like to possibly be the heavyweight champion in boxing. Do you see a pro boxing match in your future?
Kimbo Slice: It’s going to be up to my promoter and my manager. They’ll work together and decide what is best for the future and my career.
Kevin Garvey: Kimbo, you have a lot of fans but there are some people who feel that you should not be headlining this because of your lack of experience. How would you address that?
Kimbo Slice: They’re right.
Kevin Garvey: They’re right, huh?
Kimbo Slice: Yes.
Kevin Garvey: That’s interesting. Bas, I know that you’re working on the ground game with Kimbo. How would you rate his ground game?
Bas Rutten: Kimbo’s take-down defense is really good actually. There are certain ways to take people down. And we’ve got great (fighters) for takedowns, so you know whatever comes, he’s going to counter with something. And if they go for a takedown, he’s going to reverse them and end up on top. (That’s because) of his size and his power. That’s going to be a great position to be in.
Kevin Garvey: All right, it sounds great, guys. Thanks very much.
Mitch Graham: Guys, we have time for two more questions.
Operator: We’ll go next to Stephen Marrocco from Full Contact Fighter. Go ahead please.
Stephen Marrocco: Kimbo, you seem to be a lot more talkative today (then you were) at the press conference in Los Angeles on CBS Media Day. Were you shy in front of so many cameras?
Kimbo Slice: No.
Stephen Marrocco: Gary, you mentioned that you had to be prepared for whoever won the main event, Kimbo or James Thompson. What is the plan if Kimbo loses?
Gary Shaw: For me to hang myself on TV. (Seriously) I never think of any of my athletes losing on either side. I’m at it promoting an event, so put on a great and a winning experience and the millions of viewers that are going to watch on Saturday, May 31st, (will get) a great show. So I don’t really look forward – well if he loses, what do we do? I don’t even look forward if they win when they do. I take one of them at a time and one side at a time. And that is the truth.
As far as the question about Kimbo headlining a show – headlining a show has nothing to do with experience. It has to do with fighting ability and entertainment value. And Kimbo Slice brings to the arena and to television great fighting ability and great entertainment skills.
And Bas – and I don’t know Bas that well, but I could tell you that many, many people have told me the same thing: If Bas didn‘t believe Kimbo was real and Kimbo couldn’t fight, Bas would not put his name attached to Kimbo and walk down that cage war with Kimbo. And he could – Bas could speak for himself, but I can guarantee you that he’ll back up what I’m saying right now.
Bas Rutten: Yes, I would.
Stephen Marrocco: Gary, if you matched the ratings expectations on Saturday, what do you expect from the other networks in the future?
Gary Shaw: That’s a great question. I believe if we do the ratings that I personally am expecting then I think you’ll see other networks – NBC, Fox, probably go right into mixed martial arts because they’ll see the entertainment value, they’ll see the ratings value, they’ll see the sponsorship money come in. And it’s the new wave sport. It’s here. And I don’t believe anything’s going to stop it as long as we give competitive fights and great entertainment value.
And I think not because it’s a show that I’m promoting, but I believe in the product. And if it’s done right, I believe you’ll see others jump in immediately.
Stephen Marrocco: And if you miss the mark, what do you expect other than a trip to the gallows for yourself?
Gary Shaw: If I miss the mark, I’ll be very disappointed in myself and my leadership. I’ll forever question what went wrong and why it didn’t do the ratings. And the only thing that I could think of on this conference call is maybe we’re just a little ahead of the time. But I don’t expect that to happen. I don’t think CBS is expecting it to happen. And truthfully I’m not prepared for if it doesn’t happen. It’s a very good question. I gave you an answer with maybe not a lot of thought but from my heart.
Stephen Marrocco: Gary, do you have any comment about Carina Damm’s positive test for steroids and do you have a replacement for her on June 27th?
Gary Shaw: Well, she’s obviously suspended from fighting for us. I’m very disappointed in any athlete that takes steroids. That’s one thing that I won’t tolerate as a formal regulator and someone that really cares about the health, welfare and safety of every fighter. There’s just no reason for that, no reason to get an unfair edge. So, yes, we’ll have replacements, and she’ll be suspended maybe even longer than her athletic suspension.
Stephen Marrocco: OK, great. Thank you very much.
Gary Shaw: Thank you very much.
Operator: The last question will come from Alberto Martinez from URDirt.com.
Alberto Martinez: James, how do you feel fighting so close to New York City, which has historical value as far as big events go and do you see the future of New York chasing up for you guys?
James Thompson: Yes, although I am not really following it much where the fight’s taking place. Obviously it’s in America, it’s on CBS. It’s primetime, it’s a massive historical event and the fact it’s kind of near New York or in New York. I hope New York gets a license so they can have actual MMA fights. I’m not going to give it much thought, though.
Alberto Martinez: Kimbo, how close do you feel to being ready to fight Tim Sylvia or Fedor?
Kimbo Slice: I’m willing to fight anybody. I’m willing to take any challengers. I don’t turn anyone down.
Alberto Martinez: Kimbo, do you have a prediction?
Kimbo Slice: He’s going to throw punches. It’s going to go to the ground.
Alberto Martinez: Are you prepared for that, Kimbo, if it goes to the ground?
Kimbo Slice: Yes.
Alberto Martinez: James, how does it feel being a sacrificial lamb in the media actually feel?
James Thompson: The actual title of being a sacrificial lamb is unofficial. I’m not sure what – it doesn’t bother me. This is such a memorable event. I’m all good and I’m all ready to go.
Alberto Martinez: Thank you.
Mitch Graham: All right everyone. Thank you so much for calling in today. Thank you Kimbo, James, and Bas and Gary. MMA fighter Gina Carano performs an open workout at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008
I think all of you have our information. And thank you again for calling in today and tune in on May 31 on CBS 9:00 to 11:00. Thanks, everyone.
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At this time, I would like to turn the conference over to Mitch Graham. Go ahead please, sir.
Mitch Graham: Hi, everyone. This is Mitch Graham from CBS Publicity. Welcome to the CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights Main Event conference call.
On the call, we have our headliners, Kimbo Slice and James Thompson along with Kimbo’s trainer Bas Rutten and EliteXC Live Events President Mr. Gary Shaw. Kimbo and James are headlining the inaugural CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights live from the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Saturday May 31 from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. on CBS.
L-r, Doug DeLuca, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Kelly Kahl, Sr. Executive VP, CBS Primetime and Gary Shaw, Live Events President, EliteXC during a press conference at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Obviously, we are thrilled to have teamed up with EliteXC to bring fans everywhere the first ever MMA event live on network television and primetime. EliteXC has put together an outstanding five-fight card for the first show on CBS.
And with that, I’ll now turn it over to Mr. Gary Shaw.
Gary Shaw: Thank you, Mitch and thank you James and Kimbo and Bas for joining us and the rest of the press. It’s a huge day on May 31st, 9:00 p.m. primetime on CBS for all of mixed martial arts. It’s the opportunity for it to be seen by a hundred million eyeballs, plus it’s the opportunity for everybody to understand that mixed martial arts is really a sport, and the athletes are true athletes with many different disciplines.
It’s going to be an exciting night, five fights headlined obviously by Kimbo Slice and James Thompson, and a great cast of characters and fighters that you have seen before, with Robbie Lawler fighting to defend his world championship against Scott Smith and obviously our featured women’s fighter, which is Gina Carano.
MMA fighter Gina Carano performs an open workout at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008
Rockstar is one of our major sponsors, and we thank Rockstar and we thank the union of EliteXC along with CBS to bring together the first ever mixed martial arts show on terrestrial TV. I don’t want to take up any more time. It’s about the fighters.
I’m going to let James Thompson open up with a few words first, then I’m going to have Kimbo, and then we’re going to throw right to the questions. So James, you want to make any opening comments?
James Thompson: Yes, cheers, Gary. I just want to say it’s James “Colossus” Thompson here on the phone from England. I’m training hard and really looking forward to May 31st. It’s going to be a war.
Gary Shaw: OK, thank you. And Kimbo?
Kimbo Slice: Hey, Gary; how’s it going, buddy?
Gary Shaw: Good, good. I miss you, buddy.
Kimbo Slice: All righty.
Gary Shaw: You want to make any opening statement to the press, Kimbo?
Kimbo Slice: Nope, not at all.
Gary Shaw: OK. Operator?
MMA fighter Kimbo Slice performs an open workout at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Operator: At this time, ladies and gentlemen, if you do have an audio question, simply press the star then one on your touch-tone phone. You may withdraw your question at any time by pressing the pound key.
And we’ll first go to Michael Wood from ESPN Magazine. Go ahead please.
Michael Woods: All right. Kimbo, Gary, Colossus, thanks for taking the time out. I appreciate it. Kimbo, have you seen the cover of yourself on the cover of ESPN Mag yet?
Kimbo Slice: Yes, I thought it was amazing, man. You guys did great work. Thanks guys so much for also taking the time to show me that kind of love.
Michael Woods: Yes, it looks great, and we’re hoping for a great show and for your continued success because it’s a great story for the building up of MMA. James, I want to ask you first very quickly.
James Thompson: Yes.
Michael Woods: I was referring to the fact that Kimbo was on the cover of ESPN Magazine this week, and the press coverage of him has been amazing. There’s been so many people grabbing him, and I’m wondering if you think that possibly he’s concentrating too much on that kind of stuff, getting caught up on that and overlooking you?
James Thompson: Well, you know, we can only guess. I mean Kimbo’s got a lot to display. He’s with a professional team with Bas Rutten, and I’m not. And I’m sure he realizes – I mean what sort of stage you know what I mean so – and I’d like to say he’s got some kind of real concern with what we’ve got. I won’t be thinking he’s taking it lightly.
Michael Woods: And Kimbo, I’m guessing the answer is no, but I’ll ask it to you anyway. I know you like to keep your eye on the prize, but what are some of the things that you do so you don’t get too caught up in the media hype and ‘damn, my face is on the cover of that magazine’ and get your head too big? How do you deal with that?
Kimbo Slice: Well, I look at it like this. Those type of things are more for the fans than anybody, and I continue to concentrate on my training and what I have to do. Like he said, I know what is at stake here and I know what it means to me you know, so to take a few minutes or an hour out of my time you know that’s fine, that’s cool. You know when I get back to training you know I train and that’s what’s up.
MMA fighter Kimbo Slice performs an open workout at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Michael Woods: Thanks. Good stuff. Hey guys, have a great fight. Everyone stay safe and we’ll talk to you again soon. Take care.
James Thompson: Yes, thank you. I appreciate it.
Operator: We’ll take our next question from the side of Beau Dure with USA Today. Go ahead please.
Beau Dure: Hello. This is a question for Kimbo, and I want to point out that I am just a messenger here. This is not me saying this. This is a quote that I want to get your reaction to. It’s Dana White, and it says ‘B.J. Penn at 155 pounds would destroy Kimbo Slice. Kimbo Slice isn’t anywhere near that type of level. He’s not a professional athlete.’ So, Kimbo, and then I guess Gary too, your reactions?
Gary Shaw: I’ll do it first. Dana White is a j***-off. That’s what Dana White is. He’s a f***ing idiot and you can quote me on that. If he cared about mixed martial arts and the sport instead of caring about his big-a** swimming pool and his own personal gains, he would understand that statements like that make someone into a jerk.
First of all, I love B.J. Penn and he is a friend of mine. And his brother J.D. Penn works with our company. Kimbo Slice with one shot would knock out B.J. Penn, a 155 pounder. But they’re never going to fight. It’s an idiotic statement from a complete idiot.
Kimbo doesn’t need to say anything at all. But I understand you’re the messenger. I don’t mean it against you, but this is a conference call about fighters, two fighters fighting each other and a real competitive match-up on a first-ever CBS live MMA event, and Dana White is an idiot. And if he wasn’t an idiot, May 31st would’ve been the UFC instead of EliteXC. I rest my case.
Beau Dure: All right. Thanks, Gary. Kimbo, do you want to take it?
Kimbo Slice: You know, it’s a free country. You know, everyone’s entitled to their own opinion.
Beau Dure: All right. Thanks, Kimbo.
L-r, Nick Diaz, Jake Shields, Scott Smith, Kimbo Slice, Gary Shaw, Gina Carano, Phil Baroni and Robbie Lawler during a press conference at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Operator: We’ll take our next question from Denny Burkholder with CBSSports.com.
MMA fighters, l-r, Robbie Lawler, Kimbo Slice, Gina Carano and Scott Smith at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Denny Burkholder: Hi, guys. I’d like to offer a question for Bas. You’ve been a player in this sport for years and I was just wondering what it’s like for an MMA pioneer like yourself to see the sport finally broadcast on primetime network TV?
Bas Rutten: You know, that’s what we all are fighting for. I expected this way sooner when I had my first fight in Japan. The next day, they stopped me on the street. I was thrilled. This is going to be the biggest thing, and you will see it got bigger.
That was in the beginning there, and I said it. This was in 1993. I said the first person who’s going to put this on free TV, regular TV, is going to make a killing because that’s what they want. But the world wasn’t ready for it yet. And now the world is ready for it, so I think it’s great.
Denny Burkholder: OK, now a question for James. James, you were knocked out by Brett Rogers in February, and now you find yourself fighting in the main event against Kimbo Slice. What happened in that last fight and how will you avoid this same thing happening versus Kimbo?
James Thompson: Well, what happened in the last, you know, it’s very hard to predict what will happen in a fight. You do all your training, so – I mean you go out there and I’m hoping to win it. It didn’t happen for me on that occasion. And basically I look at (the line). I look at where there’s long (goals) in my game, etc., go back to the drawing board. I just keep on drilling things, keep on being positive and (that’s what he can do).
Denny Burkholder: OK, now a couple of questions for Kimbo. Kimbo, you’ve become so popular in such a short period of time., you’re fighting in main events despite still being relatively new to the sport. My question is where do you think your MMA skill level is at right now? Do you feel like you still have a lot to learn?
Kimbo Slice: Yes, yes. I will always feel that way no matter what level that I’m going up to, no matter the magnitude, the popularity. I will always feel like I’m a baby at the sport and the game. I’m always willing and ready to learn.
Denny Burkholder: OK, now we know you’re training with Bas. You haven’t had a chance yet to show us your ground fighting. Are you looking forward to showing more versatility or would you just be happy to keep things standing?
Kimbo Slice: I think each fighter (is effective) and I never underestimate our opponent. You know, if I was training someone to fight me, that’s what I would work on. I would have my opponent try to take me to the ground, but that’s where they’re going to underestimate me you know.
Denny Burkholder: Very good, OK. Now I have a couple of questions for Gary. Gary, following up on a (question), you said numerous times that MMA promoters should work together for the fans. EliteXC has been very active working with Strikeforce, DREAM and other groups. Would you all work together with Affliction or were they – are they the exception?
Gary Shaw: Right now they’re the exception because they’re a clothing company. Would I work with them in a fight? Yes, I would work with them in a fight. And then would fighters wear Affliction clothing on our telecast? No because I don’t let – allow them to wear competitors’ clothing on our telecast. Would I work with Affliction in the co-promotion? Yes.
Denny Burkholder: Now I’m going to the topic of fighter sponsorships and you know wearing sponsors on your clothing on your way to the cage. One of Kimbo’s sponsors is Reality Kings, and Reality Kings operates a number of pornographic Web sites. Was there ever any discussion of banning Reality Kings from sponsoring Kimbo on the CBS show due to being on primetime network TV?
Gary Shaw: Yes, Reality Kings will not be on his clothing.
Denny Burkholder: OK. Was that a EliteXC call or CBS call or what?
Gary Shaw: It’s both. We understand what’s socially responsible, and CBS has a very high standard for standards and practices. And every logo we put on or whatever we do goes through CBS in their standards and practices.
Denny Burkholder: I know that sponsorships are a pretty big chunk of fighter income. Was there any – did you do anything to make that up to Kimbo that he wouldn’t getting that sponsorship money?
Gary Shaw: You know I gave him a big hug. I showed him love.
Denny Burkholder: All right, very good. Thanks, guys. Best of luck next week.
Gary Shaw: Thank you.
Operator: Our next question comes to us from Jaime Martinez from No Holds Barred. Go ahead please.
Jaime Martinez: First question I have was for Kimbo Slice. Kimbo, because James Thompson is ataller opponent than others, have you had to adjust your training schedule and your trअ ining technique?
Kimbo Slice: Because he’s what?
Jaime Martinez: Taller.
Gary Shaw: Well, James Thompson’s taller than a lot of the other opponents.
Jaime Martinez: Have you had to adjust your training because of that?
Kimbo Slice: I have a pretty long reach.
Jaime Martinez: OK, and Gary, I wanted to ask you about what kind of ratings you were expecting because from what I understand, it’s around three to four million viewers. Is that right?
Gary Shaw: Well, you know, everybody has their own expectations. I don’t know what CBS’s expectations are. I think it’s a new timeslot for sports on Saturday evening’s primetime. It’s definitely a new spot for mixed martial arts that’s never been seen. So, we’re not really sure where the ratings are going to be. I’m hopeful we hit a home run. CBS has put all their assets behind us in this promotion. I couldn’t ask for anything more, and I believe we’ve done our job and we’re sure our athletes have done their jobs in helping to promote the show. So, you know, let’s talk after the 31st. The chips will fall where they may, and we’ll make whatever adjustments we have to afterward.
Jaime Martinez: All right, gentlemen, I appreciate it. Thank you.
Gary Shaw: Thank you.
Operator: We now move on to Jason Probst from Sherdog.com. Go ahead please.
MMA fighter Kimbo Slice performs an open workout at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Jason Probst: This question is for both Bas and Kimbo. Obviously it’s a lot of transition to make the move to mixed martial arts. Kimbo, what were your impressions of Bas when you started working with him and what point did you decide that ‘this is the guy I want to work with’?
Kimbo Slice: Actually about a year ago. I have a great impression of Bas. Bas is the man. You know what I’m saying? Can’t get a better trainer, a better coach a better adviser of the sport and of the game. I mean he explains everything to me why. And to my knowledge I can pick it up better. I can understand the cause and the effect of everything, and I wouldn’t want to change that.
Jason Probst: And Bas, what were your initial impressions of Kimbo? Obviously this guy was an Internet phenomenon but what did you think coming in when you started work with him and at what point did you say this is a guy that can make the transition?
Bas Rutten: Well, with him being so big and popular already and to put all – everything on the line to go pro -- and there’s a big chance of losing it all because like they say you know he can be a tough guy on the street, but that doesn’t mean anything if you’re going to do it against a pro. But he said, “No, I want to (go) with the pros.’ And I think that has something to say about his motivation, and that’s what sparked interest with me.
He took that risk to go pro so at least, you’re not going to be a guy who’s going to say, ‘Oh, I fought through on the street fights I never won – I never lost.’ You know I want a guy who actually does it against guys who also full time train and you get that.
Jason Probst: Bas, obviously mixed martial arts has a huge grappling in it. With such a short time frame to get Kimbo acclimated to that, did that change the strategy you used to kind of get him to use certain submission tactics versus making it more complex? How did you address getting up, going on the ground, takedowns, clinches and things like that. How did you incorporate that into Kimbo’s game?
Bas Rutten: Like I do with everybody else, I had to learn the hard way. A long time ago I lost – when I lost my last fight against Ken Shamrock, I said, ‘You know what, I don’t like losing. I’m not going to lose anymore.’
So I start training two, three times a day and won my next eight fights I won by submission. So that actually my record shows I beat more people by submission than by knockout.
So right away when Kimbo came in, we already started working on it. I knew he was going to be a striker. I think that Kimbo’s hands are better than 80 percent of the guys in the mixed martial arts game right now. Why would you play? They’re going to try to take him down, so that’s what we really expect is going to happen.
Operator: Our next question comes to us from Damon Martin of MMA Weekly Radio. Go ahead please.
Frank Shamrock emcees an MMA demonstration by Nick Diaz (black shorts) and Jake Shields (white shorts) at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Damon Martin: Thanks for doing the call everybody today. First question is for James. James, you had worked for a little bit with Xtreme Couture in Vegas. And I think you said you’re back in England now. Can you talk about who you’re training with and what it was like with Xtreme Couture?.
James Thompson: I’m training with a team called London Street Fighters at the moment in England. You know I spent some time actually (deciding where to train). I joined a great team with great people. I learn from them. The problem was Sean Thompkins has done a lot of work with Bas and Kimbo. I didn’t want to put him in such an awkward position. Sean is a great guy. So I started looking for all the teams and followed up on one in England. It’s all been going great for me.
Damon Martin: And so you would work with him again in the future?.
James Thompson: Yes, yes, yes. I would. I mean London – I hope that for next fight, too. I have really enjoyed working with them. I’ve had fine training.
Damon Martin: Very good. And for Kimbo, we talked about some of the negative stuff but recently a lot of fighters have come out supporting you – Josh Barnett, B.J. Penn and Tito Ortiz said he’s really changed his opinion of you, so a lot of positivity coming from a lot of long-standing MMA fighters. What does that mean to you as a guy who’s still kind of new in the sport to get that support and kind of turn those people around your way?
Kimbo Slice: My feeling about those guys has never changed. I’m not a sometimes person. I still have love for the sport. I still have love for all my brothers and sisters in the MMA world. They know it. And we’re only going to get bigger and better and make more money doing what we do. And this is what we love to do; (we) fighters entertain. And you know and that’s where I stand with that.
Damon Martin: Gary, in one of the conference calls previously, you mentioned the women’s title coming soon. What about the heavyweight title and where does Antonio Silva and maybe Kimbo or James Thompson fit into that picture?
Gary Shaw: Right now we’re close to doing a heavyweight title. We’ll probably do the heavyweight title in 2008 and Kimbo’s there and James Thompson is there and obviously Junior Silva is right there at the top.
Damon Martin: All right, thanks, everybody. I appreciate it.
Gary Shaw: Thank you too.
Operator: We now go to Bernard Fernandez from the Philadelphia Daily News.
Bernard Fernandez: Before this thing came up about May 31st, I had seen pretty much all of Kimbo’s fights on YouTube because my son had downloaded all of them and has made me watch them. But Gary, on the conference call (Wednesday), Frank Shamrock said that this was a day that was 15 years in coming. And he also said that he got into MMA from watching Bruce Lee movies.
Frank Shamrock emcees an MMA demonstration by Nick Diaz (black shorts) and Jake Shields (white shorts) at the CBS
I’m just wondering, in watching those YouTube tapes of or download of Kimbo, if he’s not really like real-life embodiment of the Philo Beddoe character played by Clint Eastwood in those “Every Which Way but Loose” and any-which-way-but-you-can movies from 20 years ago. I mean it’s not like street fighting. It’s something that street fighting livens or something that just came up. I mean can you kind of address that?
Gary Shaw: Sure. I watched. (Jared) my son made me watch Kimbo’s downloads. That’s how I got interested in Kimbo. I didn’t know Kimbo Slice existed.
When I saw him obviously this very first thought in my mind is he is a purebred heavyweight fighter. I watched the way he moved. He reminded me of Tyson. He has natural head movement. He fought side to side. He did things very naturally. I didn’t think of him as a backyard or a street fighter. I immediately thought of him in boxing.
Jared then told me, ‘Dad, he’s training in MMA, and I believe he’s training with Bas Rutten.’ That’s all I needed to know. And having an MMA company, I put two guys on a plane. There’s no more to the story. I sent them to Florida. I told them, ‘Don’t come back (until) we had Kimbo Slice’s signature not only on a piece of paper but every page of the contract.
And so I didn’t look at him as a character or anything else. I looked at him as this big, mean fighting machine that I thought that I could turn into a superstar. Having met Kimbo and having bonded with Kimbo, he’s triangular. He’s got an on-off switch like Tyson. He can baby-sit your kids and be sweet. He is a real mean fighting machine that you don’t want to meet in a backyard or an alley or anywhere else.
And then there’s the third part of the triangular, which is that he is a very complex individual. So, he’s a lot of different things and a family man, and he has what it takes to be a superstar. And that’s why we’re backed up with over a 150 requests right now for interviews. And that’s why he’s on the cover of ESPN Magazine. And now there are other magazines wanting to cross over that have nothing to do with sports. And I know, Bernard, how long you’ve been covering boxing, and you know the difference between a fighter, a star and a superstar. Kimbo Slice is a superstar.
Bernard Fernandez: OK, I appreciate it.
Gary Shaw: Thank you.
Operator: We next go to Sharon Robb from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Go ahead please.
Sharon Robb: Kimbo, hello. Mixed martial arts has been around for a very, very long time and finally it’s a very hot sport. I’m curious what your initial attraction was and what took you so long to get involved with it?
Kimbo Slice: My initial attraction -- and I’m not saying this because he’s here -- was Bas Rutten. (When I saw how he loved the sport and lived, I said then) if I’m going to train with anybody, it has to be that guy. That’s what made the transition for me to cross over to the MMA world and leave street fighting alone.
Operator: We’ll move on to the side of Pedro Gonzalez from Sports Review. Go ahead please.
MMA fighter Kimbo Slice performs an open workout at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Pedro Gonzalez: Hi and thanks for giving us the time. Kimbo, I grew up in Cutler Ridge close to Goulds and Perrine (Florida) areas. How much did growing up in a rough area attribute to your toughness?
Kimbo Slice: It doesn’t have a lot to do with it. It comes with (the) neighborhood. I actually went to schools -- Cutler Ridge Middle, Bel-Air Elementary, Richmond Middle and also Palmetto Senior High. You know those neighborhoods are pretty rough, (but) it was school. (If it is time to throw down), we’ve got to throw it down.
Pedro Gonzalez: What is your ultimate goal with MMA? Where do you see yourself in five years?
Kimbo Slice: To continue to be fighting. I see myself receiving one of the heavyweight titles whether it’s boxing or MMA and holding on to them.
Pedro Gonzalez: Are you ever scared or nervous when you approach a fight?
Kimbo Slice: No.
Pedro Gonzalez: Who do you think punches harder? You or Mike Tyson?
Kimbo Slice: I don’t know. We have to do a test to find that out.
Pedro Gonzalez: How often do random people in the street cause problems with you or try to challenge you to a fight?
Kimbo Slice: Never. It never happened.
Operator: We now move on to Eddie Goldman from No Holds Barred.
MMA fighter Kimbo Slice performs an open workout at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Eddie Goldman: Thank you. Hello, everybody. Kimbo, besides the financial aspects, how is becoming a professional mixed martial arts partnered with EliteXC changed your life? Or has it?
Kimbo Slice: It’s changed my life tremendously. I’ve learned – I guess that I’ve learned -- discipline. I’ve learned (commitmentship). I’ve learned to be more loyal to something that I love (besides) my family.
When I’m in training mode, it’s a three-month or for however long (stint). There’s no drugs, there’s no smoking, there’s no drinking and there’s no sex. And that’s some serious (commitmentship) and I’m loyal.
This does mean something to me. I’m fighting for a reason. I’m fighting for my family. I’m fighting for myself. I’m fighting to never go back into the gutter again. I’m fighting to raise my kids up to be in a different environment. There’s a lot I’m fighting for.
I’m not just in there slugging it out you know. It’s a chess game. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned to use my brain. I can drink a cup of water and also write something and watch TV and read a book. I can do all. I’m versatile now. You know, I’m no longer one dimensional in my life. I can do a lot of different things now that I’m training.
Eddie Goldman: There was a recent article by a writer on ESPN.com that was very critical of your image and used a lot of epithets about you.
Gary Shaw: Don’t even go there, Eddie, because any article that starts, ‘Although I’ve never spoken with the man and although I’ve never met the man,’ -- that alone disqualifies the article and doesn’t warrant a question. And I’m not going to let Kimbo even give an answer.
Eddie Goldman: Well, I just wanted to get his rebuttal to it.
Gary Shaw: There is no rebuttal. Anybody that will write an article that’s speaking third person
and without meeting the person is not a journalist.
Eddie Goldman: OK. I’m not disagreeing with you. I just wanted to …
Gary Shaw: OK, well …
Eddie Goldman: … get his take on it.
Gary Shaw: … forget it.
Eddie Goldman: I’ve got a question for James also. James, you’ve been brought into this fight. Kimbo is the big star attraction on the cover of ESPN Magazine and is the main one being …
James Thompson (interrupting): Some people don’t even say hello to me.
Eddie Goldman: I know. I’m sorry about that. (But) how are you going to approach this fight? Do you think you’re being brought in to be knocked out? And obviously you want to win this fight on this big stage and being on CBS. How are you going to approach Kimbo?
James Thompson: You know, obviously, I’m being brought in to – I’m mean I’m a big guy, I’m an exciting fighter, I look big and mean but you know they’re hoping I get knocked on the chin and that’s not over for me. I mean fans will call me “James See You Later.’’
It doesn’t matter to me. That doesn’t bother me at all. It doesn’t bother me because it gives me a chance (to make amends). I mean after my last few fights, I don’t think I really deserve the chance. But to get this chance (is massive) to me. I mean it really is a big thing and I intend to take full advantage of it.
Eddie Goldman: I want to ask also finally Kimbo and James. Do you guys both expect this to be a short fight over in the first round? Kimbo first.
Kimbo Slice: Well, I’m expecting the fight to go to the ground. I’m expecting to do some of my ground game. Man, you don’t understand. I’m more excited about going to the ground than I am standing up right now. You know the last quarter of our training has been ground by ground by ground. I’m really looking forward to that right now.
Eddie Goldman: And James, how do you see it? Do you think it’s actually ending up going to the ground or do you think it’ll be a stand-up battle?
James Thompson: There are so many different elements in it. I wouldn’t even like to predict where the fight’s going to go. All I know is I’m training hard. I’m sure Kimbo’s training hard. You know we both come to fight, we both come to entertain and we both come to give our all. So all I know is it’s going to be one exciting fight.
Operator: We next go to Steve Feitl from Home News Tribune of East Brunswick. Go ahead please.
Steve Feitl: Hi, good afternoon, everybody. My first question is for James. With Kimbo being a relatively young fighter and you know knowing how his skills are developing, does that make it somewhat more difficult to prepare for fighting him?
James Thompson: To a certain extent because you have this – well you know obviously Kimbo’s very aggressive. Obviously. he’s got a good stand-up. You know that’s what we’ve seen. And you can answer with a question mark. All I can do is see what I’ve got to work with and where my game is and fill in the holes I have and fight hard.
Steve Feitl: Kimbo, this is obviously a huge night in the world of mixed martial arts, a big opportunity for mixed martial arts. Do you feel any extra responsibility considering you’re kind of the guy that they’re kind of building this all around as far as EliteXC?
Kimbo Slice: You know I know what I have to do and I never had a problem doing what I have to do.
Operator: Our next question comes to us from Doug Jeffrey. Go ahead please.
Doug Jeffrey: Thank you for your time. I appreciate it very much you guys. James, your walk-ins are very, very intense. What goes through your mind during that time you are walking in to the cage?
James Thompson: Nothing really goes through my mind. It’s just a mixture of adrenaline. It’s there. It’s kind of all those kinds of things mixed in together, which you kind of just go along with. It’s kind of the kind of what comes out of your end. You know I mean that kind of intense amplifier.
Doug Jeffrey: OK. What is your biggest concern with Kimbo?
James Thompson: His beard. I don’t want to get the oval bed rush. You know I mean that’s what I mean. Now I mean obviously he’s an aggressive stand-up fighter. I’ve got holes in my stomach defense. I mean I’ve got to make sure I’m tight and you know I mean I don’t want to be going to war with Kimbo. I mean that’s no secret. Eventually, I want it to go to the floor and see what he’s got there.
Doug Jeffrey: Bas, can you assess Kimbo’s skill level?
Bas Rutten: Well, it’s up there you know. The thing is we fought three fights with a two-minute-and-twelve-second total time. There’s nothing much we can say from that, right? So we got to fight – I foresee everything being really good because the way he is before a fight, he’s very relaxed.
He really likes to fight. He keeps his mind together which is a very difficult thing to do for a fighter because you see a lot of fighters who are really good in the dojo, but then once they bring it to the fight they get stage fright and they lock up there and like only 20 percent comes out. But I don’t see a problem, so I think he’s going to have a great career just as long as there are no injuries -- that’s the only thing I wish because that’s what happened with me. Then, I foresee a great career.
Doug Jeffrey: Kimbo, what is your biggest concern with James going in to the fight?
Kimbo Slice: I don’t have one.
Doug Jeffrey: Totally confident and ready to go?
Kimbo Slice: Yes, sir.
Doug Jeffrey: OK, good deal. Thanks for your time, you guys.
Gary Shaw: OK, Doug. Take care, man.
Operator: Your next question comes to us from Jack Encarnacao from The Fight Network. .
Jack Encarnacao: Hi, guys. Thanks for taking the call. I really appreciate it. Gary, how close were you guys to making a Kimbo versus Ken Shamrock fight for the CBS debut?
The CBS Broadcast Team, l-r, David Dinkins, Jr., cageside reporter Karyn Bryant, play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson, analysts Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Gary Shaw: Not really close. Ken is one of our fighters and we absolutely would’ve considered him had he won in England, but the fact is that he didn’t win and I didn’t like the way he lost. I didn’t think it was appropriate for the first CBS telecast.
Jack Encarnacao: How about in James Thompson’s case, who also is coming off a loss like Ken?
Gary Shaw: I think he just walked into (a shot). It was a different type of loss. I mean it was more competitive. I thought he walked into a punch. He fought Brett Rodgers, who we have a lot of respect for, so much respect that he’s on this CBS telecast. Somebody asked before about James coming in to be a sacrificial lamb for Kimbo. Well, a lot of people thought that Brett Rodgers was a sacrificial lamb for James Thompson. I’ve been in the fight game long enough to know that anything can happen on any night. And if you’re not well prepared, then you know you are in a problem. But as Buster Douglas showed when beat Mike Tyson, anything can happen on any night. That’s why the smart people will tune in on May 31st primetime, 9:00 p.m, on CBS.
Jack Encarnacao: Kimbo, why do you think so many people want to see you fight?
Kimbo Slice: Because you’ve got a lot of people out there who love the sport. They love the fact that people who love boxing are transitioning now over to MMA. And they love a battle like back in the days when the Romans just filled their buildings up with millions or hundreds of thousands of people to watch the Roman gladiators go at it. This is the modern day time. Now we’re in the new millennium, this is a new era, and it’s the same thing you know. People love to be entertained. You know man to man. That’s what people love. Luckily for me, I’m one of those gladiators. I love to fight. I love to perform. It’s your move and my move. It’s one on one. You know I can take a punch. Can you take a punch? You know you’re going to put me in a move. I’m going to try to get out and I’m going to slip you in a move. And that’s what it’s about with me.
Jack Encarnacao: Kimbo, do you get a sense that you are bringing new people into the sport that don’t watch right now?
Kimbo Slice: Yes, I’ve been all around and I’m getting that and, you know, that’s good. That’s good that we’re able to be a positive influence on the public; that people are getting more involved. That is a good thing because that means that we are part of -- you know James, myself and , everybody on this fight card -- we’re going to (show that this really is a) sport. And that’s what it’s about.
Jack Encarnacao: Bas, you’ve been around the sport pretty much longer than anybody else, and I wondered if you have ever seen anything in Japan or even in America like what’s happening with Kimbo? Can you compare it to anything as far as the general interest in this and his story?
Bas Rutten: I would say Bob Sapp in Japan. But then, Bob, I think got more attracted to pro wrestling and then they started doing more and more interviews and TV and he got sidetracked a little bit. In the beginning, let’s not forget that he gave Antonio Nogueira a run for his money, pile driving on his head. But then when they started pulling away because he was so big – I had dinner with Bob Sapp one time and they had to close the restaurant because people were gathering in the front of it. We had to escape from the back.
With Kimbo, it’s the same. Wherever you go, people recognize him. Kids recognize him, all those people. He rams his car into another car you know in front of a church very close to my gym. And the people from the church, they ran out and they go, ‘Oh my God, Kimbo Slice. We were watching you before we went to church on YouTube.’ I will say also that Kimbo is really focused on the training and we have tried to keep him away from the movies for now.
Jack Encarnacao: Kimbo, do you follow all the press about you? Do you ever look at it or do you completely shut it out?
Kimbo Slice: I completely shut it out.
Jack Encarnacao: Except ESPN The Magazine, right?
Kimbo Slice: Yes.
Jack Encarnacao: All right. It’s all good. Thank you, guys.
Operator: Thank you. We’ll now move on to Kevin Garvey from TheGARV.com. Go ahead please.
Kevin Garvey: Hey, guys. Thanks for taking the call. Kimbo, you did a lot of bare knuckle boxing in your day. How are your knuckles, your hands now? Are they in good shape?
Kimbo Slice: My hands are great.
Kevin Garvey: Kimbo, you mentioned that you’d like to possibly be the heavyweight champion in boxing. Do you see a pro boxing match in your future?
Kimbo Slice: It’s going to be up to my promoter and my manager. They’ll work together and decide what is best for the future and my career.
Kevin Garvey: Kimbo, you have a lot of fans but there are some people who feel that you should not be headlining this because of your lack of experience. How would you address that?
Kimbo Slice: They’re right.
Kevin Garvey: They’re right, huh?
Kimbo Slice: Yes.
Kevin Garvey: That’s interesting. Bas, I know that you’re working on the ground game with Kimbo. How would you rate his ground game?
Bas Rutten: Kimbo’s take-down defense is really good actually. There are certain ways to take people down. And we’ve got great (fighters) for takedowns, so you know whatever comes, he’s going to counter with something. And if they go for a takedown, he’s going to reverse them and end up on top. (That’s because) of his size and his power. That’s going to be a great position to be in.
Kevin Garvey: All right, it sounds great, guys. Thanks very much.
Mitch Graham: Guys, we have time for two more questions.
Operator: We’ll go next to Stephen Marrocco from Full Contact Fighter. Go ahead please.
Stephen Marrocco: Kimbo, you seem to be a lot more talkative today (then you were) at the press conference in Los Angeles on CBS Media Day. Were you shy in front of so many cameras?
Kimbo Slice: No.
Stephen Marrocco: Gary, you mentioned that you had to be prepared for whoever won the main event, Kimbo or James Thompson. What is the plan if Kimbo loses?
Gary Shaw: For me to hang myself on TV. (Seriously) I never think of any of my athletes losing on either side. I’m at it promoting an event, so put on a great and a winning experience and the millions of viewers that are going to watch on Saturday, May 31st, (will get) a great show. So I don’t really look forward – well if he loses, what do we do? I don’t even look forward if they win when they do. I take one of them at a time and one side at a time. And that is the truth.
As far as the question about Kimbo headlining a show – headlining a show has nothing to do with experience. It has to do with fighting ability and entertainment value. And Kimbo Slice brings to the arena and to television great fighting ability and great entertainment skills.
And Bas – and I don’t know Bas that well, but I could tell you that many, many people have told me the same thing: If Bas didn‘t believe Kimbo was real and Kimbo couldn’t fight, Bas would not put his name attached to Kimbo and walk down that cage war with Kimbo. And he could – Bas could speak for himself, but I can guarantee you that he’ll back up what I’m saying right now.
Bas Rutten: Yes, I would.
Stephen Marrocco: Gary, if you matched the ratings expectations on Saturday, what do you expect from the other networks in the future?
Gary Shaw: That’s a great question. I believe if we do the ratings that I personally am expecting then I think you’ll see other networks – NBC, Fox, probably go right into mixed martial arts because they’ll see the entertainment value, they’ll see the ratings value, they’ll see the sponsorship money come in. And it’s the new wave sport. It’s here. And I don’t believe anything’s going to stop it as long as we give competitive fights and great entertainment value.
And I think not because it’s a show that I’m promoting, but I believe in the product. And if it’s done right, I believe you’ll see others jump in immediately.
Stephen Marrocco: And if you miss the mark, what do you expect other than a trip to the gallows for yourself?
Gary Shaw: If I miss the mark, I’ll be very disappointed in myself and my leadership. I’ll forever question what went wrong and why it didn’t do the ratings. And the only thing that I could think of on this conference call is maybe we’re just a little ahead of the time. But I don’t expect that to happen. I don’t think CBS is expecting it to happen. And truthfully I’m not prepared for if it doesn’t happen. It’s a very good question. I gave you an answer with maybe not a lot of thought but from my heart.
Stephen Marrocco: Gary, do you have any comment about Carina Damm’s positive test for steroids and do you have a replacement for her on June 27th?
Gary Shaw: Well, she’s obviously suspended from fighting for us. I’m very disappointed in any athlete that takes steroids. That’s one thing that I won’t tolerate as a formal regulator and someone that really cares about the health, welfare and safety of every fighter. There’s just no reason for that, no reason to get an unfair edge. So, yes, we’ll have replacements, and she’ll be suspended maybe even longer than her athletic suspension.
Stephen Marrocco: OK, great. Thank you very much.
Gary Shaw: Thank you very much.
Operator: The last question will come from Alberto Martinez from URDirt.com.
Alberto Martinez: James, how do you feel fighting so close to New York City, which has historical value as far as big events go and do you see the future of New York chasing up for you guys?
James Thompson: Yes, although I am not really following it much where the fight’s taking place. Obviously it’s in America, it’s on CBS. It’s primetime, it’s a massive historical event and the fact it’s kind of near New York or in New York. I hope New York gets a license so they can have actual MMA fights. I’m not going to give it much thought, though.
Alberto Martinez: Kimbo, how close do you feel to being ready to fight Tim Sylvia or Fedor?
Kimbo Slice: I’m willing to fight anybody. I’m willing to take any challengers. I don’t turn anyone down.
Alberto Martinez: Kimbo, do you have a prediction?
Kimbo Slice: He’s going to throw punches. It’s going to go to the ground.
Alberto Martinez: Are you prepared for that, Kimbo, if it goes to the ground?
Kimbo Slice: Yes.
Alberto Martinez: James, how does it feel being a sacrificial lamb in the media actually feel?
James Thompson: The actual title of being a sacrificial lamb is unofficial. I’m not sure what – it doesn’t bother me. This is such a memorable event. I’m all good and I’m all ready to go.
Alberto Martinez: Thank you.
Mitch Graham: All right everyone. Thank you so much for calling in today. Thank you Kimbo, James, and Bas and Gary. MMA fighter Gina Carano performs an open workout at the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS media day held at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA on Monday, May 19, 2008
I think all of you have our information. And thank you again for calling in today and tune in on May 31 on CBS 9:00 to 11:00. Thanks, everyone.
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