Well, that didn’t take long did it? It hasn’t even been a week since I first reported that boxing promoter and notorious head honcho of the now-defunct Elite XC MMA promotion Gary Shaw was looking to scoop Kimbo Slice out of the unemployment line and put him in a boxing ring. Slice, whose real name is Kevin Ferguson, recently told ESPN New York that he is definitely making the transition from the land of cages and Octagons to the land of ten-ounce gloves and squared circles. The famous street brawling YouTube sensation hasn’t seen action of any kind since losing to Matt Mitrione at UFC 113 in May of this year. Despite going 1-1 in the UFC, and despite the fact that his surprise appearance on the tenth season of “The Ultimate Fighter” brought in some of the biggest ratings of any TUF season ever, Kimbo’s inclusion in the sport’s biggest and best MMA promotion was all too brief, and if I may be so bold, shockingly uneventful. And yet I’m actually looking forward to seeing him in a boxing ring. ...

Besides “Wildman” Thomas Denny (26-17) himself, it’s fair for Fighters.com to speculate that no one wanted Denny to kick Nick Diaz’s (18-7) ass last month in Stockton, east of San Francisco, more than EliteXC 160-Pound Champion “King Karl” Karl James Noons (7-2). Diaz won, setting up a probable title rematch versus Noons in October. Noons spoke exclusively to Fighters.com about being the first fighter in mixed martial arts who's been asked to avenge a win. Fighters.com: Do you know who made the decision at EliteXC to invite Nick Diaz into the cage after you knocked out Yves Edwards (34-14-1)? K.J. Noons: No.  Do you? Fighters.com: No.  I was wondering if you asked around, like, "Who's the asshole?" K.J. Noons: I...I don't know.  Probably someone from ProElite, er...EliteXC. Fighters.com: You told Inside MMA you weren’t happy about it.  Do you think that’s just what promoters do to hype fights; or, do you take it more personal? K.J. Noons: Um...you know, if they want to hype a fight, that's cool.  And...you know, whatever.  Hype me!  Shit!  Stop hypin' fuckin' Nick Diaz.  What the fuck!? ...

Thursday afternoon ProElite CEO Doug Deluca confirmed, "Gary [Shaw] is still very involved with ProElite." A rumor had spread over the Internet in recent weeks that Shaw was being pushed out of ProElite, parent company of EliteXC, by new investors CBS. However, once referred to as "Live Events President", Deluca described Shaw's current role as, "More or less consulting, behind the scenes shaping the direction of the company." Deluca added that Shaw was taking "a relaxed roll as far as being front and center...for his health, boxing business, and his family." ...

CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights was a success! According to Nielsen, ratings for Saturday's first nationally broadcast, prime time MMA event lead in all key demographics. Perhaps most importantly and telling, like the original The Ultimate Fighter finale that lit MMA dynamite in North America three years ago, viewers of CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights increased as the night went on. Mikey liked it! The face of EliteXC, heavyweight "Kimbo Slice" Kevin Ferguson (3-0) got a scare from as close to a mixed martial artist as he's been locked in a cage with, "Colossus" James Thompson (14-9). Thompson isn't a great martial artist, but the big lug has cage cred having stood across from Fighters.com's tenth-ranked heavyweight Aleksander Emelianenko (13-3) and "Ironhead" Kazuyuki Fujita (15-6) and even beating Hidehiko Yoshida (7-6-1) and "Predator" Don Frye (19-6-1) in the September of the former UFC champion's years. With what looked like about two weeks of jiu-jitsu and an intensive course in basic wrestling with the cauliflowered left ear to prove it, Thompson beat Slice for two rounds before Slice popped Thompson's ear with a right hook and the prime time neutered ref waved the fight over. In the post-fight press conference, the fighter who had kayoed Thompson in Thompson's previous fight, "The Grim" Brett Rogers (7-0) called slice "garbage". ...

"This is the kind of thing I've tried to stay away from," UFC President Dana White said Thursday when asked about "Kimbo Slice" Kevin Ferguson (2-0) becoming the mainstream face of MMA when he headlines 31 May's CBS-broadcast EliteXC card. CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights will be the North American broadcast television unveiling of our sport. "This is more than a spectacular opportunity for Kimbo to be in front of a potential audience of 100-million plus eyeballs," said EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw, also on Thursday. "I think it sucks," White concluded.  "Kimbo Slice isn't a mixed martial arists.  This is a guy who was fighting in your back yard three months ago.  Now he's headlining on CBS." For those behind White, the argument runs: MMA has gone from groin strikes to Unified Rules since UFC 1, from Kevin Rosier (2-6) to "Rush" Georges St. Pierre (16-2).  Kimbo Slice erases the last 15 years of the sport's evolution. How many years does Brock Lesnar (1-1) erase?  At least 12, back to the beginning of the powerful Hammer House era. Lesnar headlines the UFC's August card in Minneapolis versus Hammer House's original "Hammer" Mark Coleman (15-8). But, an argument that either Slice or Lesnar is going to convince the mainstream that MMA peaked in 1996 is misguided. That's what they already think. We're blinded inside the MMA bubble to the reality that Slice and Lesnar still represent what the mainstream thinks MMA is. A backyard brawler or former pro wrestler sell tickets and PPV buys because that's still the mainstream expectation of MMA. Despite the last three years of North America  MMA eruption, the mainstream still considers MMA a blood-thirsty, no-holds-barred duel of brutes. Few minds will be changed, but continued mainstream ignorance may be encouraged.  There's still so many to educate about the sport. Notes From Around MMA * Last Wednesday on TAGG radio, “El Matador” Roger Huerta (20-1-1) became the latest UFC fighter to complain about his compensation, saying, “It's kind of sad, you know, when the company comes out on the cover of Forbes, and then you definitely just know where all the money is going to. It's kind of like, 'What the hell?'" * TUF 7 cast member Jesse Taylor (6-2) told the North County Times, “"Let's just say I'm undefeated so far,” about his record on the SpikeTV reality competition show. * When asked by Eastside Boxing what his most satisfying moment was, “Stitch” Jacob Duran said, “For MMA the most satisfying moment came during the Forrest Griffin/Mauricio Rua fight.  I was working Forrest's corner during this fight when he received a lightning bolt gash on the center of his forehead.  It was a really bad cut and the fight was close to being stopped.  I managed to get it under control for about four minutes, and Forrest went out and submitted Rua.”  Fifth-ranked light heavyweight Forrest Griffin (15-4) thanked Duran with a card and gift certificate to an upscale restaurant. * “The Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva (31-8-1) is urging UFC President Dana White to make a fight between UFC Welterweight Champion St. Pierre and UFC Middleweight Champion “Spider” Anderson Silva (21-4), the top-ranked welterweight and middleweight respectively.  "If Dana can make that fight, I'll be in the line to buy a ticket," Silva told Yahoo!Sports. * “Techno Goliath” Hong Man Choi (1-1) was discharged from the South Korean military two days after reporting for mandatory service.  Officials cited Choi’s brain tumor pressing against his optic nerve as the reason for his dismissal. ...

He who wishes to fight must first count the cost.  The general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. - Sun Tzu, The Art of War Remember the World Fighting Alliance?  Perhaps not since only a generously estimated 300,000 watched their last event, King of the Streets, on 22 July, 2006. After an aggressive free agent signing campaign that netted the WFA Fighters.com's first-ranked light heavyweight "Rampage" Quinton Jackson (28-6), third-ranked light heavyweight "The Dragon" Lyoto Machida (12-0), eighth-ranked heavyweight "Texas Crazy Horse" Heath Herring (28-13), tenth-ranked welterweight "Mayhem" Jason Miller (20-5), former WEC Lightweight Champion "Razor" Rob McCullough (15-4), WEC Featherweight Champion "California Kid" Urijah Faber (20-1), and veterans "The Law" Matt Lindland (20-5), "El Guapo" Bas Rutten (28-4-1), and "The Beastman" Marvin Eastman (15-7-1), the Las Vegas-based promotion folded and eventually sold-out to cross town competitor the UFC. Marquee names and great fighters don't equal guaranteed market share.  The 2006 WFA final hurrah sold just 2,300 tickets and an estimated 50,000 PPV buys. Marquee names and great fighters do cost a lot of green. You don't have to be an MBA to realize high costs and low sales don't add up. Hold that thought for a moment.  Switch gears. A lot of MMA fans are confused since the UFC started cutting weight from their fighter roster. Perhaps it started when heavyweight "Cro Cop" Mirko Filipovic (23-6-2) was granted release from his contract in February.  In March, third-ranked heavyweight "Maine-iac" Tim Sylvia was also granted release. Many of the UFC's unranked, but popular fighters have been released in the last month, perhaps perfectly symbolized by the widely reported release of heavyweight prospect "Irish" Jake O'Brien (10-1).  Yesterday, "The Serial Killer" Travis Lutter (9-5) announced he had been released too, to the dismay of many fans. OK, now hold both thoughts.  Let's review a few facts. Fact: Second-ranked heavyweight "The Natural" Randy Couture (16-8) is paid $250,000 per win in base salary by the UFC.  Couture thinks he's so underpaid that he's refused to continue fighting for that salary. Fact: M-1 Global formed to promote fights for fifth-ranked heavyweight "The Last Emperor" Fedor Emelianenko (27-1), but never produced an event due to Emelianenko's prohibitive purse rendering any event immediately in the red, according to Adrenaline MMA CEO Monte Cox. Fact: EliteXC offered Emelianenko $400,000 per win, which he turned down in favor of an undisclosed deal with Affliction.  (Emelianenko requested $2 million per fight according to ProElite Live Events President Gary Shaw.) According to two of the most popular MMA promotions, somewhere between $250,000 and $400,000 is the market price for a top heavyweight. But, the MMA market is more competitive than it ever has been and promotions are bidding up fighter purses. Emelianenko eventually signed with Affliction for an undisclosed amount before Affliction has staged a single event.  Assume Emelianenko was offered more than $400,000 per win, beating EliteXC's offer. That doesn't necessarily mean Emelianenko's presence on a fight card guarantees he'll make back the purse he'll be paid.  Remember the WFA? Promotions are in a rush to buy market share.  They have deep pockets and see MMA as a good investment. Companies can buy market share, but they'll pay a premium.  They'll overpay for fighters who can't deliver their salary in PPV buys. UFC President Dana White knows the market is more competitive and saturated than ever before and competing promotions are willing to overpay for any fighter they can slap on a poster labeled "former UFC". The UFC can either try to outspend the competition buying-up and holding on to fighters; or, flood the market with fighters and let the competing promotions outbid each other into bankruptcy to feature "former UFC title contender Travis Lutter" at their next event. The forum freaks who're appalled White would release Lutter after two losses know they're not going to shell out $44.95 to watch him gas after one round again. But, Lutter isn't going to bankrupt anyone.  It's the big guys who're the key to White's strategy. It's the thinning UFC heavyweight class that's confusing many fans. White paid "Cro Cop" $1,050,000 to beat Eddie Sanchez (8-1), get mauled by "Napao" Gabriel Gonzaga (8-3), and nearly retire in the cage versus Cheick Kongo (11-4-1).  Can even the most loyal Filipovic fan contend White got his money's worth? White had to drop $200,000 every time tough Sylvia won, but Sylvia is one of the most disliked fighters in MMA.  The UFC couldn't even headline the two-time champion's third title challenge versus "Minotauro" Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-4-1) at UFC 81.  MMA rookie Brock Lesnar (1-1) was the main event. Remember too, Emelianenko's North American debut at PRIDE 32 broke no PPV or attendance records. The heavyweight class salaries are irrational based on the revenues heavyweights generate. White is chumming the MMA waters with fighters hoping sharks like Affliction, HDNet Fights, and EliteXC go on a feeding frenzy into bankruptcy like the WFA and BodogFight before them. ...

"I am delighted to make it official that Hector [Lombard] has signed with us," ProElite Live Events President Gary Shaw announced Friday. Lombard (15-2-1) is a 185-pound Cuban Olympic judoka who now fights out of Australia. "He is an elite athlete, no doubt about that, and he was very sought-after, so for us, this is a very strong acquisition," Shaw added. Lombard fought twice in PRIDE in 2006, losing by unanimous decision to Gegard Mousasi (20-2-1) and Akihiro Gono (28-12-7).  He hasn't lost since the "L" to Mousasi and is the reigning Cage Fighting Championships middleweight titlist in Australia. Shaw said, "Fans are in for a real treat.  Hector is one of the most talented and explosive fighters I've ever seen.  There may not be any other fighter in his divisions with more explosive strength and athleticism.  He is a real crowd-pleasing fighter.  It is unreal how he delivers those judo throws and power slams." Lombard said, "Signing with EliteXC should provide my career with a massive boost and is a great opportunity.  I feel I am ready to fight the best they have to offer.  The fact I have the freedom to fight outside EliteXC is huge for me, too." Lombard could quickly ascend to challenge for one of the 185-pound titles under the ProElite banner currently held by Fighters.com's sixth-ranked middleweight "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler (15-4) in EliteXC, Cung Le (6-0) in Strikeforce, and Kala Kolohe Hose (6-1) in Icon.  He has also expressed an ability to fight at 170-pounds. ...

EliteXC has announced the official fight card of its 31 May CBS debut called CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights. The main event, reported last week by Fighters.com, will match "Kimbo Slice" Kevin Ferguson (2-0) versus "The Colossus" James Thompson (14-8) in a heavyweight scrap sure to end before the final bell. "The Grim" Brett Rogers (6-0) earned a spot on the broadcast card when he knocked out "The Colossus" in February, though it evidently wasn't enough to challenge "Slice" in the main event.  He'll fight Jon Murphy (4-2), who comes off of a KO over Dave Huckaba (4-2) last August. Also previously reported, Fighters.com's number six middleweight "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler (15-4) will defend his EliteXC championship versus "Hands of Stone" Scott Smith (13-4). Finally, "New York Bad Ass" Phil Baroni (10-9) will try to bounce back from his recent TKO loss to Icon Middleweight Champion Kala Kolohe Hose (6-1) versus "Ninja" Murilo Rua (15-8-1), who last crossed the Atlantic to pickup a stoppage in CageRage after Lawler knocked him out in his EliteXC debut. "In terms of recognition and perception, I believe May 31 is the biggest and single most important MMA fight card ever," said Gary Shaw, EliteXC Live Events President.  "It will forever change the landscape of the sport and how it is perceived." Given the pedestrian fight card and spectacle of a main event, let's all hope not. The card will air live in America at 9:00 PM EST/PT. ...

California State Athletic Commission Executive Director Armando Garcia has fired back at my "Let Nick test!" email campaign and ProElite President Gary Shaw and Nick Diaz's (15-7) accusations of unfairness. "Respectfully, here are some facts," Garcia began an email describing a catch-22 in which Diaz was required to divulge his use of medical marijuana during a licensing medical exam, rendering him ineligible for a license; and, without a license, the CSAC could not legally test Diaz for marijuana. "The promoter asked me to ‘test’ the fighter.  I advised him that I could not test someone who wasn’t licensed," Garcia explained. On 27 March, Shaw announced Diaz was denied a license to fight on last weekend's Strikeforce card in San Jose, in his estimation, due to Diaz's use of medical marijuana under California's Compassionate Use Act of 1996. Garcia confirmed, "[Diaz] disclosed that he was using marijuana for medicinal purposes and had been using it that same week." Diaz claimed he has a card issued by the State; but, Garcia countered, "He did not have the card with him [during the medical exam] and it was noted that it would be provided."  Garcia claimed the card was never provided. However, the entire incident is moot as Garcia also stated, "Both the fighter and the promoter’s plea to allow or legalize marijuana, etc. in combative sports will not happen in California until the laws and rules are changed." Garcia's account of the situation verbatim is below: The licensee was apparently notified by the promotional company that he would be fighting on Saturday March 29 over one month prior. On Thursday March 13, 2008 he went to a well known Doctor who has the ability to oversee all licensing medicals to begin his examinations. He completed all of the examinations on that same date. On that same date the fighter disclosed that he was using marijuana for medicinal purposes and had been using it that same week. He also stated that he had a ‘card’ to prove it. He did not have the card with him on that date and it was noted that it would be provided. He was specifically and clearly instructed to contact the Commission, specifically, me. Along with the fighter during this process was an employee of the promoter whose sole duty with the fighters was licensing. The employee was told by the Doctor’s office that the actual medical examination reports would be ready on Monday March 17, 2008. He advised the Doctor’s office that he would return with another fighter on that date and would pick them up then. There is absolutely no doubt that both the employee and the fighter were given the necessary instructions. On March 17 the promoter’s employee went back to the Doctor’s office with another fighter and was given the medical examinations for the previous fighter. Early in the business day on Tuesday March 25, 2008 (eight days later and three days from the fight) the promoter’s employee called our office and asked a series of ‘hypothetical’ questions regarding the use of marijuana by a fighter, medicinal marijuana, having or not having a marijuana card, etc. Later we identified the fighter and the exact information and discussed the actual fighter’s situation. At that point, based on the exact situation, and new information that the fighter and the promoter were disclosing, which was not disclosed to the Doctor, I felt that it was highly unlikely that the matter could be resolved by the fight date on Saturday March 29, 2008. Early on Wednesday March 26 I asked the Legal team for an opinion on the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 as it relates to licenses/contestants. On the same day I spoke with both the fighter and the promoter. The promoter asked me to ‘test’ the fighter. I advised him that I could not test someone who wasn’t licensed. In this case not only did I need additional medical information for licensing, but I had no ‘card’ and no application. Please note that even if I did, and could legally test him, the test results would not be back in time for the fight. Please also note that the fighter previously tested positive in another state in a high profile case. In that case he tested positive for marijuana and the nanogram level was the highest known in combative sports history. I have the minutes of his hearing and he stated that he used marijuana ‘recreationally’ and he promised never to do it again. He never disclosed any medical condition that would require the use of marijuana and he never contended that he had a ‘card’. He has never fought in that state again. Now, he states that he has a condition which is helped by smoking marijuana yet he provides no evidence, or no evidence has been provided. On Thursday March 27, 2008 I received the legal opinion. Please note that it essentially states that even though one may legally have a marijuana recommendation (it is not a prescription) the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 does not shield a licensee/contestant from our rules. The applicable rule, California Code of Regulations section 303, states: The administration or use of any drugs, alcohol or stimulants, or injections in any part of the body, either before or during a match, to or by any boxer is prohibited. Moreover, even though the Act decriminalizes behaviors associated with the use of marijuana, actions taken against a licensee by the Commission are not a criminal prosecution according to State law. Thus, the Commission must enforce the prohibition against the administration or use of drugs by a licensee and must have policies in place to assure that the playing field is as drug free as possible. Additionally, as a side story, a recent California Supreme Court ruling has stated that employers can fire employees who test positive for drugs even if they have a marijuana ‘card’. There’s also the fact that it is against the federal law. Therefore, both the fighter and the promoter’s plea to allow or legalize marijuana, etc. in combative sports will not happen in California until the laws and rules are changed. Both the fighter and the promoter have contended that a Doctor’s office employee ‘coerced’ the fighter into admitting the marijuana use, card, etc. The promoter if not the fighter is experienced. He knows that this is preposterous because it is mandatory that all questions on a physical examination be answered and one of them is: When was the last time you took any type of medication or drug? (State what type and when and be specific): If we receive this question or any other question or section blank on a form, we consider that the examination is incomplete. The last bit of information is that of the profanity laced radio interview by the fighter on a popular internet site. In it he stated when asked …’what is your need for medicinal marijuana’? He responded he had none. He was also asked …’what is more important to you, your MMA career or marijuana’? He responded that he didn’t know. He also stated …’other athletes in the event had a card… everyone has one…, etc. Perhaps one, some, or maybe even all fighters in the event do have a card and use marijuana. I don’t know, but please note that every fighter was tested for drugs of abuse and all fighters were negative. I hope that at some point the fighter continues with the licensing process in our state as I am concerned that with the medical information that was disclosed by the fighter and his promoter and his known drug use he will have a difficult time getting licensed anywhere in the country if he does not clear this matter up. I personally called the fighter and set up a meeting with him and his trainer on March 29. I then asked each of the promoters for the event to meet with all of us. It never happened. Frankly, the fighter and his trainer avoided me. Perhaps we can move forward in the future. ...

We've created a monster! Today, ProElite Live Events President Gary Shaw confirmed, "[Two-million dollars per fight] is what [Fedor Emelianenko (27-1)] asked for on several meetings." The news comes on the heels of M-1 Global's release of Emelianenko, after which former M-1 Global CEO Monte Cox told MMA Weekly, "It would not have been profitable to move forward with Emelianenko under the current situation." April begins the thirty-second month since Emelianenko has risked his chops versus a top ten ranked heavyweight mixed martial artist. The Russian has fought just once in the Red, White, and Blue, and broke no PPV records for PRIDE 32. Yet, Emelianenko and his management have determined he's worth four times more than the next most lucrative MMA contract known.  ("Iceman" Chuck Liddell (21-5) reportedly makes $500,000 per scrap, win, lose, or draw.) I've confirmed with a reliable source that ProElite is offering Emelianenko $300,000 for his first fight and $400,000 for each fight thereafter if Emelianenko wins the fight before, in addition to a PPV bonus for the final two fights of a proposed four-fight deal. How can Emelianenko's request be so far from ProElite's offer, assuming ProElite is serious about signing Emelianenko? It's our fault.  If Emelianenko never fights another legitimate contender, it's the fault of blind allegiance and nostalgia among long-time MMA fans. Despite his lack of competition in two-and-a-half years, two popular MMA websites, Sherdog and MMA Weekly, continue to rank Emelianenko atop the field. Even the World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts, the self-appointed objective mediator of MMA, ranks Emelianenko first among heavies. I used to contribute to the rankings of a popular mixed martial arts website that continued to rank Emelianenko first in his division as the fighter fell lower on the rankings I submitted. After "Cro Cop" Mirko Filipovic (23-6-2), Emelianenko's last ranked "W", got mauled in Manchester by then-unranked "Napao" Gabriel Gonzaga (8-3), I dropped Emelianenko as low as seventh. When that website's rankings were revealed that month, Emelianenko still topped the mountain of heavyweights. I pointed out to the editor, "I know how many people are ranking besides me.  I ranked Emelianenko seventh.  Even if everyone else ranked him first, my seventh place ranking would've dropped him from the cumulative rankings' top spot." I wasn't asked to contribute to the next month's rankings... UFC President Dan White has claimed, "[Emelianenko] is not even top five." He's almost right!  I rank him fifth.  Anything higher is unfair to the top heavyweights regularly testing their medal against other top heavyweights. If rankings were a prediction of what might happen in match-ups, Emelianenko would rank first because I think he's that talented.  Rankings, however, reflect what has happened with a predilection towards the most recent. His last outing versus "Techno Goliath" Hong Man Choi (1-1) proved that no matter how freakishly large a kickboxer stands, he's outmatched on the ground versus a sambo champion.  Fine, and Emelianenko has no obligation to cater to objective MMA enthusiasts; but, neither do we have to continue ranking him atop the division with no empirical evidence. However, the world of dollars is much more objective than that of MMA rankings. Emelianenko's management has an obligation to drain every dollar out of a potential deal for Emelianenko; but, they also have the obligation of protecting their fighter's legacy. No one will pay $2 million per fight for Emelianenko because, as Cox explained, the money isn't there. The hype is!  But, even among Emelianenko stalwarts, the innate desire to see Emelianenko fight a serious fight is beginning to bleed a bit of objectivity onto their brains. The time has come to kill the monster we've created and encourage Emelianenko to sign a reasonable contract to fight top competition. If Emelianenko chooses to spend his remaining years wrestling circus freaks, that's his decision; but, that's not quality MMA and not worthy of our attention as writers, fighters, and fans. ...

"Let Nick test!" It's a chant heard across the mixed martial arts community tonight after ProElite President Gary Shaw described the injustice the California State Athletic Commission has perpetrated on Nick Diaz (15-7). The CSAC has denied Diaz a license to fight on Saturday's Strikeforce card in San Jose. Shaw claims it's because Diaz admitted to using doctor-prescribed medical marijuana to treat his Attention Deficit Disorder in a mandatory medical exam two weeks ago. Diaz is a resident of California where citizens voted to legalize medical marijuana in 1996. "Let Nick test!" It's a chant echoed tonight by Diaz's friend and training partner, Jake Shields (20-4-1). "It's fucking stupid," Shields texted to me tonight.  "It's not like he tested positive. "Fine, if you want to say someone can't fight on doctor prescribed steroids," Shields added the analogy on the phone, "but, you still have to test him." "Let Nick test!" CSAC Executive Officer Armando Garcia claimed to MMA Weekly Thursday that Diaz turned-in his medical information late. Shaw described the impossibility of that scenario.  Thursday, he told Sherdog.com, "We have guys getting licensed today, so you know it's an outright lie." Diaz, who hasn't fought since last November, loses a $50,000 purse.  He told a press conference in San Jose today, "I trained to fight, but unfortunately it's not going down." Sherdog.com reports Garcia declined to comment on Shaw's claims. That's unacceptable to fighters and fans. As Shaw explained at Thursday's press conference, "It's wrong what [Garcia] did to Nick.  It's wrong what he did to mixed martial arts.  It's wrong what he did to Scott Coker and myself.  It's wrong what he did to the opponent of Nick's, who trained to fight Nick.  It's wrong for everybody they advertised that Nick would fight on this card." Fighters and fans can e-mail Garcia at: armando-garcia@dca.ca.gov with the subject line: "Let Nick test!" and let him know his actions against Nick Diaz are wrong. ...

CBS and ProElite, Inc. have announced that the first live primetime mixed martial arts event will be broadcast Saturday, 31 May (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.  CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights will be broadcast live from the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. "We're excited to introduce broadcast television viewers to America's fastest growing sport with this prime time event," said Kelly Kahl, Senior Executive Vice President, CBS Primetime.  "EliteXC is putting together a lineup card that showcases the unique personalities, world-class athleticism, and raw power and emotion that characterizes mixed martial arts."    Champion "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler (15-4) will put his title on the line against "Hands of Steel" Scott Smith (13-4) in a middleweight championship bout.  EliteXC heavyweight phenom, "Kimbo Slice" Kevin Ferguson (3-0), will also participate in the May 31 event along with other stars from mixed martial arts.  Additional matchups will be announced at a later date. "I am very happy for the highly trained fighters, who will finally get the kind of exposure they deserve, and, of course, the viewers, who will get the opportunity to learn that MMA is truly a sport that requires an abundance of skills, both mentally and physically," said Gary Shaw, EliteXC Live Events President. ...

The CBS Television Network and ProElite, Inc., a Los Angeles-based leading entertainment and media company that produces world class mixed martial arts (MMA) events, today jointly announced a multi-year agreement that will bring one of the fastest growing spectator sports to a major broadcast television network for the first time. CBS will broadcast four MMA events per year, produced by ProElite's EliteXC fight division, as two-hour live primetime specials targeted for Saturday nights.  The agreement augments an existing relationship between CBS Corporation and ProElite, which began broadcasting its EliteXC live MMA events on CBS's Showtime premium cable network in 2007.  EliteXC events will continue to air on Showtime. Additionally, CBS Interactive and ProElite's new media division, ProElite.com, will collaborate on generating interactive content for both companies' platforms, including CBSSports.com.  The online offerings could include streaming of events, clips syndicated across the CBS Audience Network, and other enhanced content to build an online community around each CBS broadcast and ProElite event. "Mixed martial arts is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and a wildly popular entertainment vehicle for upscale, young adult audiences," said Kelly Kahl, Senior Executive Vice President, CBS Primetime.  "It's original programming for Saturday night; it's live, creating an event-atmosphere; and it’s something that hasn't been seen on network television, until now." "This is a pivotal moment for the sport of mixed martial arts now that a major television network plans to broadcast live MMA events during primetime hours," said Douglas DeLuca, Chief Executive Officer of ProElite.  "We are delighted to enhance our partnership with CBS to bring American audiences the very best in MMA competition through our EliteXC brand.   "The network television agreement with CBS is an important milestone for ProElite as we continue to implement our growth strategy and develop existing relationships with our international partners." "Our world-class fighters and the high production value of our events continue to drive ProElite as a global MMA organization that is fortified by the bedrock foundation of a partnership with CBS," said Gary Shaw, President of EliteXC.  "Broadcasting our events on CBS will instantly engage a new fan base, as well as provide an opportunity for EliteXC to further establish itself as the world's premier MMA organization."   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 United States.  Over the last several years, the genre has seen tremendous growth in popularity, especially among the coveted 18-34 demographic. ...

Before a sellout crowd of 6,187 that produced the single largest gate in the history of the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami, Kimbo Slice registered a spectacular 43-second, first-round knockout over David Abbott Saturday on Showtime. The exciting event, which was presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s EliteXC, aired on Showtime at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).  It will be replayed a few times in the next several days, including Wednesday on Showtime at 11 p.m. ET/PT. As far as homecomings go, it doesn’t get better than this, as the incredibly popular Pride of Perrine, Fla, gave the raucous but well-behaved fans what they came to see: a devastating knockout win. A YouTube legend and legitimate mixed martial arts superstar, Kimbo’s performance put an exclamation point on what was an excellent night of MMA action. “We promised the fans a good, classy show and we delivered a great one,’’ said “EliteXC Live Events President and University of Miami alum, Gary Shaw.  “EliteXC showed tonight, once again, what MMA is all about.  There were great fights with dramatic finishes, a little bit of everything for everybody. “As a promoter, you want the fans to leave with a good taste, and I truly believe that each and every person in attendance here tonight left the venue happy and completely satisfied. “I couldn’t be prouder of the athletes, who acted like world champions before, during and afterward, or the fans, who turned out in record numbers.  We look forward to returning to Miami again. “This was just a tremendously exciting night from start to finish.  Honestly, I don’t think any organization puts on better, more competitive fights that we do.’’ Kimbo (2-0), who may indeed be more popular than sliced bread, wowed the crowd en route to demolishing Abbott, an MMA icon who entered the cage to win.  But Tank spent more time on the ground than on his feet, going down three times from legitimate punches and a couple other times from slips. “I wanted him to get up, I wanted to bang,’’ Kimbo said.  “I had to push him off because we were too close.   Then I just knocked him down.  It was great fighting in front of the hometown fans.  I’d be lying if I told you they didn’t jack me up. Miami, you are my home.  “I have a lot of respect for Tank.  This was one of my dream fights, along with Mike Tyson.  But I am ready to fight anybody and ready to fight again really soon. “I want to thank Showtime and EliteXC for making this night possible for me and my family.”  Abbott (9-14), of Huntington Beach, Calif., gave it his all, as expected.  “I tried to take it to him at the start and take him to the ground, but then I just said, the heck with that and started to fight,’’ Tank said.  “But I ran into one and that was it. I was just getting started. “It is still too early to know how good or great Kimbo will be.  But what I do know is that I absolutely want to keep fighting. Maybe I will go after Ken Shamrock.’’ In other Showtime fights Saturday, “Big Foot” Antonio Silva (10-1), a highly touted Brazilian who lives in Coconut Creek, Fla., recorded a hard-fought three-round split decision over former champion Ricco Rodriguez (27-8), of Staten Island, N.Y., unbeaten Brett Rogers (8-0), of  St. Paul, Minn., blasted out England's "The Colossus" James Thompson (16-8) in the first round, “Hands Of Steel’’ Scott Smith (15-4), of Sacramento, Calif., knocked out Australian "The Ozzie" Kyle Noke (14-4-1), the bodyguard of the late Steve “Crocodile Hunter’’ Irwin, in the second round and Yves Edwards (33-13-1), of Conroe, Tex., stopped  "Little Tiger" James Edson Berto (14-5-1), of Tampa, Fla., in the opening session. In non-televised undercard fights that aired for free on MMA Internet site,  ProElite.com: Moyses Gabin (2-0), of Miami, registered a 2:32, first-round knockout over Jirka Hlavaty (1-2), of Miami, Lorenzo Borgameo (3-0), of Miami, won by submission (triangle) at 4:11 of the second round over Mike Bernhard (3-1), of Miami; Eric Bradley (3-1), of Las Vegas, Nev., took a unanimous  decision over Mikey Gomez (6-4), of Orlando, Fla.; Dave Herman (10-0), of Indiana, scored a third-round TKO over Mario Rinaldi (6-3), of Miami, Yosmany Cabezas (5-0), of Tampa, Fla., won by second-round submission (rear naked choke) over Jon Kirk (10-3), of Houston, and Rafael Feijao (4-1), of Brazil, knocked out John Doyle (6-2), of Allentown, Pa., at 2:17 of the first round. All the fights were scheduled for three, 5-minute rounds.  Silva, whose initial nine victories had come in the first round, got the nod on two of the judges’ cards by the scores of 30-27 and 29-28. The third judge had it for Rodriguez, 29-28. “Ricco is a dangerous fighter,’’ said Silva, who was making his second start since dropping down after competing as a 300-pound super heavyweight.  “I knew it was going to be a tough fight.  I fought hard and came out with a victory, but it was a difficult fight for me.   “I want that belt.  I am sorry that this was not the best night of fighting for me, but I promise I will deliver in my next bout.  I want that heavyweight title.” Rodriguez entered the cage with a vast advantage in experience, having fought and defeated some of the biggest names in MMA, including Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Tim Sylvia, Jeff Monson, Andrei Arlovski, Pete Wilson, and Randy Couture.  “The reality is, I didn’t train as long for this fight as I needed to, but I think I showed that I am still dedicated and can fight,’’ Rodriguez said.  “I am in this for the long haul and appreciate the opportunity EliteXC is giving me.  I wouldn’t be surprised if we fought a rematch.  I would love to fight Silva again.’’ Smith, who has won all 16 of his fights inside the distance, knocked out Noke in devastating fashion.  After losing the first round, he came out blazing in the second.  Two brutal right hands did all the damage.  The referee halted matters at 0:07 of the round.  “I’m sorry for that first round, that’s not the way I fight,” Smith said.  “I didn’t start to get comfortable until toward the end of the round. “When I got to my corner between rounds, I told my trainer that I had found my range.  I came out pumped and made up for it.  I was fighting way too much on the outside, but once I got inside -- bam, I knocked him down.” Noke had a four-fight unbeaten streak (3-0-1) end.  “This is a different feeling for me,’’ he said.  “I’ve never been knocked out by a punch before.  I felt good after the first round, but I got caught in the second. Scott is a good, strong fighter.” Edwards earned his fourth consecutive victory by knocking out Berto with a knee and punch combination at 4:56 of the first round. Berto had a three-fight winning streak snapped. “I am back and ready to fight anybody,’’ Edwards said.  “I’d love to fight [EliteXC lightweight champion KJ] Noons.  He’s the guy with the gold.  If you’re not doing this to be a world champion, you better do something else.’’  In an upset in the first Showtime fight, the hard-hitting Rogers spoiled the United States debut of Thompson, bringing “Colossus” down to size with a flurry of powerful combinations at 2:24 of the first round. “I don’t think I have to say anything; it showed for itself,” Rogers said.  “He’s got a weak chin and I knew it was going to happen. “All he kept trying to do was wrestle me to the ground.  I got back up and I knocked him out.  When I touch him, he’s going down.  There’s going to be more of Brett Rogers on EliteXC.” Thompson offered no excuses.  “He caught me with good punches,” he said.  “He hits a lot harder than I thought.  I’m very disappointed.  My confidence isn’t where it should be or where I would like it to be since after my last fight.  I would fight him again in a rematch.’’ ...

One of the  toughest-talking, hardest-fighting, most colorful competitors in mixed martial arts, “The New York Bad Ass" Phil Baroni, has signed a  multi-year contract with Los  Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s Live Fight Division, EliteXC.  “You know any Jersey boy like me likes a ‘New  York Bad Ass’ and Phil’s definitely as bad as they come,’’ said EliteXC Live Events President, Gary Shaw, who made the announcement Saturday.  “Phil is a  promoter’s dream.  He’s a character but also as courageous a fighter as I’ve been  around. “But what I truly  love about him is he always comes not only to fight but to win and put on a  show.  He’s a crowd-pleaser extraordinaire.   This is a great addition to the EliteXC family and we are thrilled to sign him.  Fans can expect to see Phil back in the cage and fighting his heart out very  soon." Baroni’s next fight is March 15 on the EliteXC Hawaii-based Icon Sport promotion.  Terms of the agreement were not  disclosed. “This is a great deal and opportunity.  I appreciate EliteXC sticking with me and believing in me enough to sign me,’’ said Baroni, whose last fight came against Frank Shamrock on June 22, 2007. A native of Long Island, N.Y., Baroni  didn’t win an incredibly exciting slugfest that lived  up to its hype and anticipation, but he showed as much grit and determination as anyone could expect. “I’m looking  forward to returning to the cage and kicking (butt),’’ said Baroni, whose  EliteXC contract will allow him to continue to perform for Strikeforce.  “Everybody knows I got hurt early and couldn’t do everything I wanted to do against Shamrock.  But I’m 100 percent now, ready for anybody.  I pity the guy I  fight next, or the one after that.  Trust me, everybody is going to pay from here on out." ...