Once seen as serious competition for the UFC, EliteXC had a broadcast deal with Showtime and CBS. It had marquee fighters like Frank Shamrock, Renzo Gracie, Bigfoot Silva, Andrei Arlovski, Ninja Rua, Robbie Lawler, Jake Shields, Nick Diaz, Cyborg Santos and Gina Carano. But on October 4, 2008 a headline event scheduled between rising sensation Kimbo Slice and mma legend Ken Shamrock feel apart. Shamrock was cut in training the day of the event and could not compete. Late-replacement Seth Petruzelli, a light-heavyweight, was placed in place of Shamrock. And 14 seconds into the bout, a jab knocked out Kimbo Slice and symbolized the end of EliteXC.ProElite, Inc. was part-owner of EliteXC, which had put much of its promotional money and efforts on Kimbo. Slice earned a reported $500,000 for his 14-second demise. One more smaller event was promoted the following week before EliteXC would officially cease operations on October 20, 2008.
Now ProElite, Inc. has been purchased by Stratus Media Group, who have brought on long-time ICON Sport promoter T. Jay Thompson and the "new" ProElite MMA is born. Their first event will be on August 27, 2011 in Hawaii, a familiar place for Thompson. Thompson promoted over 50 events in Hawaii as Super Brawl and then ICON Sport.
An official press conference has been schedule for Friday, July 29 when ProElite MMA are expected to announce the fightcard for the event. Fans can watch the live stream at www.mmahawaii.com.
Tentative Fightcard:
- Andrei Arlovski (15-9) vs Ray Lopez (5-2)
- Kendall Grove (12-9) vs Joe Riggs (34-13)
- Drew McFedries (9-6) vs Kala "Kolohe" Hose (7-5)
- Jake Heun (1-0) vs Mark Ellis (debut) *2009 NCAA Wrestling Heavyweight champ
- Raquel Pa'aluhi (3-1) vs Sarah McMann (3-0) *2004 Olympic Wrestling Silver Medalist
- Reagan Penn (debut) vs TBA
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