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Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Strikeforce Deal with Showtime and CBS Worth Millions

Strikeforce is quickly putting the pieces together for its next year of MMA programming on Showtime and CBS. It's been a frantic month for CEO Scott Coker and his small staff as they zero in on dates, venues, and fighters for a possible 16 shows over the next 12 months.

So far, one show is nearly booked, "Shamrock vs. Diaz," which hits the promotion's home base at HP Pavilion on April 11. All but two of the event's main card bouts have been revealed, with a source indicating that former EliteXC middleweight champ Robbie Lawler will fight on the card against an unnamed opponent, and terror Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos, who also remains without an opponent.

With up to 48 shows to book, that's a lot of work. But according to another source with knowledge of the negotiations between Strikeforce, ProElite, Showtime, and CBS, the deal will prove very lucrative to the San Jose, Calif. promotion.

The source, who chose to remain anonymous, said Strikeforce stands to make $25 million dollars in license fees over the course of its three-year deal with the broadcast network and its premium channel sibling.

A portion of that revenue, first disclosed by an SEC filing by ProElite on Feb. 11 and, according to the source, put in the neighborhood of five percent, will be paid to ProElite Inc. as consideration for the sale of its assets to Strikeforce. The total revenue coming into ProElite coffers could total up to $1.25 million.

Since the sale, the Los Angeles-based company has been mostly silent about its future in MMA promotion. CEO Chuck Champion told SI.com that the company had an existing TV deal with Fox Sports, and planned to nurture its relationship with the remaining active promotion under its umbrella, King of the Cage. But how that relationship would develop, and what shape the restructured company would take, remained unclear.

On March 12, Strikeforce and Showtime will trumpet the upcoming San Jose show with a media day featuring its executives and athletes.

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posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:00 AM 





Monday, February 9, 2009

Jake Shields Not Aligned With Strikeforce Yet

As the dust continues to settle from Strikeforce's acquisition of 42 Pro Elite fighters, CEO Scott Coker is beginning the process of scheduling athletes for 16 plus events due in 2009.

Though Coker says most of Elite's "top 12" fighters have given assurances they will fight for Strikeforce, it's former welterweight champion, Jake Shields, is not yet committed to the San Jose-based promotion.

"We're still in negotiations," Shields' manager and father, Jack Shields, told MMAInsider late Sunday night.

In a December interview with MMAWeekly, Shields repeatedly expressed his desire to free himself of his ProElite contract to fight for the UFC.

"I feel like it's been the top show for a while, and I feel like most of the competition at my weight is in the UFC," said Shields. "The guys I need to fight, like GSP, B.J. Penn, Jon Fitch, Diego Sanchez."

As recently as January, UFC president Dana White confirmed his interest in the 30 year-old Jiu-Jitsu black belt.

If he were to return to Elite, Shields said he would want to re-negotiate his contract.

Coker hinted the same might be true for his acquisition of Shields' ProElite deal.

"Out of all the conversations, everything has been positive, except for one athlete that’s I think maybe trying to use this as an opportunity to get a better deal," Coker told MMAInsider.

"Just like with Randy's deal, when he was in the situation with the UFC, to do a declaratory (ruling), it's going to be another six months for these fighters, and then we'll be forced to take them down that path, and the fighter's not going to fight for six months, and the court will rule one way or another.

"My lawyers (who) have looked at the contracts say these are valid contracts, these are contracts that were not going be a problem to be assigned. Either it's a legal resolution, or it’s a business resolution. I'm all about the business resolution. So if we can get these guys going, and put them back to work, then let's do it."

The elder Shields gave no timetable for a possible resolution to the impasse, but said he is committed to finding the best option for his son.

Now, the question appears to be whether Shields will continue their attempts to free himself from the now-Strikeforce contract, or serve its remainder to keep active and bide time for an eventual jump to the UFC.

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posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 8:11 PM 





Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Strikeforce Exec Denies Sale

MMAInsider has followed the long, convoluted saga of Pro Elite Inc., since the MMA company first announced it was closing its doors last October.

Following it's rapid collapse, a handful of suitors emerged to vie for the company's assets, including Mark Ecko, the UFC, Terri Trebilcock, and Strikeforce. After a botched attempt by Showtime to auction the spoils of the company, the deal went underground. The winning bid seemed to change weekly, sometimes daily.

In recent weeks, several industry sources have confirmed that Scott Coker and Strikeforce have emerged as the likely candidate to purchase Pro Elite's assets. In December, the San Jose-based promotion was on the cusp of a deal to purchase parts of the company, but last minute hike in the price of the deal shelved it.

However, multiple sources who wished to remain anonymous said last week that negotiations between the companies had resumed and were entering their final stages.

On Wednesday afternoon, multiple reports surfaced that Strikeforce had agreed in principle to a purchase of Pro Elite assets and an announcement was forthcoming by the end of the week.

Strikeforce executive Mike Afromowitz confirmed to MMAInsider that negotiations were progressing, but the deal was not done.

"That's incorrect," he said. "Any reports of a done deal are a complete fantasy."

Afromowitz said the deal with Pro Elite was far more complex than reports had stated.

"It's complicated, and that's why I don't want to speculate," he continued. "If anything is done, it will be very technical. It's not as straightforward as you think."

If a deal between Strikeforce and Pro Elite comes to fruition, Pro Elite's television deals with CBS and Showtime, as well as select fighters on their roster, are valuable spoils of the transaction. Though Strikeforce has an existing contract with NBC to air pre-recorded fight specials, a live TV deal has eluded them. A deal with CBS could remedy that issue, or perhaps provide leverage in future negotiations with NBC.

Afromowitz said he would have more information soon, but stressed it was too soon to close the books on the saga.

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posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 6:49 PM 





Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Cage Rage Champ Talks Cage Rage and EliteXC Demise

Mostapha Al Turk, who makes his UFC debut against Cheick Kongo at UFC 92, spoke with MMAWeekly.com about the demise of ProElite and subsequently, Cage Rage.

"It's always sad to see any organization sort of come to their knees. But hey, you know, there's not one person or one organization that's bigger than the sport itself. And where as one door closes, another one opens for anybody," said the former Cage Rage British heavyweight titleholder. "I'm disappointed to see that happen for Cage Rage and EliteXC, but hey, life carries on.

"Cage Rage, they're a great bunch of guys. A very professional organization. I've got nothing bad to say about the guys that ran Cage Rage and the time I've had at Cage Rage, nothing bad what so ever really. It's all been positive," added Al Turk.

"It was the main show in the U.K., so it had a massive fan base. It was huge in the U.K."

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posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 9:00 AM 





Sunday, December 7, 2008

Marc Ecko Going MMA With ProElite Purchase?

It sounds as if Marc Ecko Enterprises may be the latest apparel company willing to try its hand and gamble its reputation on mixed martial arts. That is if our friends over at iGuillotine.com have all their ducks in a row...

Although they weren't able to confirm it with Marc Ecko Enterprises directly, iGuillotine says that Ecko is the leading bidder to purchase what's left of ProElite, Inc. and its EliteXC brand.

There have been strong rumors lately that ProElite's doors, already shuttered, could soon be re-opened if a sale for the company's assets goes through.

Ecko has been dabbling its toes in the MMA waters, creating MMA specific apparel and sponsoring UFC fighters such as Nate Diaz, Michael Bisping, and Matt Hughes. Of course, the sponsorship door to UFC fighters will surely be slammed shut if Ecko does takeover ProElite and its television contracts with CBS and Showtime. Just ask the guys at Affliction.

Other strong rumors place Terry Trebilcock's King of the Cage -- and an unidentified partner -- as one of the front-runners to take over ProElite. Of course, there's nothing saying that Trebilcock's partner couldn't be Ecko.

Grind rumor mill, grind.

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posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 7:56 PM 





Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Gina Carano Headed to WEC? Not so fast....

Although UFC president Dana White has recently made public comments that he would be willing to entertain the prospect of former EliteXC star Gina Carano competing in the Octagon, it's not the Ultimate Fighting Championship he's talking about.

White said that he's not ready to put women's fights in the UFC, but he would give Carano a run in the UFC's sister promotion, the WEC.

"I heard that," confirmed WEC vice president Peter Dropick on Monday.

There's still a hang-up in having Carano fight even in the WEC.

"First off, I don't know if anyone knows really what the contractual situation is with any fighter from those other organizations," he said, referring to ProElite-owned promotions like EliteXC. "I think until that is flushed out, we would... we really don't have anything at this point."

That's not to say that Dropick isn't interested. On the contrary, he's very interested in adding more talent - including Carano - to the WEC's roster of athletes. "We'd be open to having some of the better fighters and the most exciting fights. (Carano) is certainly a star and she certainly has drawing power. So, we'll see how that plays out."

For now, like many EliteXC fighters, Carano is in limbo, trying to figure out just what her contractual status is while ProElite keeps toying with the idea of whether it will continue on or not.

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posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:09 AM 





Sunday, November 9, 2008

Pro Elite Auction: Hottest Ticket in Town?


With the advertisement of a ProElite garage sale hitting the wires last week, MMAInsider asked a few interested parties whether they planned to attend the Nov. 17 sale in Los Angeles.

Tom Atencio, VP of Affliction Entertainment, is not so hot on the idea. "It doesn't make sense," he said. "Do they really own the contracts of these fighters? It's my understanding that some of the guys are already out of the contracts. There's a bunch going on, I'm just trying to figure it out myself."

JD Penn, President of Rumble World Entertainment, one of the original companies to join the consortium of promoters, says he will send his lawyer to the Los Angeles meeting.

"I licensed the name," he said. "Other companies sold them. So if they're in breach of anything in Rumble World, then I get Rumble World back. We'll see what's available, what's for sale, if there is anything."

T.Jay Thompson, president of Hawaii's other big MMA promotion, ICON Sport, says he's sitting on the fence. After all, he's getting his ducks in a row to sue ProElite for non-payment of a five-year consulting deal he inked with the company last September.

"Yes (I'm going, but) I'm hearing rumors that ProElite is going to fight the auction," he said. "Would I show up to an auction? I guess, if it happened, but I understand my physical library (of fights) is mine."

Strikeforce executive Mike Afromowitz would not comment.

Terri Trebilcock, president of King of the Cage, was certain the auction would not happen.

UFC matchmaker Joe Silva was unavailable for comment, though UFC president Dana White has expressed interest in Elite properties Jake Shields and Robbie Lawler, so his presence would seem certain.

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posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 4:17 PM 





Friday, October 31, 2008

Nick Diaz's Official Notice of Breach of Contract

Nick Diaz on Thursday sent his official Notice of Breach of Contract to EliteXC. The letter is an attempt that many fighters are making to free themselves from the shackles of EliteXC's sinking ship. The promotion's parent company, ProElite, Inc., is expected to file bankruptcy any day now.

If the breach of contract doesn't go through, it is possible that the fighters under contract with EliteXC could get mired in the legal process when the bankruptcy court tries to find relief for ProElite's creditors.

Below is the letter that Diaz sent to EliteXC, as it was posted on his manager Cesar Gracie's website:


October 30, 2008
To EliteXC Live:
12100 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 8000
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Attn: Jeremy Lappen

Re: Notice of Breach - Unarmed Combatant Promotional Agreement between Nick Diaz and EliteXC Live, Inc.

Dear Sir:

Pursuant to Article 43 of the Unarmed Combatant Promotional Agreement between Nick Diaz and EliteXC Live, Inc. (“Agreement”), Nick Diaz hereby provides written notice of material breach of the Agreement. It has come to the attention of Mr. Diaz that EliteXC Live Inc. has declared the intent to file for bankruptcy and is no longer able to fulfill its obligations under the contract and has breached its representations and warranties pursuant to Article 47 of the Agreement.

Pursuant to Article 43 of the Agreement, EliteXC Live Inc. has thirty (30) days to cure such material breach by posting a bond or other form of escrow in such an amount as set forth in the Agreement that must be payable to Mr. Diaz upon completion of each contemplated Bout set forth in the Agreement and any extensions thereof, and, specifically to evidence EliteXC Live Inc.’s ability to fulfill its obligations under Article 47. If EliteXC Live Inc. fails to cure such material breach in the manner set forth above within thirty (30) days of receipt this written notice, then in Accordance with Article 43, the Agreement and any extensions thereof will be terminated.

Respectfully,

NICK DIAZ

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posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:58 PM 





Friday, October 24, 2008

Dana White's UFC 90 Video Blog (Ep 4)



UFC President Dana White presents his fourth blog for the UFC 90 weekend. In this edition, Dana heads over to the UFC 90 press conference and talks with the media in attendance about the downfall of ProElite and EliteXC, and then does ESPN radio with Steve Cofield.

He really layed into EliteXC again, saying, "Guys that (expletive) fix fights shouldn't be in the business... I don't need scumbags like that blowing it for everybody."

Dana White UFC 90 Video Blog: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3

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posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 3:21 AM 





Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Dana White's UFC 90 Video Blog (Ep 2)



UFC President Dana White presents his second blog for the UFC 90 weekend. In this edition, Dana talks about the downfall of ProElite and EliteXC as well as a beef with radio host and former Yamma announcer, Scott Farrell.

"Obviously today is a great day in MMA, ProElite is dead... so today is a good day," says White in this latest edition of his UFC 90 video blog.

Dana White UFC 90 Video Blog: Episode 1

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posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 3:22 PM 





"Seth (Petruzelli) was paid to stand up."

MMAWeekly.com talked with EliteXC consultant T.Jay Thompson on Monday night about the fallout from ProElite (EliteXC) closing its doors. Thompson was the founder of SuperBrawl, which later morphed into ICON Sport. He sold ICON to ProElite and now it is mired in the mess of the EliteXC meltdown.

Thompson was around at the final EliteXC show, "Heat," where Ken Shamrock withdrew from the main event at the last minute and UFC dropout Seth Petruzelli was tabbed to fight Kimbo Slice at the last minute.

Unless you were under a rock, you know Petruzelli KO'd Kimbo and then a firestorm ensued when he went on a Florida-based radio show talking about how he was influenced to keep the fight standing against Kimbo.

Thompson relayed his insights on the issue, and let's just say they offer no relief to the parties involved that have been trying to say that nothing of the sort happened:

"I was there cageside and watched the whole thing happen," Thompson told MMAWeekly.com. "Watching Jared Shaw jumping up and down and screaming as a representative of the company, I think was disgusting and embarrassing." He continued, "I don’t have a smoking gun, (but) I've been around long enough; I've talked to enough people that were there, I won't name names of executives in the company that I know. Seth was paid to stand up. I'm confident of that. If the commission wants to talk to me, I'll tell them what I know."

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posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 2:38 PM 





Tuesday, October 21, 2008

ProElite Shutting It's Doors Today (Tuesday)

EliteXC executive JT Steele informed the Nevada State Atheltic Commission on Tuesday of "the unfortunate confirmation that the November 8, 2008 EliteXC event will be canceled. It is with great regret that I must also inform you that ProElite, Inc. will be closing our operation today."

There had been some speculation that ProElite may run out the week, but it looks like that's not going to happen, not that it made any difference to the parties involved anyway.

It's a little early to tell how the closing of ProElite will effect the various fighters and promotions involved, most of them are spending a considerable amount of time today - and probably in the coming days - either on the phone with or in the offices of their lawyers trying to determine what their options are.

King of the Cage and Cage Rage have both gone on record to MMAWeekly saying that they will persevere, although it is unclear in what form or fashion.

Jake Shields told MMAWeekly on Tuesday that he is hoping to be set free from his contract and not be a part of the liquidation of ProElite's assets, as he'd like to fight against as soon as possible and has his sights set on the UFC.

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posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 5:29 PM 





Business As Usual for King of the Cage?

Despite the downfall of ProElite and EliteXC, King of the Cage, via the following press release on their website on Tuesday, says that it will continue operations as normal, despite being a subsidiary of ProElite:

King of the Cage, Inc. (KOTC) is fully aware of the reports surrounding the financial difficulties of ProElite, Inc. (PE) and the reports that PE has filed or may soon file a bankruptcy case. KOTC is currently reviewing and investigating the situation and has determined that no bankruptcy case has yet been filed by PE . Although KOTC is a wholly owned subsidiary of PE, it has maintained its own independent operational structure since its acquisition by PE. While there may be some short term impact on KOTC's operations, KOTC intends to fulfill all of its existing obligations and to conduct all of its scheduled events. KOTC further intends to resume normal business operations as quickly as possible and to continue to grow its brand as it has for the past 10 years. We will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

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posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 4:30 PM 





"Out of a job, will fight for food."

To all of the people who are now out of a job due to ProElite, Inc. (EliteXC, King of the Cage, ICON Sport, Cage Rage, etc.) closing its doors, it's surely not a humorous subject. The bungling of the way the company was run, driving it into bankruptcy, affects a huge chunk of MMA history, as well as its future.

There are now hundreds of fighters looking for work. But British fighter James Thompson, who suffered a controversial loss at the hands of Kimbo Slice when they met in the first CBS-EliteXC Saturday Night Fights, tried to inject a little humor into the situation.

For people using the Facebook social networking site, there is a feature called "What are you doing right now?" that lets you send out a blast to all of your Facebook friends, basically just telling them whatever you want at that moment.

Thompson on Tuesday morning sent out the following "What are you doing right now?" blast:

"James Thompson is out of a job (will fight for food)."

Here's hoping that Thompson and the other fighters that were under contract through ProElite's various entities are able to break free and find work sooner rather than later.

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posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 1:32 PM 





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