Elite XC joins the likes Bodog and the International Fight League, crowding the division of MMA-Organization-to-go-poof this year. The company that brought MMA into peoples living rooms on national television filed for bankruptcy this week, leaving many to wonder about the primetime future of MMA and whether we'll be forced to sit through another Kimbo Slice clunker.
Top draws Slice and Gina Carano carried the organization through the three recent (and much watched) televised events on CBS, but growing concern with the solvency of Elite XC and the mishandling of the Ken Shamrock replacement caused Showtime to back out of a tentative agreement. Ken Shamrock cut his eyebrow before the fight while warming up and was not allowed to fight by the Florida State Boxing Commission. Journeyman Seth Petruzelli, who claimed he was told he'd be rewarded for keeping the fight on his feet, stepped in and dropped internet superstar and Elite XC cash cow Slice in 14 seconds.
Elite XC, with over 55 million in debt, will close it's doors by the end of the week. The November 8th show on CBS will be canceled. Kimbo Slice will remain in Florida punching morons in the thigh and being a generally likeable guy. And if one listens closely enough, you might hear Dana White's maniacal giggles rustling through the leaves.
