Will this be the last time we see Kimbo...winning?
Sad news? Well...it isn't the greatest news to here today. Dave Meltzer of Yahoo! Sports reported today of the news of mixed-martial arts organization EliteXC is unfortunately [or fortunately] closing its doors. From bad business deals with shareholders and fellow MMA company contributors to marketing an unprofessional fighter to fight 'over-the-hill' vets or 'unseasoned upstarts' looks to be what what did the more crassy than classy noob organization.
After the jump..."What about women's MMA?"
“I got a call earlier [Monday] telling me they were shutting down,” said Frank Shamrock, who was a television commentator, a main event fighter and a shareholder in the promotion.
So what happens to the biggest women's MMA star?
There is no doubt in my mind that this most affects women's mixed-martial arts the most. Most notably in the states, it would appear that there is a market out there [and I'm in it] of genuine fans who want to watch good female fighters. If there is anything EliteXC [knowingly or unknowingly] has promoted and trailblazed would be that women can put on just an entertaining show as the men.
In an attempt to draw more viewers at the beginning of their events, EliteXC would have their 'soon-to-be' marquee fighter, Gina Carano fight some usually tough competition from seasoned pros [and some scrubs as well] which would uncharacteristically steal the show. EliteXC looked to be trotting out their 'foxy boxers', but got some square-chinned sluggers in the process.
Elite XC’s two biggest attractions, Slice and Carano, are unlikely to be moving to the sport’s highest-profile group. UFC president Dana White has repeatedly said he won’t use Slice, who made his reputation as a backyard streetfighter on YouTube videos but is not the caliber of even a mid-level MMA pro. White also has said he’s not interested in promoting women’s fighting, although Carano’s success as a draw may cause him to reconsider. Her match with Kelly Kobold two weeks ago ended up adding more new viewers than any MMA match on television in the U.S.
Carano's fights were attatched to record breaking numbers in regards to viewers on those given nights [beating out baseball playoff games]. EliteXC was close to making a deal with CBS which would have garnered an 'automatic spot' on cable and/or local broadcast for MMA's. And though Dana White is reluctant to promote women's MMA, he probably will reconsider. The question is would you want to work for a person who has openly said he could honestly give a damn about your contributions to your field?
If anything positive has come out of this, it would be that women's MMA is definitly on the map. The problem would be will I need a map to find out where and when the next serious women's fight will be?