The Rise And Fall Of Elite XC

PHOTO CREDIT: UFC

The Rise Of Elite XC

UFC’s popularity in the late 2000s allowed other MMA promotions to thrive. Past MMA promotions like Strikeforce became a household name among MMA fans. However, another short-lived MMA promotion that many MMA fans remember was Elite Xtreme Combat, also known as Elite XC.

Founded by Showtime Networks and ProElite in November 2006, Elite XC featured many notable MMA fighters throughout its two-year run, including Gina Carano, Robbie Lawler, and the late Kimbo Slice. And speaking of Gina Carano, many years before the UFC introduced women’s MMA, women like Gina Carano and Cris Cyborg helped legitimize women’s competition when Elite XC gave them a platform.

Initially airing on Showtime, Elite XC signed a TV deal to air events on CBS in early 2008. Because of this, Elite XC airing on a channel like CBS would be the perfect catalyst to launch the promotion into becoming an alternative to the UFC.

Kimbo Slice, best known for his internet street-fighting, got pushed as Elite XC’s top attraction moving forward with their new TV deal. The first Elite XC event on CBS, headlined by Kimbo Slice defeating James Thompson, garnered 4.85 million viewers. The event was the most-watched MMA event on TV until UFC came to FOX, showing that Elite XC and its top attraction, Kimbo Slice, could be a draw.

The Downfall Of Elite XC

The final Elite XC event on CBS, Elite XC: Heat, was the beginning of the end for the promotion. An event initially headlined by Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock, the main event changed to Kimbo Slice vs. Seth Petruzelli. Seth Petruzelli went on to shockingly defeat Kimbo Slice in the first round.

In the aftermath, Seth Petruzelli claimed he got offered by Elite XC to keep the fight with Kimbo Slice standing. This claim led to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation investigating Elite XC in light of these allegations.

But regardless, the damage was done following Kimbo Slice’s loss, considering he was Elite XC’s top attraction. Showtime Networks, who potentially was to purchase a majority stake in Elite XC, opted out. With Elite XC losing $55 million, the company went bankrupt in October 2008.