First off, I went 4-for-5 picking winners on the main card of UFC 84.
Now on to EliteXC.
On Saturday night, MMA makes its debut on major network television. But will this be good for the sport?
There are a few concerns I have with EliteXC.
1. The main event pits Kimbo Slice and James Thompson. I don't think either should be featured in a main event yet. Not taking anything away from Kimbo because from all I have seen, he is dedicated and taking his training seriously and is a natural athlete and fighter. He has also been training with one of the best MMA fighters in the history of the sport in Bas Rutten. So with some time, he may be a real contender.
But he has made a name for himself on internet bare-knuckle boxing matches. With MMA under constant scrutiny, solely marketing Kimbo as an internet sensation detracts from the sport as a whole and Kimbo as an athlete. Kimbo's past has made him who he is, but if Elite XC wants to thrive like the UFC, showing these guys as barbarians is not the way to do it.
Also, Thompson fights one way. He comes out in a flurry, often times being KO'd. I don't think this fight will last very long, which ever way it ends up.
2. The lineup is not a very diverse group of fighters. From the looks of the card, EliteXC wants knockouts. The highlight reel finish is what keeps many casual fans coming back to MMA, But part of the legitimization of the sport is how many different disciplines and skills are involved in a fight. For someone not familiar with the sport, turning on the TV and watching two guys swing for the fences may turn a lot of people off. It won't show how skilled many of these combatants are. I'll still watch this because I will watch about any fight sport, but I don't expect to be wowed by any slick submissions or grappling.
3. Having Busta Rhymes perform live. I have nothing against rap music and listen to a little, but how is having him perform going to improve the quality of the show at all. There can be a fine line sometimes between sport and spectacle.
Also check out Code 3 Fight Club for some local MMA news
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