ProElite Acquires King of the Cage

ProElite Inc. has announced the acquisition of King of the Cage, Inc. (KOTC), a prolific MMA promoter with an established stable of world-class fighters and global brand equity.

As part of the agreement, KOTC will promote events in conjunction with Los Angeles-based ProElite’s respected and highly acclaimed live events division, EliteXC, which broadcasts MMA events on Showtime Networks. KOTC will also provide live-streaming video content through ProElite.com.

“We are extremely pleased that KOTC is joining the ProElite family, a natural extension of our brand as we continue to move forward with our global growth strategy,” said Douglas Deluca, CEO of ProElite, Inc. “Pound for pound, KOTC is the best brand out there and brings a deep breadth of industry experience to ProElite, providing a built-in infrastructure that will strengthen the impact of our organization on the world of MMA.”

Founded in 1999 by MMA promoter Terry Trebilcock, the Fontana, Calif.-based KOTC is widely regarded as a pioneer in the sport having discovered and showcased some of the world’s premier fighters including Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Diego Sanchez, Rashard Evans, Joe Stevenson, Rico Rodriguez, Urijah Faber and more.

KOTC annually promotes more than 35 shows, 13 of which are pay-per-view events, and prior to 2007 drew the largest cumulative live audiences per annum of any MMA organization in North America . To date, KOTC has sold more than 1.5 million DVDs and continues to promote MMA events on four continents, including Australia , Asia, Europe and North America .

“Terry and KOTC have captured audiences’ attention around the globe, consistently discovering and showcasing some of the best fighters in MMA,” said Gary Shaw, EliteXC Live Events President. “There is no question that this acquisition will bolster EliteXC’s exposure domestically and abroad, serving as an entrée to fans and fighters who look to EliteXC as a destination for the finest entertainment that the MMA industry has to offer.”

Said Trebilcock, CEO of KOTC: “ProElite’s EliteXC is an ideal fit for KOTC, and we are honored to join such a talented team of dedicated professionals. ProElite is unmatched in its commitment to the sport, its fans and fighters, and we are thrilled to grow in lockstep with the company.”

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

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