CHUCK LIDDELL AND TITO ORTIZ TO COACH SEASON 11 OF THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER®

Saturday March 15th 11pm ET / 8pm PT streaming on ProElite.com

Phil Baroni vs. Kala Kolohe Hose
Auggie Padekan vs. Jeremy Williams
Sadhu Bott vs. Bronson Pieper
Russell Doane vs. Tyson Nam
Wayne Perrin vs. Koa Ramos
Brennan Kamaka vs. Ross “Da Boss” Ebanez
Eddie Rincon vs. P.J. Dean
Matt Comeau vs. Elias Delos
Reyes Alan Lima vs.David “The Tan Superman” Padilla
Zack Rapal vs.Dwayne Haney
Nui Wheeler vs. Jay Bolos
Colin Mackenzie vs. Ricky Wallace
Kona Ke vs. Ikaika Moreno

Photo: FrankShamrock.com

Frank Shamrock stopped by the ProElite.com forums yesterday, here are some of the highlights of the discussion with fans. For the entire chat go to ProElite.com.

I was incredibly impressed with your passion, aggression and heart in the fight with Baroni in San Jose this year.  It was a lot different than the fight in February against Gracie.  You seemed like a completely different fighter!  What was the major difference(s)?–Kelly

Major difference was I was prepared to fight. That’s what it looks like when I’m ready to fight.

I saw your vid about your knee being as healed as it could without surgery, how’s it holding up right now - close to 100%?

1. My knee id doing very well, I’m in constant rehab and feels almost 100%. I’ll never be a running back for the NFL, but I will be the best MMA fighter in the world.

2. Rematch- I want to fight Renzo but he’s still recovering and in acting classes. I’m seeing if Cung Le will step up and be a real man.

3. Yes, I’ll fight anybody.

4. I will fight for 10 more years, 21 fights total, one every 6 months

1st – I want to thank you for all of your support. My DVD series just achieved a #1 Rating from the Socyberty site! Krav Maga was second, followed by pressure points, wing chung, etc… THANKS!

Old school fans rock!

First fight, Bas Rutten. Result was 10 minute match and I won by unanimous decision.

Sorry Vinny, I gotta fight my brother, it’s bigger than mma, it’s what will take the sport mainstream .

Josh Thomson is gay.

Who has been your toughest opponent? and why?

Toughest opponent was Enson Inoue that was in Vale Tudo Japan 1997. Toughest because he was going to die in the ring that night and I had to accept the fact that it was going to be him or I.

Randy Couture is a true gentleman and Champion.

Fight Questions:  How many fights do you hope to have in 2008?  Who will you be fighting in 2008?  Will we see a re-match with Renzo Gracie? Would you fight Robbie Lawler for the Elite XC Championship?  Will you fight Matt Lindland? 

2 fights in 08 Renzo and Cung.

I’m down to fight Robbie. That sounds good.

I’m down to fight Matt.

Movie- Absolutely, you will see a feature film documenting my life on the big screen.

How do you feel about the IFL and their recent changes in coaches?

So what’s the scoop whith Renzo? Can we expect a re-match in the near future?–JoeHamilton

The IFL needs to make money, so I think if it makes money, do it. I think they were premature in the market with the character-like teams idea.

Renzo is ducking me and he’s enrolled in acting classes. If Renzo will accept the fight, the rematch will happen. I don’t think he ever will.

  What do you do for fun outside of MMA and Martial arts?

I like to read,electronics, hiking, spending time with my wife. I’m a businessman and an entrepeneur and I like acting.

whats the most important advice you would give to an aspiring fighter? –1pokerknight

Keep your hands up and find a good instructor

if Kimbo or Brock Lesnar coming from a different weight and skill , league class asked you to get in the ring what would you say?–Venomx723272

I would easily beat Kimbo Slice and Brock Lesnar.

Which UFC Middleweight do you think has the best chance of defeating Anderson Silva?

The film is called “The Red Canvas”. Scheduled date of release is Summer of 08. I did not enjoy the process, I had a supporting role, so I spent a lot of time supporting. I had very little say in the project.

  How much weight do you cut to get to 185?  How long before a fight do you like to start working on a gameplan for your opponent?  What kind of diet do you adhere to before a fight and the off season?  Do you have any intentions of fighting in any other organizations?–rufio-e0

I always weigh 191 lbs.

The moment I know I’m fighting him.

I always eat the same. Never change my diet.

Right now, no. Showtime and Strikeforce are my home.

Do you have any religious beliefs?  If so how does that factor in to the mental game of fighting?  Since the Home Depot incident, have you got in any more altercations on the street? –rufio-e0

Yes, I believe God is love.

I love fighting, period.

No, I’ve had no more instances on the street.

Frank may I ask your age . and what age do you think its to old for a person to  get into professional MMA like you are .–usmc91semperfi

I’m 35 yrs young and you’re never too old to get into MMA.

Frank, What would it take for you to fight in the UFC? –lselvon

I’d have to sell my soul to a company that I don’t believe in.

                                      Photo: Tom Casino/Elite XC

Frank Shamrock will join the ProElite.com forums this Thursday at 1pm PT/4pm ET to answer questions. Go to this forum thread early for more info and to ask your questions:
http://www.proelite.com/forums/12345/topics/61245/?source=31163

For MMA writers, ProElite.com just launched a contest that will run for several months with their partners, MMA Worldwide/Tapout Magazine. They’re looking for the top undiscovered MMA writers out there. The “Type In or Tapout” contest is looking for the best blogs with MMA editorials and interviews. Winners will have their blog published in either MMA Worldwide or Tapout Magazine, get a year subscription to the magazine in which they are published, and a small cash prize.

http://www.proelite.com/typeinortapout/?source=31154

Photo: AP

So, what were the real reasons why he left Ultimate Fighting Championships? Is the Mixed Martial Arts legend really retired? What is his opinion of his former boss, Dana White, and his reaction to the UFC president bolding proclaiming he “owned him’’?

Was his intention to resign to put pressure on White to let him out of his contract so he can get a much-desired fight against Fedor? Was he making, as reported, millions of dollars per fight? What are his plans for the future?

Those questions and many more will be answered by legendary, three-time heavyweight champion Randy Couture during what figures to be a lively and emotional, no-holds-barred national press conference Thursday in Las Vegas that will be aired live and in its entirety on ProElite.com.

“We at Xtreme Couture feel that it is important for Randy’s side of the story to be heard,’’ said Xtreme Couture Public Relations Director Sean O’Heir.

The world-wide live stream will begin at 1:30 p.m. PT/4:30 p.m. ET and originate from the celebrated and world-renown fighter’s gym, Xtreme Couture, in Las Vegas.

ProElite, Inc. [PELE.PK] today announced it has partnered with top television producer Mark Burnett to develop exclusive, multi-program MMA content for network TV.

The currently untitled initial series centers on former football and baseball stars, Herschel Walker and Jose Canseco, respectively, who together with a group of other former pros, train as a team to cross over into the sport of mixed martial arts.  These athletes will fight with select EliteXC fighters in each episode with the series finale featuring a famous celebrity athlete match up.  Additionally, episode highlights and interactive features for the shows produced will reside on ProElite.com.  The show is co-created by Herschel Walker and Prem Akkaraju, who will also serve as a co-executive producer.

 “We are really excited to partner with legendary reality television producer, Mark Burnett,” said Douglas DeLuca, chief executive officer of Los Angeles-based ProElite and co-executive producer of the show. “Mark’s vision for the sport of mixed martial arts, coupled with his invaluable experience producing a stable of successful primetime reality series, plays a critical role in developing this first of many projects that we will do together.”

“I am thrilled to collaborate with ProElite, and look forward to working with an organization that is dedicated to the growth of a sport that is sure to become among the biggest in the world,” said Mark Burnett, who produces CBS’s “Survivor” and ESPN’s “The Contender.’’ “I believe a primetime reality series involving world-class athletes from all sports competing in MMA will resonate with audiences far and wide as the sport garners popularity around the world.”

Walker and Canseco, who will both start recruiting teammates, are no strangers to hitting or MMA.

Walker, the 1982 Heisman Trophy winner and versatile, multi-faceted former pro football star, brings a diversity of athletic achievement that is at the core of the sport of MMA.

A 25-year martial artist who holds three black belts in three disciplines and a devoted teacher of physical and mental health, Walker was one of the first NFL players to take to the idea of heavy exercise training and physical fitness. He was noted for doing at least 2,500 crunches every day in the off season as part of his training regiment.

Canseco, the 1986 American League Rookie of the Year and six-time Major League All-Star, became the first player in Major League history to hit at least 40 homers and steal at least 40 bases in the same year by smacking 42 home runs and stealing 40 bases in 1988. Known for clubbing monstrous, long-distance four-baggers, the colorful and controversial Canseco is an 18-year veteran of martial arts and also holds black belts in three categories.

 “Attracting star professional athletes at the level of Hershel and Jose into a mixed martial arts competition is truly monumental and will certainly attract a broader audience to MMA,’’ said co-executive producer and co-creator Prem Akkaraju. “I am thrilled to work with executive producer Mark Burnett and co-executive producer Douglas DeLuca, and look forward to expanding our programming in short order.”

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.

ProElite, Inc [PELE.PK], a global entertainment and media company dedicated to producing mixed martial arts (MMA) events through EliteXC, its global MMA brand, today announced it has completed an agreement to make a capital investment in Entlian Corp., a Seoul, South Korea-based organization that promotes and produces MMA events through it’s premier brand, Spirit MC.

Los Angeles-based ProElite said the investment will be represented by an infusion of cash combined with the issuance of restricted shares of ProElite Inc’s common stock. The transaction is among a series of initiatives by the company that firmly establishes its commitment to growing and supporting MMA globally. Terms were not disclosed.

In its fifth year, Spirit MC has quickly established itself as the leading MMA brand in Korea, garnering 90 percent of the market share through its broadcast media partner, CJ Media. Currently, Spirit MC boasts more than 35 elite fighters under contract, including eight of Korea’s top ten. Contributing to Entlian Corp.’s success is its MMA brands, Spirit Martial Challenge (”Spirit MC”) and Interleague, in addition to its successful developmental system for young, up and coming Korean fighters, Spirit Ranger.

“We are extremely happy to welcome Spirit MC to the ProElite family and to continue to build our global MMA brand,” said William Kelly, chief operating officer of ProElite “Entlian has firmly established its position as Korea’s No. 1 MMA organization, and the increasing popularity of Korean fighters on the worldwide MMA stage makes it a victory for everyone involved.”

“ProElite stands alone as an organization dedicated to supporting MMA globally,” said Kwang Hyun Park, founder and President of SpiritMC. “It is clear they are committed to growing the sport throughout Korea, and we look forward to working together to expanding that effort worldwide.”

“Joining forces with Spirit MC is a direct reflection of what ProElite is all about,” said Douglas DeLuca, CEO of ProElite. “We are dedicated to empowering MMA organizations globally as a way of organizing and growing the sport and expanding our worldwide audience.. With Spirit MC and its media partner, CJ Media, we are doing just that.”

Cage Rage, Britain’s original MMA brand and leader since 2002, is about to get bigger. ProElite, Inc. [PELE.PK], an entertainment and media company dedicated to producing MMA events, today announced the acquisition of Cage Rage Championships (CRC), Britain’s premier MMA organization.

The formal announcement of the new partnership was made by Gary Shaw, President of EliteXC, the respected live fight division of Los Angeles, Calif.-based ProElite.

“This is an exciting day for all of our organizations, but the biggest winners will be fans in the U.K.,’’ Shaw said. “In a short span of eight months, EliteXC has already got the well-deserved reputation for staging sensational fights with the world’s top fighters.

“With the acquisition of Cage Rage Championships, ProElite and EliteXC continues to establish itself as the fast-growing, premier MMA organization in the world.

“I look forward to developing young English fighters and turning them into true world champions, ala Ricky Hatton in boxing.’’

ProElite’s partnership will help secure CRC’s foothold as the UK’s No. 1 MMA organization, as well as provide the resources needed to expand the company’s operations into an international fight brand.

“Cage Rage is king in the U.K., and this deal will help ensure the organization attains its true potential,” said Irishman William Kelly, Chief Operating Officer of ProElite. “Britain excels in MMA, and we are truly excited by the way Cage Rage has gained popularity and mesmerized the imaginations of fight fans around the world. The British bull dog spirit is alive and well – and we will help Cage Rage bark even louder across Britain and Europe.

“ProElite’s involvement is an important step in our company’s growth and development, as we emerge as the premium MMA organization in Britain,” added Andy Geer, co-founder and promoter of five year old Cage Rage. “The EliteXC brand is held in the highest esteem in fighting echelons, and we are honored by their support.

“This partnership will help us achieve our goals, and the world will be watching as we give audiences the premier experience in MMA. As we move forward, the national brand of Cage Rage will continue to back British talent to the hilt and pitch it against the very elite of international fighters in our own inimitable style.”

Offered Dave O’Donnell, co-founder and promoter of Cage Rage, who introduced MMA to Britain with Geer in 2002: “Our fight nights will reap the benefit of ProElite’s support, as we continue to show audiences the breadth of athleticism and excitement this sport embodies. Our goal is to help MMA shake off its ‘underground’ image and showcase the true skills and commitment required to reach the top in this fight format, which combines no less than four Olympic combat disciplines.”

Cage Rage returns to Wembley Arena on Saturday, Sept. 22, when EliteXC presents Cage Rage 23 before what is expected to be another sell-out crowd

Media powerhouse and broadcaster British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. brought MMA into the mainstream of British sports when it started broadcasting live televised Cage Rage events on its primetime Saturday night schedule. All Cage Rage Championship events are broadcast live on Sky Sport 3.

ProElite’s CEO, Douglas DeLuca, took notice and immediately pursued CRC as a television-friendly brand.

“I’ve produced hundreds of TV shows over the years and instantly recognized the character in Dave and Andy’s presentation of the sport. In our efforts to build a world media presence, CRC was a natural choice,’’ DeLuca said.

International interest has never been higher with the promotion being beamed to fight fans in the USA, Canada, Brazil, Korea, Japan and other fight savvy territories.

Said Kelly Perdew, President of social networking division ProElite.com, “Cage Rage is one of the most exciting MMA events we have streamed on www.ProElite.com. We are looking forward to bringing more of the same live interactive action to fans worldwide. Watch the live stream on Sept. 22 on proelite.com.