Kimbo vs Tito Ortiz

[RipDaJacka]

http://samcaplan.proelite.com/83373

With EliteXC's next show not planned until January 25's ShoXC event in Atlantic City, news pertaining to the promotion has been very limited. However, EliteXC live events president Gary Shaw drew a few headlines after he issued a challenge to Tito Ortiz for a match against Kimbo Slice following Ortiz's comments during an E:60 story on ESPN last week in which Ortiz was less than complementary towards Slice.

I recently had the opportunity to ask Shaw about his thoughts on a Slice vs. Ortiz matchup, Gina Carano's involvement on American Gladiators, whether EliteXC is in talks to promote a match between Ken Shamrock vs. Frank Shamrock, and much more.

Sam Caplan: Tito Ortiz made some interesting comments regarding Kimbo Slice during last week's ESPN feature. Since then you've been quoted about expressing an interest in making a match between Tito and Kimbo. Is that correct?

Gary Shaw: Yes, absolutely. Any time someone talks either on TV or to a reporter and either demeans a fighter or says "let's bring it on," I'm willing to do the fight. And Kimbo Slice would get into the cage with Tito Ortiz any day.

Sam Caplan: How do you think that fight would play out?

Gary Shaw: I think Kimbo Slice would probably knock him out. I think Tito would try to submit him, try to bring him down. I believe he'd get knocked out; he's got a suspect chin. But I'm confident with Bas behind Kimbo that he's fine on the ground.

Sam Caplan: There's been a lot of talk that Kimbo's next fight for EliteXC will be in February. Is that true? And if so, has an opponent been signed for that bout?

Gary Shaw: Yes. February 16. And we're working right now (on an opponent).

Sam Caplan: There was a report in the print edition of The Wrestling Observer last week and another report on 411Mania.com that EliteXC is considering a super heavyweight/heavyweight four-man eliminator that would feature Kimbo, Tank Abbott, Bob Sapp, and Butterbean. Is there any truth to those rumors?

Gary Shaw: No, but I like the rumor. I'll start thinking about it. It's just a rumor. It's nothing that we've discussed in the office or anywhere else.

Sam Caplan: Gina Carano is going to appear in the upcoming revival of American Gladiators on NBC under the name "Crush." Did she consult with EliteXC before signing on to do the show?

Gary Shaw: Well, that's a legal question. I don't want to discuss that specific question. But if we can work out everything then I think it could be great for Gina. I'm a big, big fan of hers; a big fan of her family's. I think it would help in her career both on television and in mixed martial arts. I know she wants to get back into the cage, she's told me that on several occasions. It will just give her a lot more visibility (and) I hope we can work out everything in front of us.

Sam Caplan: What things need to be worked out?

Gary Shaw: I never discuss legal issues or money issues in the press.

Sam Caplan: You mentioned that Gina has told you she wants to get back in the cage. Is there a specific date where you think she might appear again?

Gary Shaw: I think somewhere between February and April.

Sam Caplan: Is EliteXC doing anything right now to bring in additional female fighters?

Gary Shaw: Yes, absolutely. January 25 in Atlantic City we're going to (promote) Tonya Evinger again. We have Shayna Baszler and we're looking for more great female fighters.

Sam Caplan: A fighter I believe you might be speaking with is Tara LaRosa. I spoke to a representative of hers who confirmed that she had received an offer from EliteXC. Is that correct?

Gary Shaw: Yeah, I did want to sign her but I think there were some problems and that she was not ready to fight at this time. Or, so I was told.

Sam Caplan: If LaRosa did sign with EliteXC, what weight class do you have in mind?

Gary Shaw: I never have a weight class in mind for a fighter. The fighter tells me where they're comfortable. I don't force anyone into a specific weight class.

Sam Caplan: In regard to next ShoXC event on January 25, has a main event been determined?

Gary Shaw: I'm working right now on Mike Aina vs. Paul Daley.

Sam Caplan: Ken Shamrock was at an HDNet Fights card in Dallas, Texas over the weekend and was quoted as saying a match between him and his brother Frank Shamrock is in the works. Does EliteXC have any involvement in a potential Shamrock vs. Shamrock fight?

Gary Shaw: Absolutely.

Sam Caplan: Are talks ongoing right now involving EliteXC?

Gary Shaw: Talks are always ongoing with big fights.

Sam Caplan: But specifically that one, can you comment on that?

Gary Shaw: I've been looking at that fight since I met Frank Shamrock and I'm continuing to look at it and trying to get it done.

Sam Caplan: Is there any concern that the brother vs. brother nature of the fight could create a negative image for the sport?

Gary Shaw: I don't think it's a negative image. I think that what's great about mixed martial arts is the different disciplines. So to me, this is a fight that I think both Shamrocks would like and I think it's a fight that would serve the public. You're not asking a man to go in against his mother. This is two brothers, both professionals. It's not an amateur against a professional. To me, blood brothers -- nothing better.

--

Click to read more...

 

[RipDaJacka]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CAWNnMxQd4&NR=1

Kimbo's Latest fight

vs Bo Cantrell.. in EliteXC

 

[sxkicker89 10+ year member]

kimbo is a beast

 

[iagrdshaka 5,000+ posts]

Tito would take him

 

[tapout 5,000+ posts]

never happen.

 

[ChuteBoxe515 10+ year member]

this fight would NEVER happen

 

[iagrdshaka 5,000+ posts]

and BTW....Gina Carano is hawt //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[BobbyDD 10+ year member]

I think Tito in his prime could beat Kimbo, but not now. Kimbo's too big.

 

[RipDaJacka]

I dont think it will ever happen either, but i sure want it too..

 

[RipDaJacka]

I think Tito in his prime could beat Kimbo, but not now. Kimbo's too big.

I think Kimbo would KO Tito early in the 1st.. his 1st 2 fights were cake walks..

 

[thegreatestpenn 5,000+ posts]

right, fight will never happen, but it'd be interesting if it did. Kimbo's too big for him tho

 

[BringDaBoom 10+ year member]

Kimbo would tear Tito's head off and shyt between his shoulder blades. (Note: Partially biased because Kimbo's from my home area.)

 

[BobbyDD 10+ year member]

I'd like to see Kimbo vs Lesnar. I think Lesnar would take him down and gnp him to death though.

 

[ThomasG 5,000+ posts]

isnt this just a rumor that is never going to happen

 

[RipDaJacka]

I'd like to see Kimbo vs Lesnar. I think Lesnar would take him down and gnp him to death though.

IDK, it would be a great fight.. Kimbo would knock his head off if they stood.. and Brock would most likely G&P him on the mat.. but remember Bas Rutten his Kimbo's coach.. he is great on the ground..who knows what he taught him. I'd pay 2 see it

isnt this just a rumor that is never going to happen

Agreed, but its still a fun topic