Kimbo and Shaw arm wrestle after the press conference. Guess who won?

Seth Kleinbeck and Kyle Noke face off after Wednesday’s final press conference for “EliteXC: Renegade” at the American Bank Center Arena in Corpus Christi, Tex., Saturday on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Local favorites Geoff Bumstead and Robert Ruiz, who will collide in a non-televised fight that will be available on ProElite.com the week of Nov. 12, pose after the press conference.

In an excellent co-feature, Jake Shields (left) faces Mike Pyle.

Kimbo Slice (left) makes his eagerly awaited EliteXC and SHOWTIME debut against hard-hitting Bo Cantrell.

In Saturday’s main event, Nick Diaz (left) will fight KJ Noons for the EliteXC world lightweight championship belt. The main in the middle is EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw.

ELITEXC PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Posted on | November 7, 2007 | No Comments

KIMBO, NICK DIAZ, KJ NOONS,
JAKE SHIELDS, MIKE PYLE, BO CANTRELL,
JONATHAN WIEZOREK, SETH KLEINBECK & KYLE NOKE
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007,
Ortiz International Center, Corpus Christi, Texas

“ELITEXC: RENEGADE’’
Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007; SHOWTIME Telecast Begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT

Nick Diaz will take on KJ Noons for the EliteXC world lightweight title in the main event at the American Bank Center Arena in Corpus Christi, Tex., this Saturday, Nov. 10, on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

Kimbo Slice, a legendary underground bare-knuckle fighter who’s videos have been downloaded in excess of 10 million times – and counting — on YouTube, will make his EliteXC debut against Bo “Redrum’’ Cantrell in an eagerly anticipated Special Attraction.

Saturday’s attractive co-feature on Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, presents “EliteXC: Renegade’’ will match Jake Shields against Mike “Quicksand” Pyle.

In other SHOWTIME-televised fights, Kyle Noke will make his EliteXC debut against “Doctor” Seth “Mass Destruction’’ Kleinbeck and Antonio “Big Foot’’ Silva will take on Jonathan Wiezorek.

Saturday’s scheduled non-televised, undercard fights that will be available on ProElite.com the week of Nov. 12 include: Geoff Bumstead vs. Robert Ruiz; Yves Edwards vs. Nick Gonzalez; Jon Kirk vs. Matt Lucas; Ralph Kelly vs. Brett Rogers; and Jae Sok Lim vs. Daniel Pineda.

With the exception of Diaz-Noons, which is scheduled for five, 5-minute rounds, the fights are three, 5-minute rounds. The event will begin at 7 p.m. CT. Doors open at 6 o’clock.

Tickets in all price ranges, starting at $25, are available at the American Bank Center Box Office and all TicketMaster locations. They also may be obtained at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (361) 881-8499. Any ticket buyer may purchase a $50 VIP Package Upgrade, which includes VIP parking and post-fight party at the American Bank Center.

For more information on EliteXC, ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series and other MMA-related stories, including bios, videos, photos, stats and more, please visit ProElite.com, EliteXC.com and www.sho.com/sports.

KIMBO
“The time is getting near for me being able to do what I really like to do, and that’s fight. I am definitely ready to fight somebody.

“It’s not that I dislike doing interviews, but it is something I need to learn to get used to and get more comfortable doing. It is not personal. I am just trying to focus on my fight and trying to avoid distractions. But I know doing interviews before a fight is part of my job.

“This fight is not just about me. It is for my team that has worked so hard to get me ready. Of course, I wish it was Saturday now. I am definitely ready to hit somebody.’’

BO CANTRELL
“I am not intimidated at all. This is not my first rodeo. This is more than a fight; it is like a title fight. Kimbo is getting a lot of attention so a victory would obviously be great for me.

“I am just coming out to do my job. There is no pressure on me whatsoever. Let’s see how he deals with the pressure and against someone who can get off first. I am ready too welcome Kimbo into the world of MMA.’’

NICK DIAZ
“I want to thank everyone involved for making this fight happen, and I want to thank all my training partners for getting me ready. I want to thank Gary Shaw for bringing me back.

“I am ready to go and it is going to be a great fight. Everybody is going to see a good show.

“No way I give up. You are going to have to knock me out to win.’’

KJ NOONS
“Nick is a great fighter, but this is my chance to show that I am truly a great fighter too. I am coming into this fight perfectly. I could not have asked for a better camp. The hand I broke in my last fight is fine.

“The fans are in for a great night of fights. My fight with Nick can’t help but be exciting.

“I am confident and as prepared as I can be.’’

JAKE SHIELDS
“I am looking for respect and becoming No. 1 in the world. As I have said time and again, I want to fight the best.

“I expect a very good fight. I may try and take the fight to him and try and manhandle him, but I don’t have a real plan going in. I’ll just go out and see where things go.

“Mike has some great submissions and has fought some great fighters. I know I need to be my best, but I feel ready for a top effort.’’

MIKE PYLE
“I’d like to thank EliteXC for bringing me back. Title or no title, this is going to be a great fight for the fans and for the both of us. There are going to be fireworks. It is going to be a war.

“Business is business and I hold no animosity toward anyone. This is not personal and I don’t hold any grudges against anybody.

“I am looking forward to competing again. The layoff will not bother me at all. I have a job to do and I am going to do it to the best of my ability on Saturday.’’

JONATHAN WIEZOREK
“Fighting a great, big talented guy like “Big Foot’’ Silva is a huge challenge but a great opportunity for me.

“I hope to try and take advantage of his mistakes; he does make some on occasion.

“To me, this is a win-win opportunity. If I win, I shock the world. If I don’t and still perform well, I will be OK.

‘’There is no pressure on me. Everybody expects me to lose. I feel great and my training is good. I hope to prove everybody wrong.’’

SETH KLEINBECK
“I’d like to thank everybody for making this fight and this show happen. It is an honor to be part of it – if I wasn’t fighting on it, I’d definitely be watching. It is that good.

“Training has been excellent and I am ready to fight. I know Noke is coming to win and make a name for himself here. This is going to be a good test and a very good fight.’’

KYLE NOKE
“I am exciting about fighting in the United States and appearing on SHOWTIME for the first time.

“They really threw me in tough first time out, but I am always ready to accept a challenge. This is going to be fun. There is no pressure.

“He likes to stand and brawl and so do I. This is going to be a great fight for as long as it lasts.’’

TAKEDOWN RADIO ADDS NEW LOCATIONS TO BROADCAST TOUR

Posted on | November 6, 2007 | No Comments

TDR adds LIVE Broadcasts at Clarion, Columbia and Navy to Eastern Tour

By: Scott Casber
Takedown Wrestling Radio
Des Moines, Iowa

We are pleased to announce the addition of 3 new dates to our 2nd east coast tour scheduled for January, 2008. Joining the already packed January schedule will be LIVE Broadcasts at Clarion, Columbia and Navy.

Special Funding for the Clarion University show comes from Olympic Gold Medalist, 2 X NCAA Champion and Clarion Alum Kurt Angle. Angle will be co-hosting the broadcast with TDR’s Scott Casber. Clarion’s Head Coach Teague Moore said “We’re proud of Kurt and his many accomplishments. We’re very grateful for his continuing contributions to Clarion Wrestling and look forward to seeing him in January”. Angle is now a popular and major star around the world in professional wrestling.

Navy has been added to the schedule as well. January 10th Bruce Burnett and his Navy Midshipmen will welcome the Terps of Maryland and their head Coach Pat Santoro. We are pleased to be able to broadcast this meet at Annapolis. Both programs have had long and storied impacts on the wrestling world and each seeks dominance in this match up. This will be the 2nd visit to Annapolis and the Naval Academy in 2 years for Takedown Radio.” Visiting our Naval Academy is a very special opportunity indeed,” said TDR’s Scott Casber.

The Columbia University broadcast has been moved from November 2007 to January 2008 due to scheduling conflicts. We want to give Columbia University, Head Coach Brendan Buckley, his staff and athletes the full force of a traditional broadcast. We will offer in depth interviews with the staff and athletes at Columbia. “We are excited about the return of TDR to our campus, said Andrew F. Barth Head Coach of Wrestling, Brendan Buckley. Our athletes deserve the attention and TDR comes through again”.

Takedown Radio’s January 2008 Broadcast Schedule

Month Date Location Time

January 3rd Drexel University TBA
January 4th Rutgers v. Lock Haven v. Wagner TBA
January 5th Princeton University TBA
January 6th Hofstra v. Edinboro v. C. Mich TBA
January 7th Bucknell University TBA
January 8th Clarion University TBA
January 9th Columbia University TBA
January 10th Navy v. Maryland TBA
January 12-13 NWCA Nat. Duals Sat- 9 AM to 6 PM, Sun- 9 AM to completion (CST)
January 19th Studio Show 9 A to 11 A CST
January 20th Missouri v. OSU 2 PM CST
January 25th OU v. IA State 6PM CST
January 26th Studio Show 9 A to 11 A CST
January 27th Missouri v. Cornell TBA

POST EAGLE BOXING MONTHLY

Posted on | November 6, 2007 | 1 Comment

POST EAGLE BOXING MONTHLY
By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
November 2007

Undefeated middleweight prospect Pawel Wolak (17-0, 12 knockouts) gets back into the ring this Saturday night, Nov. 10th, against veteran Jonathan Reid (34-7, 19 KO’s), as the feature bout headlining the KEA Boxing fightcard to be held at the Wildwood Convention Center.

Reid, best known for taking part in the first series of “The Contender” boxing reality show will have his hands full going up against Wolak, who has won his five fights in 2007 via stoppage. Wolak, born in Debica, Poland, has amassed a huge legion of faithful fans due to the aggressive style and non-stop action from the 26 year-old middleweight.

Expect the same at the KEA Boxing fights Saturday night, for as long as it lasts!

World Boxing Association welterweight world champion Miguel Cotto (30-0, 25 KO’s) faces his toughest challenge this Saturday night, when he puts his WBA title belt on the line against former two-time world champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley (44-4, 37 KO’s) at Madison Square Garden. To be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View, this epic welterweight showdown has “fight of the year” written all over it.

Here’s hoping that many of the Post Eagle boxing fans watched super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe deliver his most awe-inspiring performance this past Saturday night, shown live on HBO. Making his 21st world title defense, Calzaghe (44-0, 32 KO’s) brilliantly bested the thought to be unbeatable Mikkel Kessler (now 39-1), in front of over 50,000 rabid boxing fans at the Millennium Stadium in Wales, Calzaghe’s hometown. They were treated to a spectacular fight, which “Super Joe” won by 12 round unanimous decision. The undisputed super middleweight champion, who now must be included in everyone’s top pound-for-pound fighters list, looks forward to meeting Bernard Hopkins next.

Boxing has enjoyed a fabulous year in 2007; the record setting Floyd Mayweather-Oscar De La Hoya bout in May – which broke all Pay-Per-View and live gate records, the thrilling Kelly Pavlik knockout of then undefeated middleweight champion Jermain Taylor in September, followed by Joe Calzaghe’s unthinkable, and dominating, win over formerly undefeated Mikkel Kessler. Still to come is this weekend’s Cotto vs. Mosley match and Floyd Mayweather taking on Ricky Hatton on Dec. 8th.

Boxing is alive and well, and it is a great time for the boxing fan!

Paterson native Kendall Holt, who is still awaiting word from the World Boxing Organization on his appeal in regards to the travesty of a fight against WBO jr. welterweight champion Ricardo Torres, will be honored by the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame as their “Fighter of the Year” at the organization’s Annual dinner and induction ceremonies November 8th, in Garfield.

The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City will host an HBO “Boxing after Dark” on November 17th.
Featuring two of boxing’s best fighters in the 130lb division, undefeated WBO super featherweight champion Joan “Little Tyson” Guzman (27-0, 17 KO’s) will do battle with Humberto Soto (43-5-2, 27 KO’s).
Also seeing action will be undefeated prospects Abner Mares (14-0, 9 KO’s) and Demetrius Hopkins, Bernard’s nephew (27-0-1, 11 KO’s) in separate bouts.

A lot of November boxing action, enjoy the upcoming fights over these next couple of weeks, then have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving! See you again in December.

*Mike Indri can be reached at RBFNJMIKE@aol.com

TAKEDOWN RADIO BROADCASTING FROM AMES, IOWA THIS WEEKEND

Posted on | November 6, 2007 | No Comments

Takedown Radio to Broadcast 2 Shows LIVE from Ames, Iowa Saturday November 10th.

This weekend We take our mobile Brute Adidas Studios on the road for 2 brand new episodes of Takedown Radio as we come to LIVE from Ames, Iowa Saturday November 10th. Takedown Radio is now broadcast on the following internet outlets: Takedownradio.com, KXNO.com, Matchannel.com, Mat-magazine.com. Please be sure to join our live broadcast every Saturday as we talk to the worlds greatest athletes. TDR is available LIVE, Archived and Pod Cast. Visit Takedownradio.com for more details.

We’ll start this broadcast at 9:05 AM 11:00 AM Saturday. Our Guests will Include: Cyclone Wrestling Club President Jeff Murphy, Cyclone Head Coach Cael Sanderson, Cody Sanderson, Tim Hartung and Dylan Long, Paulson Brothers, Kurt Backes. Wrestlers and other folks will join us throughout the day.

Our 2nd broadcast will begin 12 NOON CST to completion of the event.

Join us for this special broadcast LIVE from Ames, Iowa at Takedownradio.com, KXNO.com, Matchannel.com, Mat-magazine.com. Wrestlers and MMA competitors join us each and every week. You should too! TDR is available LIVE, Archived and Pod Cast as well. Visit Takedownradio.com for more details. Thanks for listening!

MORMECK VS. HAYE SHOULD BE A BLOCKBUSTER BOXING EVENT

Posted on | November 6, 2007 | No Comments

WBC number one challenger David Haye has left true carnage in his wake on the climb to the top of the cruiserweight heap but the London slugger must now bring his vaunted power punching to bear upon the true world champion of the division, WBC and WBA Champion Jean-Marc Mormeck as the two clash this Saturday, November 10 on a Don King Productions promotion at Palais des Sport Marcel Cerdan, Levallois-Perret, Paris, France.

Mormeck, 33-3 (21), has savagely defended his position with wins over a superb list of challengers including Virgil Hill, Wayne Braithwaite, Dale Brown and Alexander Gurov while avenging the only loss on his record in the last ten years by defeating O’Neill Bell in a rematch this past March.

But Haye, 19-1 (18), has the firepower as evidenced by a first round destruction in April over 231 pound Polish heavyweight Tomasz Bonin, who came into the fight with Haye at 37-1 and having gone nine rounds with former Olympic Gold Medallist Audley Harrison.

Once the bell rings to start the first round, there will be no quarter given as both men have stated their only intention is to leave the other a twisted wreck upon the canvas in this winner take all world cruiserweight title bout that has “Fight of The Year” written all over it.

A high quality undercard supports the main event as Ali Cheba, 22-0 (16), meets Efren Guerrero, 16-6-3 (12), for the WBC Youth light welterweight crown.

Also on the bill, former WBA light welter champ Souleymane M’baye meets Ameth Diaz, EU light middleweight titlist Christophe Canclaux squares off with ex-IBO king Steve Conway and light welter Olivier Bonine faces Eric Patrac.

Don King Productions presents Jean Marc-Mormeck vs. David Haye for the WBC and WBA Cruiserweight Championship of the world on Saturday, November 10 at Palais des Sport Marcel Cerdan, Levallois-Perret, Paris, France.

Tickets are €190 Ringside VIP, €130 Ringside, €90 Platform and €50 General Admission and can be purchased from FNAC, Carrefour, Printemps and Bon Marche.

Press Release composed by Curtis McCormick for www.wbcboxing.com

EUROPEAN BOXING NEWS: KLITSCHKO VS. IBRAGIMOV ON THE HORIZON

Posted on | November 6, 2007 | No Comments

German daily paper “die Welt” writes that a Wladimir Klitschko vs Sultan Ibragimov IBF and WBO unification bout is in the works for February 23 in New York.

EBU jr light champ Leva Kirakosyan defends the title against Sergey Gulyakevich December 22 in Rome on a OPI 2000 promotion. In the co-features EBU fly king Andrea Sarritzu will defend his title. EBU cruiser ruler Giacobbe Fragomeni is also lined up for a defence.

German veteran Oktay Urkal have reluctantly announced his retirement and will now concentrate on a career as a trainer. Urkal lost only in world title fights to the likes of Kostya Tziu, Vivian Harris and Miguel Cotto fighting at jr welter and welter. Oktay goes out at 42-4 and over 200 amateur fights in a career that was topped by a silver in the 96 Olympics.

Belgian Carmelo Ballone and Eugen Sorin Tanasie from Romania will fight for the vacant EBU bantam title December 14 in La Louviere.

Next upp for Danish cruiser Anders Hugger could be a spot on the undercard to Cantatore vs stable- and sparmate Johny Jensen December 14 in Rome.

Natascha Ragosina takes on Akondaye Fountain December 15 in Dessau when she goes for a fifth belt – WBC – to her collection that already includes WBA, WIBA, GBU and WIBF, all at supermiddle.

Stories on that former WBA and WBC supermiddle champ Mikkel Kessler had some kind of hand injury that prevented him from sparring in the final three weeks leading up to the fight against Joe Calzaghe are apparently true.

Croatian middle Vedran Akrap and Ukrainian Andrei Shimanski clash for the vacant EE-EU title December 21 in Zagreb.

The former bad boy of German boxing, Graciano Roccigiani, have been released from jail from his latest sentence due to good behaviour. “Rocky” will now concentrating on training fighters. Every year – for a few years more – there´s reportedly a hefty check coming in from the WBC – said to be far from the court ordered sum but still not bad.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10 PROMISES TO BE A NIGHT ELITEXC FANS WILL REMEMBER

Posted on | November 6, 2007 | 1 Comment

SENSATIONAL CAGE FIGHT CARD ON SATURDAY, NOV. 10
AT AMERICAN BANK CENTER ARENA
Live on SHOWTIME, 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Corpus Christi, Texas
Nick Diaz, KJ Noons Fight For EliteXC 160-pound World Title;
From Street To Elite — Legendary Internet Fighter Kimbo Slice Makes EliteXC Debut;
Jake Shields Faces Mike Pyle; The Doctor, Seth Kleinbeck Meets Kyle Noke,
“Big Foot’’ Silva Returns Versus Wiezorek In ‘Renegade’ On SHOWTIME
LOS ANGELES (Nov. 6, 2007) — The America Bank Center Arena in Corpus Christi, Tex., will rock like it never has before when Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, presents “EliteXC: Renegade’’ this Saturday, Nov. 10, on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

“We’re all very excited about doing our first show in Corpus Christi,’’ Shaw said. “I hope fans are ready for ‘Renegade’ because this is going to be a tremendous event.

“One great thing about EliteXC fights is that you just can’t point to one corner or the other beforehand and say, ‘this guy is going to win.’ My fighters know they all have to fight and they are all going to have to fight to win on Saturday.

“Texas fans in attendance and those watching on SHOWTIME are in for a real exciting night of fights in the cage.’’

What will be an emotional, memorable, hotly contested main event will feature an EliteXC world title fight in a new weight class – 160 pounds — between talented, crowd-pleasing Nick Diaz (15-6) of Stockton, Calif., and exciting, hard-hitting KJ Noons (4-1) of San Diego.

In an eagerly awaited match on the undercard, Kimbo Slice will make his EliteXC debut. A legendary underground bare-knuckle fighter, Kimbo became an overnight pop-culture sensation when his fighting videos were posted on various video sites throughout the Internet. His videos have been downloaded in excess of 10 million times – and counting — on YouTube.

Kimbo (1-0), of Miami, Fla., will be opposed by Bo “Redrum’’ Cantrell (10-10) of Citrus Heights, Calif. (10-10). Cantrell is a replacement for Mike Bourke, who broke his clavicle during training and withdrew. In March 2006, Cantrell scored a 1:05, first-round TKO over Bourke.

“What I really love about Kimbo is his work ethic and his attitude,’’ Shaw said. “He has the mentality of a real fighter. He doesn’t care who he fights. He doesn’t care about weight, height, if they’re southpaw or orthodox, he’s here to fight.

“I do believe Kimbo has the ability to be the heavyweight world champion in boxing, as I do believe he has the ability under (trainer) Bas (Rutten) to be the world champion in MMA in probably several weight classes.’’

A compelling co-feature Saturday will match a Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu against an Xtreme Couture fighter when streaking, world-ranked welterweight, Jake Shields (19-4-1), of San Francisco, faces the always-dangerous Mike “Quicksand” Pyle (14-4-1), of Dresden, Tenn.

Shields is trained by Gracie; Pyle is coached by Couture.

In other SHOWTIME-televised fights, Kyle “KO’’ Noke (13-3-1), the bodyguard of the late “Crocodile Hunter’’ Steve Irwin, will make his EliteXC debut in a 185-pound fight against “Doctor” Seth “Mass Destruction’’ Kleinbeck (8-3) of Ozark, Ark., and Brazil’s Antonio “Big Foot’’ Silva (8-1) returns to the cage for the first time in nine months against Jonathan Wiezorek (11-1).

Saturday’s scheduled non-televised, undercard fights that will be available on ProElite.com the week of Nov. 12 include: Geoff Bumstead (2-1) of Corpus Christi vs. Robert Ruiz (1-0) of Corpus Christi, at 265 pounds; Yves Edwards (29-13-1) of Woodlands, Tex., vs. Nick Gonzalez (13-5) of Austin, Tex., at 160 pounds; Jon Kirk (10-1) of Houston vs. Matt Lucas (7-0) at 185 pounds; Ralph Kelly (6-1) of San Antonio vs. Brett Rogers (5-0) at 265 pounds; and Jae Sok Lim (7-2) vs. Lane Yarbrough (6-4) of Huntsville, Tex., at 170 pounds.

With the exception of Diaz-Noon, which is scheduled for five, 5-minute rounds, the fights are three, 5-minute rounds. The event will begin at 7 p.m. CT. Doors open at 6 o’clock.

Tickets in all price ranges, starting at $25, are available at the American Bank Center Box Office and all TicketMaster locations. They also may be obtained at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (361) 881-8499. Any ticket buyer may purchase a $50 VIP Package Upgrade, which includes VIP parking and post-fight party at the American Bank Center.

The talented, well-schooled Diaz (nickdiaz.proelite.com) has phenomenal Jiu-Jitsu and cardio. A major player in MMA and one of its most recognizable and popular figures, the wily Diaz, 24, always enters the ring in exceptional condition and makes for exciting scraps.

Diaz is making his second consecutive start on SHOWTIME and first since signing a long-term contract extension with EliteXC.

A Brazilian black belt and loyal student of Cesar Gracie, Diaz made his EliteXC debut on “Uprising” Sept. 15, 2007, in Hawaii. In an exhausting, bloody, give-and-take slugfest, he scored a thrilling, three-round split decision over hard-trying Mike Aina.

A fierce, confident competitor, the six-foot southpaw Diaz survived an early knockdown and a cut right eye to outpoint the local favorite by the scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 28-29.

Shortly after his first start in six months, Diaz flew to Las Vegas to watch his brother, Nate, fight. Nick barely had made off the plane before he was taken to a hospital where he would spend a week for a severe staph infection that he contacted a few days before the bout with Aina.

“I felt pretty crappy in my match in Hawaii, but I figured I was suffering from jet lag or from something I had eaten the night before,’’ Diaz said. “When I left Hawaii, I was getting chills and had to be covered with several blankets on the plane. I kept having cold sweats.

“By the time I got to Vegas, the infection had ballooned up so I went to a hospital and was admitted right away. I started getting my strength back the last few days in the hospital.

“But I definitely won that fight with Aina and people that think otherwise; well, I do not know what they were watching. If we ever fight again, I will tap him out.’’

The outspoken, brutally honest Diaz recuperated quickly enough to compete in a triathlon for a second consecutive year. “I ended up taking second place,’’ he said. “I lost first by seven minutes due to a poor swim. I couldn’t get much swim practice because I was in the hospital.’’

Diaz has fought some of the sport’s biggest names in an illustrious six-year career. In perhaps his most unforgettable performance, a battered, bruised and bloodied Diaz rallied from the brink of defeat to score an impressive, legendary gogoplata submission victory over then-consensus No. 1 lightweight contender, Takanori Gomi (takanorigomi.proelite.com), in a 2007 Fight of the Year candidate that wound up going into the books as a no contest.

“I am looking forward to getting back in the cage on Saturday,’’ Diaz said.

Noons (kjnoons.proelite.com), who is also a professional boxer, is coming off a smashing third-round knockout over Edson Berto on July 27, 2007, at Santa Ynez, Calif. Despite fracturing his left hand in the opening minutes, Noons would go on to mostly dominate the favored Berto.

In a scintillating finish to a thrilling encounter on ShoXC: The Elite Challenger Series on SHOWTIME, Noons wore down Berto, then dropped him with a devastating right knee to the face. Noons followed the knockdown with a right hand and right elbow to the face before the referee stepped in and halted the proceedings 45 seconds into the round.

The victory was monumental for Noons, who had been knocked out by “Krazy Horse’’ Charles Bennett in his outing before last (Feb. 10, 2007, the debut telecast of EliteXC on SHOWTIME).

“I had to prove I was better, which is why I put in so much time and sweat and blood preparing for Berto,” Noons said. “It wasn’t easy, but I made it look easy. It definitely helped me put the ‘Krazy Horse’ fight behind me. I got a lot off my shoulders with that fight.’’

The victory earned Noons a berth in the initial EliteXC lightweight championship fight. “The thing about EliteXC is I knew if I was winning, I would eventually get a title shot,” Noons said. “In EliteXC, the people who fight actually earn (the right).’’

A fighter who has never turned down a challenge, Noons is confident of an upset. “This is for a world title,’’ he said. “I’ll be ready. I wasn’t impressed with Nick’s last performance. This is a good match-up. He’s the No. 1 guy in the world; he beat Gomi. I’m just glad to have the opportunity to have a chance to be fighting someone of his caliber.

“I have nothing to lose, everything to gain. He’s great on the ground. I’m not, but I work hard at the ground game. I don’t plan on trying for a submission. I’ll just be trying to stop him.

“Nick is probably going to try and stand and then take it to the ground to finish it. I want to make it a fight. The way I fight, every fight is exciting and a war. I’m going in to win. I won’t be letting down. It’s going to be head-to-head. I think fighting at 160 is good for both of us.’’

Kimbo (kimboslice.proelite.com), aka Kevin Ferguson, is a big, scary-looking, intimidating heavyweight who developed an astonishing following on the Internet due to his famous “unsanctioned” backyard fights.

Lest you think he is not serious about MMA, however, forget it.

“I am totally committed,’’ Kimbo said. “I’m for real at this and not short term, but long term. I am not a novelty act. I mean business. I am coming to bring the noise. I work extremely hard. There are critics who don’t think I can do this, but I am going to prove them all wrong.”

Kimbo, who possesses pretty solid standup, defeated former world boxing heavyweight champion “Merciless’’ Ray Mercer via guillotine submission in his MMA debut June 23, 3007.

One individual who liked what he saw was Rutten, an MMA legend and one of the sport’s all-time great trainers.

“I was way more than impressed with his fight,’’ Rutten said. “He did his homework and worked the game plan to perfection. I write game plans. I told Kimbo, ‘these are the things you have to focus on. If you do, you’re not going to be in trouble, but you have to hit every point.’

“Normally, guys go for something then forget it. Kimbo took the game plan, kept it and kept working on the points. He’s a sponge and wants to learn. He comes in on time and doesn’t complain. He’ll do everything you say. Things you teach him today, he remembers tomorrow.’’

Kimbo, who weighed 239 ½ pounds, a weight much lower than he had anticipated, shot in early on Mercer. After a barrage of elbow, Muay Thai knees and combination punches, Kimbo was able to tap out Mercer at 1:10.

Fans and critics alike were impressed – and shocked — by the brawler’s ability to pull off such a skillful submission technique

“I’ve worked really hard on my wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu.’’ Kimbo said. “It hasn’t been easy. I’ve never trained as hard. Training has never been as intense. I don’t think any other trainers can match what Bas puts us through. But I couldn’t ask for better guys to work with.

“They push me to the limit. When I feel like quitting, they literally beat me down and it’s hard to get a person that’s willing to beat me down. I have more respect for them than anything.

“I get frustrated, but it’s frustration that drives me. I’m determined. I will not be denied.’’

Since converting to the cage, Kimbo’s universe has been altered dramatically. “My life’s definitely changed, but it has all been for the better — mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually,’’ he said. “I’m more patient and dedicated to things that are more important.’’

Regarding his premium television debut, Kimbo said, “With EliteXC on SHOWTIME, everyone’s got a chance to watch. SHOWTIME is a household deal. Anybody who has a TV should have SHOWTIME. They’re going to see what hard work, sacrifice and dedication will do for you.’’

On his incredible fan base, Kimbo said, “I love the fans. They respect me and I respect them. They show me love and I show love back. I know what they want and I’m going to give them what they want. They want to see me come in and bang and I’m coming in to bang.

“The fans know that anyone that comes my way, they better be prepared to bring it.’’

The six-foot-one-inch Cantrell is a former Marine and five-time Gladiator Challenge heavyweight titlist. The hard-hitting Cantrell is not accustomed to putting in a full night’s work. His last eight fights have ended in the first round, and 11 of his last 13 have ended inside two.

Cantrell will be making his second start on SHOWTIME. In his debut, he lost to Tim Persey on EliteXC’s “Destiny” on Feb. 10, 2007.

Like Kimbo, Cantrell is no stranger to underground fights. “I had my share of them in Oregon before getting a shot at the real shows,’’ Cantrell said.

Despite the short notice, Cantrell (bocantrell.proelite.com) is coming to win. “To beat Kimbo would give my career a gigantic boost,’’ he said.

Shields, 28, has won eight straight and nine of 10. Unbeaten since December 2004, he has defeated the likes of current UFC middleweight contender Yushin Okami, former UFC middleweight champion Dave Menne and current WEC welterweight champion Carlos Condit.

Known for technical grappling and amazing cardio, the lifelong vegetarian captured the Shooto Championship in 2004 and won the Rumble on the Rock Grand Prix Tournament in ‘05.

In his last start, Shields (jakeshields.proelite.com) scored a surprisingly easy first-round knockout over BJ Penn’s Renato “Charuto’’ Verissimo on “Uprising.’’ The referee stopped the fight at 4:00 with Shields on top of Verissimo and landing a series of unanswered punches.

“That fight went pretty good,’’ the highly regarded Shields said. “I came in and threw a couple kicks, a couple punches and ended up getting in the clinch. He ended up tripping me and taking me down but I didn’t want to be on bottom so I bounced right back up

“From there we were in the clinch and I took him down, opened up his guard and passed, got mount, and started raining down punches on him.’’

A beast at welterweight, Shields has a lot of respect for Pyle.

“Mike is really good,’’ Shields said. “I’ve been watching his tapes and he is really well rounded. He has good standup, a good ground game and cardio, but I think I’m going to be too much for him. I think it will take a little longer to wear him down, but eventually I’ll break him.’’

Pyle, 21, who trains out of Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, will be seeking his third consecutive victory. In his last outing, Pyle recorded an impressive, unanimous decision over Aaron Wetherspoon on the June 22 “Shamrock vs. Baroni” undercard at San Jose, Calif.

In his start before last, Pyle registered a 1:55, first-round submission (rear naked choke hold) over Ross Ebanez on the historic EliteXC “DESTINY’’ undercard on Feb. 10, 2007.

Pyle (mikepyle.proelite.com), who has experience in Tae Kwon Do, judo, karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, has been in against tough, risky opposition and is back to fighting at 170 pounds (down from 185). The drop in weight has proven to be an excellent move.

“A fight with Shields has been talked about for months, and now that it is here, I am really looking forward to it,’’ Pyle said. “I think my striking is a bit sharper than his and I feel I’m a physically stronger athlete, but he might possibly have an edge on me with the wrestling.’’

A five-month layoff is not a concern. “My preparation has been excellent,” said Pyle, who’s defeated the likes of welterweight star Jon Fitch and Shonie Carter. “The inactivity didn’t bother me. It gave me some time off to work on my game. I don’t suffer from ring rust because I train with top athletes.

“Five months off is nothing for me. I always come back just as strong if not better. Beating Jake will be a good step for me. This is going to be a good show.’’

At first glance, Kleinbeck, of Stuttgart, Ark., seems like an average, easy-going young man. He has been married 16 years, has two children and is a licensed physician who practices emergency and family medicine in his home state and has family offices in Ozark and Waldron.

Kleinbeck, 34, is anything but typical, however. The most well educated man in MMA, he is “Dr. Kleinbeck’’ to his patients but he’s “Mass Destruction” to MMA fans. No, Kleinbeck is not known for his bedside manner inside the cage, which may be a shock to his patients.

The exciting, aggressive-minded Kleinbeck possesses solid striking power, comes to win and produces excellent scraps. Along with carrying plenty of strength and a devastating punch, Kleinbeck boasts a sharp kick attack that sends many of his opponents limping to the mat.

All his victories have ended inside the distance. In his SHOWTIME debut, Kleinbeck (sethkleinbeck.proelite.com) knocked out Jaime Jara (16-6) in the second round with a picture-perfect left-right combination at 4:59 in Vicksburg, Miss., on July 27, 2007.

“There was no doubt the fight was over,” said Kleinbeck after dealing Jara — a champion at one time or another in four Gladiator Challenge weight classes — his first loss in three years. “I caught him perfectly. This is probably my best win and I’m obviously happy.

“I was surprised he tried to box for as long as he did. I figured he would be trying to take me down. I kicked him so hard I think I might have broken my left foot.”

Kleinbeck graduated from the University of Arkansas College of Medicine with a MD in 2001. But don’t let the higher education fool you. A fighter skilled in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling and wrestling, he is dedicated to becoming a MMA star.

The mauling medic has a 1,200 square foot gym by his house. “It’s at the end of my driveway,’’ he said. “I’ve got weight and cardio equipment and a 15×20 matted grappling area.’’

Kleinbeck, who started his MMA training during his last year of medical school, has experience and a successful record but, aside from Jara, has faced mostly lesser competition.

A doctor knows his body though and Kleinbeck sees good days ahead. “If you’ve got a young body and you haven’t had a lot of injuries you could fight deep into your 30s,” he said. “I’d hate to get out of fighting without getting in the ring with somebody in the top 10.”

Kleinbeck, who has been known to assist commissions in administrating pre-fight physicals (he once gave a physical to his opponent), knows he cannot afford to overlook any foe.

“Every fight is important,’’ he said. “I want to step up to the next level, but I have to beat who they put in front of me first. Noke has fought a couple tough guys. He is a well-rounded fighter who does everything really good. There is no way I look past him or anybody.’’

Noke (kylenoke.proelite.com), of Queensland, Australia, by way of Sydney, trains at the Australian Zoo, which was started by Irvin. The Irwin family built an MMA cage for him so he could train while working at the Zoo as a security guard.

Considered by some to be one of the best pound-for-pound mixed martial artists in Australia, the well-conditioned, six-foot-two-inch 27-year-old has won titles in multiple weight classes since getting involved in MMA at the age of 22.

A well-rounded fighter who does not have any glaring weaknesses, Noke is 5-1-1 in his last seven starts. In his most recent outing and lone effort in 2007, he fought to a three-round draw with top Judoka and former PRIDE fighter Hector Lombard on July 28, 2007.

Noke, who may be most effective when he can counter, has fought the majority of his fights at 170 pounds. But his last three outings have been at 185.

Silva, who is six-feet-four and has weighed upwards of 300 pounds, is hard to miss. But do not blink once he enters the cage. All but one of his victories has come by knockout. None of his fights have gone one full round.

One of the most talked-about and feared up-and-comers in MMA, Silva’s freakish size is matched with brute strength and surprising speed, brutal ground and pound striking skills. Factor in that he also is surprisingly nimble-footed and effectively combines Shotokan Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and you seemingly have all of the ingredients of a future superstar

Nicknamed “Bigfoot’’ for his huge, intimidating stature, Silva scored a 3:49, first-round TKO (strikes) over Wesley “Cabbage” Correira on Feb. 10, 2007, on SHOWTIME.

The victory came in his first start since suffering his only pro loss on a controversial first-round TKO to Eric Pele on Dec. 12, 2006. “I don’t know what the referee was thinking when he stopped the fight,’’ Silva said. “I was doing fine, biding my time, waiting for the moment Pele would slow down because I knew he was getting tired. But the referee decided to call the fight.’’

Silva (antoniosilva.proelite.com), who is dropping down in weight, is looking to continue his rise, but he understands it won’t be easy. “Wiezorek is a good fighter who wants to take the fight to the mat because he’s good at submissions,’’ he said. “But I’m training very well and have a good strategy that will surprise him if he goes to take me down.

“Physically, I am great. I don’t have to worry about him. He has to worry about me. It has been eight months since I last fought. I am very hungry for a victory.’’

A winner of five straight, Wiezorek will be fighting for the first time since registering a second-round TKO (strikes) over Tim Persey on June 2, 2007, at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

“That was a great experience for me,” Wiezorek (jonathanwiezorek.proelite.com) said.

The six-foot-three-inch Wiezorek came out working Persey with punches and knees, trying to force him down. A grappler, Wiezorek’s strength lies on the mat, where he tries to get all his opponents. “If I could get a guy to the ground, I have a great chance to win the fight.”

Wiezorek put down Persey for good early in the second, got his back and threw punches until the ref stepped in. It was his eighth submission victory. Also a master of avoiding damage, Wiezorek’s victories have mostly come in the first round by various chokes.

Mauro Ranallo will call the cageside action with former wrestling superstar Bill Goldberg and Stephen Quadros, The Fight Professor, serving as color analysts. The executive producer of the telecast is David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.

About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite Inc. [PELE.PK] delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA with the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters [elitexc.com]. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of mixed martial arts enthusiasts. In addition to streaming the most exciting live fights to the web, ProElite expands the fan base of the sport by providing a comprehensive set of online social networking tools for fans, fighters and organizations. ProElite.com – Empowering the Fight Community TM

About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME® TOO™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE® and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND™ and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME® PPV.