Elite XC Has 1st Show

Elite XC finally debuted on Showtime (the cable channel in the US that airs The L Word and Dexter, among other edgy programs). The main event being hyped for several weeks was supposedly the continuation of a family rivalry. Royce Gracie choked out Ken Shamrock using his gi at the inaugural UFC pay-per-view. Years later, Ken and Royce fought to a time-limit draw. Ken's brother Frank knocked out Cesar Gracie at Strikeforce 11 months ago. Last Saturday night, Elite XC wished to remind viewers of these matches by bringing out Frank Shamrock, former UFC middleweight champion, to fight Renzo Gracie, former ADCC champion and Pride veteran. As the main event started, Frank controlled the stand-up portion until Renzo took him down twice, seemingly with ease and controlled the match from there. This repeated once again in round 2. Unfortunately Shamrock kneed Gracie twice in the back of the head from beneath the side mount. This gave Renzo a concussion but was also illegal in all U.S. state atheletic commissions. Frank Shamrock was subsequently disqualified ending the main event of the first Elite XC show anticlimactically. (Knees and soccer kicks to a downed opponent are legal over in Japan at Pride FC, however.)

Fortunately one of the undercard matches really stood out. For what may be a first in a major US MMA promotion, a women's match was held. The mostly stand-up affair was between Julie Kedzie and a surprisingly easy-on-the-eyes Gina Carano. Carano, a Muay Thai practitioner, won via unanimous decision.

Click here or here for full results and photos of Elite XC Destiny.