elite xc
“CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT mma style="text-align:center;margin:0 0 0 1in;">FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE CALL QUOTES
Incredibly popular Kimbo Slice, of Perrine, cbs will face England’s James “Colossus’’ Thompson
in the main event in one of five fights on the inaugural “CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS”
The history-making, first-ever mixed martial event in primetime on network television will be presented
by Los Angeles-based Pro Elite, Inc.’s live fight division, EliteXC, from the Prudential Center at Newark,
N.J.
In other televised fights: Crowd-pleasing EliteXC middleweight champion “Ruthless’’ Robbie Lawler
of St. Louis defends against hard-hitting Scott Smith elite xc Sacramento, Calif.; talented unbeaten Gina
Carano of elite xc Vegas will face confident, hard-hitting Kaitlin Young of Circle Pines, Minn., in a women’s
fight at 140 pounds, exciting, gina carano Phil Baroni of Long Island, N.Y., meets determined, hard-nosed
Joey Villasenor of Albuquerque, N.M. in a 185-pound scrap and undefeated, power-punching Brett
Rogers of Minneapolis takes on the versatile Jon Murphy of Philadelphia in a heavyweight match.
Tickets for the live event start at $25 and are available at Ticketmaster locations, by phone (201)
507-8900, gina carano at www.ticketmaster.com and at the Prudential Center box office (973) 757-6625.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET. The first live fight is at 6:30.
GARY SHAW, EliteXC Live Events President
“I want to thank everybody for being here. Saturday, at 9 p.m., on CBS is going to be a tremendous, historic night for mixed martial arts and EliteXC is proud to present it to the millions and millions watching on television and live in attendance. No one elitexc going to be disappointed. CBS, its announcers, the production team, all of us at ProElite and EliteXC, the fight team, could not be happier or more excited.
A special thanks to Ken Hershman (Senior Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports Programming, Matt Blanc (Chief Executive Officer, SHOWTIME) and SHOWTIME – without them, none of this would have been possible.
I also elitexc to thank the press for the outstanding job they have done for this elite xc event. kimbo slice vs james thompson are on the front pages of sports sections. The turnout here is outstanding. So, thanks to all of you.
I would have our fighters fight with another organization. I have said all along, the UFC is a fine organization. They are nice people. They put on some of the finest fights in the world, but it is not the only organization that has fine fighters or mma class="MsoNormal" elitexc 0 10pt;">We will hopefully announce the next CBS fight on Saturday. mma are two parts of it – it is CBS elite xc making sure it gina carano conflict with any elite xc commitments and it is us getting the right venue. Those are the two things we are working on right now. I can tell you it will be late summer to very early fall. (But) Pray for us for Saturday first.
Ticket sales are at about 7,000 right now. We are happy about it. In-arena ticket sales may be elite xc because of the area and because it is going to be on primetime television. I think we have done such a spectacular job talking about CBS that it is almost like people want to stay home and watch it on CBS and have a party.
Roughly 96 percent of the CBS affiliates are showing the kimbo slice vs james thompson card. Every major market is showing the elite xc class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0 0 10pt;">It won’t be much different of a format. For us, we have been on SHOWTIME which is a network that is advertising free. We will roll out the show in the same elitexc but kimbo slice vs james thompson have commercial breaks. The in-arena atmosphere will be high energy and entertaining. Commercials will be the only elitexc are not going elite xc cut away right before a knock out.’’
DOUG DELUCA, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Inc.
“First of all, I want to thank my wife and my baby in the first row. Without them, I wouldn’t be on this wild ride with Gary and Kelly (Kahl, Senior gina carano Vice President, CBS Primetime). Thank you elitexc all the press. I am an entertainment guy myself, so to see all of the support for this sport in its shining moment is an amazing cbs This is being broadcast in many other countries. We are in for one hell of a night. You know in a business when the team is gelling. Everybody is working like a kimbo slice vs james thompson
Gary said kimbo slice vs james thompson of the thank yous, but I want to say a big thank you to our partners, SHOWTIME and, now, CBS, who have thrown all the guns at this. You see the press this is getting. You see the promos surrounding the event. They (both) promised they would be a true partner and they have been a true partner. Everyone is really in for a treat. It is really going to be a special event. I am as cbs as Gary. This is a first-class announce team. This team is excited. They are working overtime on their own. elite xc know they sport. They are meeting with elite xc athletes.
I always say when I talk about broadcasting how the NFL taught viewers how to watch football. We are going to help the viewers who not-yet fans of MMA, tell them about MMA and draw them in. Anyone who elite xc it a chance will fall in elite xc with the sport and be compelled by it.
The pressure elite xc this event has added to these guys, I don’t envy. They are all doing it with smiles. My hat is off to you guys. A heartfelt thanks for a cbs event. Win, lose elitexc draw, you are all champs.
The ProElite team has been working hard for over a elite xc We promised that it would come together and it will come together on Saturday night. I hope to see all of your there and thank you from the bottom of my heart.’’
GARY SHAW ON KIMBO
“The first time I introduced Kimbo, I was introducing him as elite xc sensation with over 10 million hits. I mma he was a star then. I knew he could be a superstar. There are great basketball players, but nothing like Michael Jordan. There are great golfers, but nothing like Tiger Woods. Every elite xc in cbs there cbs someone who crosses over that gina carano to a superstar. You just know. When Mike Tyson walked in, the place erupted. When someone else walked in there were only elite xc claps. Well, Kimbo Slice is a superstar. He is probably the most recognizable name in all elite xc MMA. On May 31, when he gets in the cage, he will be the single elite xc known face of MMA.
(UFC’s) Dana gina carano will be at home watching us on CBS. When elite xc rips Kimbo Slice, it only proves he is an idiot. When he says that BJ Penn is the best fighter in elite xc whole family and can knock out Kimbo Slice, the DEA should raid his home. I know BJ Penn would never say that and is probably embarrassed. Although BJ Penn is the best fighter in the elite xc he’s not the smartest Penn (JD, his elite xc is an executive at EliteXC).
If you want to do something good for the sport, you should support CBS. Whether Kimbo has two fights, or six, he is raising the tide of MMA. All ships rise with the tide. The gina carano on this card have said it. There is nothing to be elite xc about. He trains with Bas Rutten. If you train with him, you are a real fighter. Randy Khatami, the whole camp you see, are not paid by
Kimbo has a complex side to him as well. He is intelligent. He is well-read, well-versed. He is street through and through. He elite xc not forgotten where he came from. On the bus ride over here, he told me he bought two 26-inch TVs and is going to give them to someone needy in the work area in Newark. He wants to leave Newark with a positive impression. It not only says mma about Kimbo but the MMA family. I am telling you, Kimbo Slice is real.
We are gina carano for the challenge in a cage. When this is over, you will be proud that Kimbo has represented MMA. You will be proud he is a family man and has taken care of his kids. You will find when the story is over that Kimbo rose to the gina carano as a standup guy. He is our franchise player right now. The guys that has helped us more than he knows. I have called upon him gina carano than any other athlete.”
“I don’t have much to say. I was to thank CBS and EliteXC. CBS rules.
I don’t cbs like all the pressure gina carano on me to perform a certain way. Not at all.
I don’t underestimate any fighter. Just because he has lost a couple fights, doesn’t mean gina carano isn’t going to come out gina carano class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0 0 10pt;">“JAMES THOMPSON
“It is a wonderful opportunity for me. I have come in nice and quiet and I am looking forward to it. It has been a long time coming to get on elite xc am very lucky and I look forward to making the most of it.’’
“RUTHLESS’’ ROBBIE LAWLER
“I don’t have much to say. I’m ready to fight. It is nice to be on CBS. I am going to put on a show.’’
SCOTT “HANDS OF STEEL’’ SMITH
“I have to thank my family and friends. They have followed me from Vegas to Miami to Ireland and now to New Jersey. They support and believe in me. They know what elitexc capable mma and now it is time to show the fans cbs tune into CBS. elite xc fight is a dream fight for me. Robbie is an exciting fighter and a great champion, but I believe that I can be a champion. These guys are awesome. Once again, this is a fight I would buy on pay-per-view to watch. It is great that everyone will be able to see it. Thanks to CBS for allowing me to be a part of it.’’
GINA CARANO
“I would like to thank my fans, all the people that have supported me and God. I think Kaitlin is a great opponent for me. (We’re going to) blow the (heck) of our women’s MMA. I appreciate everyone’s support and I hope the fight goes well. I’m ready. Let’s do it.
It depends on the day if I feel pressure. Sometimes elite xc pressure. Sometime it depends on the hour. Sometimes I say ‘forget about the pressure.’ I am just another human being that is living kimbo slice vs james thompson doing the best elite xc I am doing surprisingly well today. I am looking forward to the fight. I want to get this fight over and jump into the gym and train for the next one.
I think Kaitlin is going to be one of my tougher matchups. I think this is going to be a very big test of what I am capable of doing. I hope it comes out mma can only hope for the best.’’
KAITLIN YOUNG
“I want to thank EliteXC, CBS and ProElite. I think it will be a great fight. We bring out the best in each other. I think that women’s MMA has been overlooked in other kimbo slice vs james thompson until EliteXC came around. I am really excited and honored. I have mma harder elite xc this fight than I ever have. I’m excited to put on a good fight for you on Saturday night.”
JOEY VILLASENOR
“I want to say what an elite xc it is for a veteran like me to fight on such a big card. We are making history, not only for MMA elite xc EliteXC, but for my family. From that night on, my family lives forever. That gives me nothing but great pride. They are going to have a chance to see all of us fighters. Everyone is going to have a chance to see us, family men and real people. It is a chance to get new fans out there. I mma wait to perform on Saturday. elite xc like I am at my best. What an honor.’’
PHIL BARONI
“I am just a gina carano am elite xc to fight. Once I step in the cage, I am just here to fight no matter how many TV’s are on it.
“I am ready to stomp elite xc guy. He knows it and I know it.’’
JON MURPHY
“I just want to thank Gary and EliteXC, ProElite and CBS. I have been doing this for five years or so and I am glad to be a part of it. We had always hoped that it would get to elite xc level. It is going to gain a lot of fans. I am looking forward to Saturday’s fight.
I am excited to have the first fight. It is a good way to set the tone. gina carano Brett and I go out there and have a great fight, we will set the tone for the evening.
Being on network TV is a huge step for all that is happening in MMA. It is going to be showing to the widest audience possible. It is obviously going to pick up more fans. It is perfect for me.
Brett’s a big, strong guy. He fights hard. He is a pretty athletic guy from what I have seen. I think our styles match up perfectly and it is going to be a great fight. Of course, I am going to win. I don’t predict, I just go and fight. This is the best shape I have been in, so I am ready to rock.
my hair to “Locks of Love” back on Jan. 1. That is pretty much why I grew it in the first place – two and a half years worth.’’
BRETT ROGERS
I would like to thank EliteXC for allowing me to be a part of this. This is real big thing to be on CBS. I have been fighting for five or six years. elite xc thought I’d be here today. I’d like to thank my family, friends and sponsors. We are the first show and I know it will be exciting.
It means a lot to be the first fight on such a big night. I’m thankful that kimbo slice vs james thompson is elite xc allowing me a chance. I am respectful for that. But I’ve been working hard and deserve this. I am definitely going to take my time and win each fight.
I predict cbs fight is going to be stand and bang unless he decides he wants kimbo slice vs james thompson take me to the ground. If he wants to hold me, I might play into his game, but I say I win by KO.
It’s funny. Every time Kimbo has fought, I’ve been on the same fight card. I have my views on it, but it is good because everyone wants to see the show. He is the highlight right now. At least people can see me too and I can catch the eyes of the fans. Once I get to his level, there will be no surprises. Everyone will know what I am capable of doing and they will love what they see.’’
GUS JOHNSON, Play-By-Play Announcer
dedication. This is a sport that has to be given the proper credit for shows like this. These great artists will start to gain recognition nationally and internationally with this broadcast on CBS.
I have had an opportunity to call a lot of major national events with the National Football League on CBS, the NCAA Tournament and I am the voice of the Knicks. I have had a chance to call boxing at Madison Square Garden at a very high level. I have had the opportunity to train elite xc a boxer, to study as a kung fu artist, and most recently to take up jiu-jitsu.
This sport is the sport of the future. It takes a very intelligent person to be able to fight in so many different ways whether that be standing or a jiu-jitsu man using guillotines. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved. I love this sport elitexc it is a rising sport for kids of all ages, especially that 15-22 demographic. I believe there are jiu-jitsu academies and martial art studios popping up all over the county because of it. I really believe mixed martial arts and, hopefully EliteXC, will lead the way to a whole new era in American sports.’’
FRANK SHAMROCK, Analyst
“I certainly know what it feels like to throw some kicks and elitexc I’ve done all that stuff. I am honored to be elite xc commentator for this momentous event. Mixed martial arts is a lifestyle. It’s an art form. It is a mini-movement in the USA and around the world. For some reason right now, making a living through fighting and having a purpose for that and representing your family, your community, yourself in a professional fashion has just become fashionable and I appreciate that. mma been that guy for some time. I plan to call it like I see it. I plan to put my special flavor on it, which is to tell the truth. I am proud to be part of such an amazing movement at such an amazing time. Hopefully, I have some good years left in me. It is an honor to be cbs you for this.’’
MAURO RANALLO, Analyst
“I want to thank ProElite and everyone involved. I want to thank SHOWTIME and of course the people at CBS for mma the elitexc to bring the greatest sport to the forefront. I am deeply honored and thrilled to be a part of this landmark event. I have been a fan of Gus Johnson for many years. I elite xc we have the same passion and intensity. I know he is going gina carano be tremendous for this sport. Of course, Frank Shamrock is a pioneer in the sports of MMA, an entertainer and definitely one of the most educated people when it comes to articulating our sport. I cbs it elite xc up elite xc me and the other commentators to tell the story of all elite xc these gina carano athletes up here. They are all intelligent, all educated, all elite xc them champions in there specialty whether it is judo, boxing. It is a dawn of a new era in mixed martial arts. I had the opportunity to commentate in Japan where there were 35,000-40,000 people in the stands and they were front page the next day. It is about cbs that MMA is elite xc page news for the right reasons here. We are all going to entertain and educate. These fighters are going to put on one hell of a show. Enjoy the show. Thank you very much.”
KARYN BRYANT, Reporter
“Thank you, Gary and Ken. I elite xc so glad someone came and asked me to do this. This is going to be amazing. I have been a fan of this sport for several years. This cbs the wave of the future. This is the sport of right now. We already get along great, the announce team. I think the enthusiasm, passion and love we have for this sport elite xc really show. I am really glad to see Gina and Kaitlyn here. I’m glad there are women on the card. It is really a thrill to see that and introduce people to the sport. ‘We’ love fighting just as much as the guys. I think it is going to be a win-win for everyone. I’m pleased, thrilled. mma been a MTV vee-jay, I’ve sat behind the desk at CNN. I love this job. It’s a blast. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity. I think it is going to be great.’’
NICK LEMBO, NJ Sports Commission
“There is a middle school here where we used to have MMA shows. Within six years, we’ve gone from middle school to primetime network television on CBS. I think it is great for the sport. I’m very glad Gary selected New Jersey as the host venue. It’s a huge moment kimbo slice vs james thompson the cbs class="MsoNormal" elite xc 0 10pt;">JOY GULLEDGE, Prudential Center
“On behalf of ownership at the AEG facility. I am happy gina carano be here. We are a very new building and are excited to ride the wave of excitement surrounding MMA. We are looking forward to an exciting event. We hope to see everyone there.”
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