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[foundstarr]

I wanted to start a thread where we could discuss something a little different about the CBS deal with EXC.

What I mean is, EXC's production value has never been the greatest IMO. They do some strange things in between fights ie rappers, dancing girls, etc. Also Goldberg is not a very talented commentator, hes a fan and a big one, but he gets way to excited and forgets things. Also he says some very off things from time to time.

So is this the face of MMA we want to show the world for the first time on major network TV?
I wanted to discuss the pros and cons of having EXC be the first really recognized face of MMA to the casual fan.(also the random channel flipper who comes across CBS that night.)
From our perspective(the hardcore fan).

[Krazikarl]

CBS will probably force EliteXC to clean up their presentation a bit, so thats good. The major problem is that EliteXC's greatest strength was its ability to work with other promotions to get talent into shows. I dont think that they will be allowed to do that (at least not as much) since the CBS deal applies to only them. EliteXC just doesnt have the talent to regularily put on shows that represent MMA well to the masses. This first card they have is essentially an IFL level card, and we all know how well people responded to that. Also, EliteXC will surely be pushing their big names (Kimbo, Lawler) as some of the best fighters in the world of MMA, which isnt true, but lots of people will believe it. Its not a good thing that a company will be convincing people that the likes of Kimbo is the apex of MMA.

Kimbo is nice and all, but I'm also pretty sure that you dont want him representing your sport if you want legitimacy. Lets be real: he is still best known as a street fighter. Yet he is EliteXC's face and all that, and having a street fighter be the big name on MMA's first network card is also not good.

So, all in all, I'm pretty pessimistic about this deal. I was really hoping that EliteXC would splurge for at least the first show and get some big talent, but they didnt. In the end with cards like they actually got this first time, I think that this will do MMA more harm than good.

[pa99ortiz]

This is great exposure for MMA, it allows individuals to become more familiar with this up and coming sport. However I'm not so sure that Kimbo is the right candidate for this debut on CBS. I fear that they will show highlight films of his past fights, which are very barbaric. I'm still a huge fan of Kimbo, but this bout might leave a negative view of MMA in some peoples mind.



"Do you wanna be a fucking fighter, that is my question"

[grambino]

[QUOTE=pa99ortiz;442570]This is great exposure for MMA, it allows individuals to become more familiar with this up and coming sport. However I'm not so sure that Kimbo is the right candidate for this debut on CBS. I fear that they will show highlight films of his past fights, which are very barbaric. I'm still a huge fan of Kimbo, but this bout might leave a negative view of MMA in some peoples mind.


That last Kimbo video where he was calling out Chuck as well as anyone else that talks about him was painful to watch. He needs to remember he represents an organization and is now a professional fighter and not still fighting in back yards. He handles himself well during and after his fights in the octagon so I don't see him doing anything to tarnish the sport. Lawler is more of a jerk in front of the camera than Kimbo. It will suck that some will think these guys are at the top of the sport, but if they enjoy it, just think how happy they'll be when they dig deeper and check out the UFC and realize it's much better than they ever knew! Kinda like dating an average girl and then realizing Jessica Alba is alive.

[carbondioxide830]

to me, its just about exposing the world to this sport like i was with the ultimate fighter. i fell in love with the sport when i began to watch the first season of tuf which followed monday night raw on tnn several years back. i became infatuated with it and wanted to learn more about it. i knew there was more to it than just fighting. i knew, like boxing, it was a science. the past few years, i've watched so much mma, it's unreal. i dont care what company it is, who's fighting, as long as its mixed martial arts and thats what i hope exc does; bring in new fans. show people it's not human cock fighting but rather the ultimate form of one on one competition. this will be the first time a live mma event will be held on network television. that's huge and just like the ultimate finale, it could lead to another drastic change for the sport.