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[MasterShake]

Joey Villasenor, Brett Rogers, Nick Diaz and "Feijao" slated for Nov. 8 EliteXC
by John Morgan and Dann Stupp on Aug 26, 2008 at 11:59 am ET
Four top contenders are scheduled for EliteXC's Nov. 8 return to Showtime.

EliteXC Vice President Jared Shaw told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) late Monday that middleweight contender Joey Villasenor (26-6), heavyweight title hopeful Brett Rogers (8-0), lightweight contender Nick Diaz (18-7) and top light heavyweight Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante (7-1) are all scheduled for the event.

The show takes place Nov. 8 and airs on Showtime.

Opponents have not been determined for any of the fighters.

However, as we previously reported, Villasenor could fight EliteXC middleweight champion Robbie Lawler at the event -- likely in the night's headline bout -- though Shaw could not confirm the fight, other than saying it's an option.

After his latest title defense over Scott Smith in July, Lawler said he planned to take some time off. It's unknown if the break could stretch past the Nov. 8 timeline.

Regardless, Shaw recently said Villasenor, who was scheduled to headline a recently canceled Sept. 20 in New Mexico, is among the division's best.

"He's definitely in line for a world title shot," Shaw said.

Lawler and Villasenor first met in 2006 at PRIDE 32. Lawler scored a quick, 22-second knockout via flying knee, and Villasenor has been anxious for the rematch ever since.

As for the undefeated Rogers, most fans were hopeful he'll get a shot at EliteXC poster boy Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson, but on Monday, the organization confirmed that Ferguson will instead fighter UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock at an Oct. 4 CBS Saturday Night Fights event.

If victorious in November, though, Rogers will likely get the next crack at Ferguson -- likely on a pay-per-view card in early 2009.

Diaz, meanwhile, was expected to fight EliteXC lightweight champion KJ Noons at the Oct. 4 event. However, as we detailed last week, Noons' manager, Mark Dion, has ignored EliteXC's phone calls and scoffed at the rematch with Diaz. Noons beat Diaz once before to win the EliteXC lightweight title, and Dion said a rematch does nothing to help his client.

Diaz, who most recently defeated Thomas Denny at EliteXC's July event on CBS, next fights Hayato Sakurai in a welterweight title fight during DREAM.6 on Sept. 23. He is riding a three-fight win streak, and he's 6-1 (with no-contest) in his past eight fights.

Finally, Cavalcante looks to push his EliteXC record to 4-0. The former IFL fighter has made quick work of his EliteXC opponents, walking through each with first-round knockouts. With a victory in November, "Feijao" will likely fight for the organization's first-ever light-heavyweight title in early 2009.

For the latest on the Nov. 8 EliteXC event, check out the MMA Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.

Source:Joey Villasenor, Brett Rogers, Nick Diaz and "Feijao" slated for Nov. 8 EliteXC | MMAjunkie.com

[jlruthven84]

Diaz is a real fighter, man. Say what you will about his attitude and everything, but the fact that he's willing to come and fight for Elite (when its not against Noons) speaks volumes for him.

Good to see he gets his title shot in DREAM too.

[Dimson]

Eh. If it is on Showtime, I really don't care. I am not going to order a movie channel just to watch these fights. And you know damn well the Shaw's are praying that Rogers somehow suffers an upset so that they don't have toput him in against Kimbo. I also don't know why Elite is considering a PPV right now. They don't have the star power or the following to go foward with a PPV right now. Yeah Affliction was able to do it but they lost alot of money and they had huge star power with tons of UFC veterans on their card.

[MasterShake]

Yeah, I definetly do not feel a PPV is there best bet, they should just be happy they made it somewhat mainstream getting on a basic channel. Get some fighters, I sure as hell am not going to pay to see Kimbo fight anyone in Elite XC, the only fighter I would pay for is Gina and it would have to be a porno.

[kingrobert]

Why would Elite consider a payperview when they cant even get anyone to watch there live show?? The bad management doesnt help either. I would tell Noons you either fight Nick Diaz or you loose your title. You have to show the Noons and everyone else who is in charge.

Its no wonder why Elite is about to go bankrupt.

[Madd Wilk]

Is it just me or does it appear that Elite XC is allowing their fighters to push them around? I mean, Noons won't fight, Lawler wants time off and won't fight...these are the org's Champions and I just find this peculiar.

Also, does anyone believe anything that comes out of Jared Shaw's mouth anymore?

[GL Jeff]

Lawler needs time off because his head is cut open, not to mention he just fought, I would want time off too. As for Noons, if he had a real reason to not take the fight, then its legit, I dont see him ducking Diaz, unless he knows EXC wants Diaz as champ,and he thinks their going to put Dan in as ref, I wouldnt fight either.