The legacy of ProElite XC and the fates of Gina Carano and Kimbo Slice
When ProElite XC put a boxing promoter at the helm their fate was sealed. Gary Shaw took the traditional boxing formula an tried to apply it to MMA. He failed to realize that boxing is partially responsible for MMA's success and appeal.
Clearly, combat sports fans have grown tired of boxing's young stars with manufactured, over hyped, gaudy records against hand picked opponents. They are anointed and promoted as the second coming or the chosen one while rarely facing a quality fighter. They fight prior champions well past their prime in order to notch a recognizable name on their belt.
Then when the promoter decides the time is ripe to cash in. They throw the young cub to the Alpha male and the carnage ensues. The young cub gets exposed, the promoter gets paid and the fans get screwed out of another pay per view.
Gina Carano was always uncomfortable with being anointed 'the face of WMMA' and Kimbo never said he was the greatest MMA fighter since sliced bread. They didn't have to. Their promoters did it for them.
And lo and behold, the rest is history.
Clearly, combat sports fans have grown tired of boxing's young stars with manufactured, over hyped, gaudy records against hand picked opponents. They are anointed and promoted as the second coming or the chosen one while rarely facing a quality fighter. They fight prior champions well past their prime in order to notch a recognizable name on their belt.
Then when the promoter decides the time is ripe to cash in. They throw the young cub to the Alpha male and the carnage ensues. The young cub gets exposed, the promoter gets paid and the fans get screwed out of another pay per view.
Gina Carano was always uncomfortable with being anointed 'the face of WMMA' and Kimbo never said he was the greatest MMA fighter since sliced bread. They didn't have to. Their promoters did it for them.
And lo and behold, the rest is history.
Couldn't have said it better.
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