Two weeks after their abysmal CBS debut, Elite XC returned with another card – this one broadcast on Showtime. The event featured the first defense of the Elite XC’s newly minted 160 lbs title, with champion KJ Noons taking on the challenger Yves Edwards. Other UFC and Pride FC veterans making an appearance on this card were Murilo ‘Ninja’ Rua, Nick Diaz, and Ron Waterman. The commentary was provided by Mauro Ranallo and Stephen Quadros, as well as former pro-wrestler Bill Goldberg.
Rafael Feijao vs. Wayne Cole (205 lbs)
The fighters clinch early, which sets the pace for the bout. Feijao gets a body lock takedown; Cole escapes to his feet. They clinch again and Feijao accidentally lands a knee to Cole’s groin. Cole is given time to recover. Fight restarts and it’s back to clinch. Feijao stuns Cole with knees. Cole falls to his knees as Feijao spins to Cole’s back and punches away at his face until referee Mario Yamasaki stops the bout.
Fight grade: 3/5
Dave Herman vs. Ron Waterman (HW)
Dave Herman comes out aggressive and catches Waterman with several punches, one of which seemingly injures Waterman’s eye. Waterman shoots for and completes a takedown, but can’t pass Herman’s guard. Herman escapes, gets taken down again, and escapes again. Herman throws a high switch kick, reminiscent of Lyoto Machida, that lands on Waterman’s face. Waterman again tries for a takedown. Herman sprawls and lands multiple elbows to the side of Waterman’s head. Ron is hurt, and Herman pushes him over and gets full mount, then pounds Waterman until the fight is stopped.
Fight grade: 3/5
Murilo Rua vs. Tony Bonello (185 lbs)
Bonello is talking trash during the pre-fight staredown, then comes out swinging. Rua goes for a takedown and surpisingly Bonello pulls guard. Rua quickly passes his guard and pounds away with short but brutal elbows. Rua switches from side control to crucifix to mount and back to side control, all the while landing elbows and punches, but Bonello hangs in there. Rua gets the knee-on-stomach position and lands several more punches before the ref finally steps in.
Fight grade: 4/5
Nick Diaz vs. Muhsin Corrbrey (catch weight of 168 lbs)
This bout was scheduled for 160 lbs, but Nick Diaz came in heavy at 169 lbs, making it a catch-weight bout. The size difference between the fighters is very noticeable. For the first round, this fight turns into a boxing match. Corrbrey is great at slipping punches and playing the counterstriker role. Diaz attempts a takedown but Corrbrey defends well. Round 10-10 draw, with Diaz more aggressive but Corrbrey landing the better shots.
In the second, Corrbrey is slowing down and Diaz is really starting to land. Halfway through the round the crowd is booing the methodical pace of this bout, and Diaz responds by dropping his hands and talking trash to taunt his opponent, but Corrbrey does not react. Diaz gets a takedown with 16 seconds left in the round – not enough to do any damage. Round 10-9 Diaz
In Round 3, Diaz keeps peppering Corrbrey with his jab, then scores a takedown. Diaz attempts a kimura, switches to an armbar attempt, Corrbrey escapes but again ends up on the bottom. Diaz achieves mound and pounds away; Corrbrey is blocking most shots but making no attempt to escape. Referee warns Corrbrey to improve his position. Corrbrey is unable, and the bout is stopped.
Fight grade: 3/5
Champion KJ Noons vs. Yves Edwards (160 lbs title bout)
Edwards lands a combo on Noons in an early exchage. Noons drops Edwards with a straigh right and follows him to the canvas, landing huge shots. Edwards is not offering much defense, and Yamasaki calls an end to the title bout. After the fight, Nick Diaz comes out to challenge KJ Noons to a rematch (Noons defeated Diaz by a TKO – cut stoppage – to earn his belt). They exchange words, which leads to a WWE-style pushing and shoving altrecation involving Noons, Diaz, Noon’s father, and of course Bill Goldberg. The announcers point out that this was not called for – I tend to agree.
Fight grade: 3/5
Overall, this card had mostly one-side matches and no surprises save for the main event. It should have been a bit more evenly matched.