SOLVING THE ELITE XC TITLE SITUATION
By David Tees on 8/23/2008 9:58 AM
Ever since the Elite XC: Return Of The King event on Showtime a few months back, the MMA community has been hearing rumors of a rematch between Elite XC Lightweight Champion KJ Noonʼs and perennial top contender Nick Diaz. I say rematch because KJ Noonʼs first won the Elite XC Lightweight Title by defeating Nick Diaz by referee stoppage at Elite XC: Renegade in November 2007.
The clamoring for a rematch began at the Elite XC: Return Of The King event, when after KJ Noonʼs successfully defended the Elite XC Lightweight Title against Yves Edwards, a short brawl erupted between KJ Noonʼs camp and the Diaz brothers (Nick & Nate). Minutes after the scuffle was halted by security and Elite XC officials, the rumors of a rematch started to gather steam.
Now to the present time, where Elite XC attempted to set up the anticipated rematch between Elite XC Lightweight Champion KJ Noonʼs and Nick Diaz. After some disagreements and non-communication between KJ Noonʼs and Elite XC officials occurred, Elite XC Vice President Jared Shaw said that KJ Noonʼs would have twenty four hours to accept a fight with Nick Diaz.
The management team for KJ Noonʼs basically laughed at the twenty four hour deadline and claimed that Nick Diaz wasnʼt the top contender for the Elite XC Lightweight Title.
According to the KJ Noonʼs management team, the true top contender to the Elite XC Lightweight Title is Dream Lightweight Grand Prix winner Eddie Alvarez.
The problem is that Eddie Alvarez is taking time off from MMA after recently getting married and also is healing from injuries sustained in his MMA career. With that being said, aside from a miracle taking place, there is no way Elite XC could sign Eddie Alvarez to face KJ Noonʼs for the October 4th event. Which in theory, would place Nick Diaz as a top contender for KJ Noonʼs and the Elite XC Lightweight Title.
Now, before I continue with this column, I must make it clear that neither Nick Diaz and/or Eddie Alvarez has issued any statement on this situation as of the writing of this column.
With everything being said, this is how I would handle the situation involving Elite XC, KJ Noonʼs, Nick Diaz and Eddie Alvarez.
First, I would bring in KJ Noonʼs, Nick Diaz, Eddie Alvarez and Elite XC VP Jared Shaw to the October 4th Elite XC On CBS III event. None of the three fighters would actually compete at the event, just meet inside the cage alongside Elite XC VP Jared Shaw.
Then announce that KJ Noonʼs deemed Elite XC Lightweight Title contender in Eddie Alvarez will face Elite XC deemed Elite XC Lightweight Title contender Nick Diaz at the Elite XC On CBS IV event to decide the true top contender to the Elite XC Lightweight Title. The winner of the proposed Nick Diaz/Eddie Alvarez fight would then take on KJ Noonʼs at the Elite XC On CBS V event.
This idea would put to rest a few key issues with the Elite XC Lightweight Title situation, including the crowning of a true top contender to the Elite XC Lightweight Title. Also, after a winner in the fight between Nick Diaz and Eddie Alvarez is determined, that would take away any possible excuse from the KJ Noonʼs camp for who the true top contender for the Elite XC Lightweight Title is.
No matter what the actual outcome will actually become, it will be interesting to see how Elite XC will handle the first true title controversy in their short history as a promotion.
You can contact David Tees at bigtees360@yahoo.com