DQED SHAMROCK TOOK FIRST ROUND OF ELITE XC GRACIE BOUT

By Loretta Hunt

Middleweight Frank Shamrock was ahead on two of the three judges’ first round score cards for Saturday’s bout against Renzo Gracie, confirmed Mississippi Athletic Commissioner John Lewis this morning, adding another twist to the controversial bout that anchored Elite XC’s debut on SHOWTIME this past weekend.

Attendance numbers for the event are not yet available, though a Pro Elite press release announced the gate at 7,200 spectators.

Local judges Bill Clancy and Gary Ritter had given the outspoken former UFC Champion the nod with 10-9 scores for his first five minutes with the Brazilian jiu-jitsu standout. A third official, Keith Hughes, had granted Gracie the round with a 10-9 score.

The round saw Shamrock connect with punches and Gracie score two takedowns to establish cage control from side position.

Shaw confirmed both Shamrock and Gracie approached him for a rematch and that Pro Elite will honor their requests.

“I would probably look to do that fight somewhere in the fall,” said Shaw, citing their recently announced alliance with the Strikeforce promotion ensures Shamrock face New York brawler Phil Baroni first.

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