Update on Legal Issues with Strikeforce & Pro Elite

By Dave Meltzer

Regarding the Frank Shamrock vs. Renzo Gracie fight on 2/10, the fight is on, most likely. Basically, Shamrock had signed a contract with Strike Force giving them the right to promote his next fight. Shamrock vs. Phil Baroni was scheduled on 4/20 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, when Shamrock got an offer too good to turn down for the Renzo Gracie fight by Pro Elite (EXC) on Showtime. Strike Force had already informed Showtime of the contract situation long before the fight was signed, and Shamrock had tried to work out a plan for all sides to work together.

Things fell apart as Strike Force felt EXC's offer was insulting and EXC wasn't happy with Strike Force's demands. Strike Force got a temporary injunction against Shamrock either participating in or promoting the fight a few days ago, but that was more to speed up coming to a settlement. As of today, both sides have verbally agreed on every major point, although the agreement has not been signed.

If for some reason this agreement falls apart, everyone will be in court at 9 a.m. on Tuesday in San Jose, at which point it would be possible a judge could rule against Shamrock fighting. But both sides believe everything will be worked out and the fight is on. Shamrock has agreed to fight Baroni in San Jose on PPV for his next fight. The latter fight could be in jeopardy if Gracie beats Shamrock. If Shamrock comes out of the fight with no serious injuries, that fight would be on 4/20, but everything is contingent upon what happens next week.

Source: www.wrestlingobserver.com