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The first mixed martial arts event to air on major U.S. network television has been scheduled — and all of MMA has taken notice.

CBS, which recently signed a groundbreaking deal with Elite Xtreme Combat, will air its first event live on May 31 from the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

The deal, which was announced earlier this month, calls for four annual EliteXC events to air on Saturdays in prime time. Five fights will appear on the first televised card.

The show will be headlined by underground brawler-turned MMA fighter Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson (vs. an unnamed opponent), who's 2-0 in his pro career. But the real show-stealer could be a bout between EliteXC middleweight champ Robbie Lawler (15-4) and challenger Scott Smith (13-4) — two sluggers who used to compete in the UFC.

If the May event is a hit, EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw knows that additional UFC fighters could be ready for a change of scenery.

"This is the single biggest thing that I think will ever happen to any fighter or to MMA — to have the ability to be seen by over 100 million eyeballs," he said.

That type of exposure and potential name recognition with the masses could mean substantial sponsorship dollars and endorsements, which is how most fighters make their real money.

However, while the exposure could help lure major talent, Shaw is confident EliteXC's typically stellar "fighter relations" will seal the deal.

"Nobody has ever left us because we didn't treat every fighter whether they have a belt or don't, like a champion that they are," Shaw said. "So if you fight for EliteXC, believe me, you get treated like a royal prince."

Shamrock vs. Le

EliteXC and Strikeforce have teamed up for a stellar card that airs Saturday, March 29, on Showtime and three belts are on the line.

Strikeforce world middleweight champ Frank Shamrock (24-8-1) battles Cung Le (5-0), an exciting San Shou kickboxer who's undefeated since his transition into MMA.

Additionally, Jake Shields (20-4-1) looks for his 10th straight victory when he takes on former UFC fighter Drew Fickett (32-5) for the first-ever EliteXC welterweight title.

Strikeforce world lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez (13-1) will take on late replacement Gabe Lemley (11-6).

UFC 82 fighters clean

All 10 fighters who competed at UFC 82 earlier this month in Columbus tested clean for steroids and drugs of abuse, according to the Ohio Athletic Commission.

Dann Stupp is editor-in-chief of

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