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Later this month, EliteXC — arguably the second top mixed-martial-arts promotion behind the Ultimate Fighting Championship — will beat all its competition to live U.S. network television when it hosts its May 31 event on CBS.

However, the landmark event isn't void of controversy.

This past week, CBS Chairman Sumner Redstone expressed his disappointed that CEO Les Moonves decided to air "ultimate fighting" on the network's airwaves — even calling it "socially irresponsible."

In addition to the lack of internal support, CBS and EliteXC could face challenges in marketing its fighters. Headliner Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson surely looks menacing, but he's actually a well-spoken and respectful individual. However, his background as an Internet backyard brawler and bodyguard for a pornography company could present challenges.

So, too, could a fight between Gina Carano and Kaitlin Young. The two talented and attractive fighters could either legitimize women's MMA — or turn off traditionalists who can't stand seeing women punching each other.

Finally, EliteXC's financial troubles are no secret, and the organization is (literally) banking on the debut show being a hit. Low ratings or a sub-par event could spell disaster.

Regardless, though, "EliteXC: PRIMETIME" will be the most-watched MMA event in North American history. Converting even a fraction of the casual viewers to fanatics could mean big things for an organization in desperate need of a push.

'Bushi Combat III' set

The upstart Bushi Combat organization returns May 31 to the Dayton Convention Center for "Bushi Combat III: Fight for a Cure."

The local MMA organization has already produced two solid shows featuring local prospects, and the May 31 show will have a philanthropic feel as the organization hopes to raise $15,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and have at least 500 individuals register for the marrow registry.

For more information, go to the Web site www.bushicombat.com.

'TUF' Report

"The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rampage vs. Team Forrest" features a major grudge match this week when Matt Brown, a Columbus/Cincinnati fighter, meets Jeremy May in a preliminary bout.

The two fighters butted heads during episode No. 5 this past week, and Spike TV has been promoting their upcoming bad-blood bout around the clock.

Ohio fighters Luke Zachrich and C.B. Dollaway, meanwhile, remain alive in the competition with 10 others.

"TUF" airs at 10 p.m. Wednesdays on Spike TV.

Dann Stupp is editor-in-chief of MMAjunkie.com, a content partner site of Yahoo! Sports. For the latest MMA news and rumors, check out www.mmajunkie.com.

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