RESULTS - Elite XC: ShoXC's Elite Challenger Series

The Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California played host to Friday nights EliteXC produced, ShoXC Elite Challenger Series on Showtime premium television. The night ended very much reminiscent of the matchup between Frank Shamrock and Renzo Gracie at EliteXC Destiny back in February of 2007, when Shamrock was disqualified due to illegal strikes (knees) to the back of Gracie's head.

Fast forward to last nights main even between Thomas "Wildman" Denny and the Muay Thai Lumpinee champion, Malaipet. Once again the main event ends prematurely when after being completely dominated from the sound of the opening bell, Malaipet delivered three illegal elbow strikes to the back of Denny's head, ending the fight by disqualification.

Denny was well on his way to winning the bout, coming straight at the Muay Thai master and setting up a takedown with a series of quick strikes. Denny utilized a very smart game-plan, taking Malaipet off his feet and onto the canvas.

Once there, Denny managed to take the back of Malaipet and sunk in what appeared to be a deep rear naked choke. Malaipet refused to tap out and miraculously managed to escape. Denny scrambled for position, ending up in full-mount. Malaipet's lack of a solid ground game was clearly evident, as Denny slapped on another submission attempt, this time an arm-triangle choke.

Once again though, Malaipet would not surrender and escaped the submission yet again. Abandoning the submission game, Denny began his ground-and-pound with a barrage of elbows from the mount (pictured below). Malaipet received some pretty heavy damage to the face but managed to escape and get back to his feet.

As Denny shot in for another takedown, Malaipet unleashed three vicious elbow strikes to the back of Denny's head. Referee Herb Dean immediately stepped in to protect the obviously hurt Denny, who immediately dropped to the canvas.

The cage-side doctor was called in and after a brief delay, Denny told the doctor that "he could not continue to fight effectively." The fight was halted at 4:51 of the first round, giving Thomas Denny the win by way of disqualification.

- SHOXC RESULTS -
Thomas Denny defeats Malaipet by Disqualification (Illegal Strikes) at 4:51 of R1
Conor Heun defeats Marlon Mathias by Decision (Unanimous)
Jaime Fletcher defeats Aaron Rosa by Decision (Unanimous)
Shane Del Rosario defeats Analu Brash by TKO (Strikes) at 3:18 of R1
Mark Oshiro defeats Chris Cariaso by TKO (Strikes) at 2:38 of R1
Brandon Tarn defeats Jason Williams by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:05 of R2
Devin Howard defeats Mark Kempthorne by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:53 of R1
Lyle Beerbohm defeats Vince Guzman by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:26 of R2
Kenny Johnson defeats Michael Penafiel by Decision (Unanimous)
Steve Gable defeats Eric Jones by TKO (Strikes) at 2:47 of R1