Saturday night’s EliteXC event was sweet redemption for Victor “JoeBoxer” Valenzuela (6-2-2). After two years of verbal battles with Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett (18-14-2), the two were set to settle the score since their draw back in August of 2005.

Bennett had predicted a first-round knockout over Valenzuela, but was only correct on half of his prediction (that being the timing, not the victor) when he tapped out due to strikes at 3:23 of Round 1.

Bennett came out looking for the knockout throwing heavy shots that he was mostly unable to land. The fight went briefly to the ground, and once they were both stood up again Bennett seemed to be tired.

Valenzuela took full advantage and threw numerous punches, overwhelming Krazy Horse and beating him down until he tapped out. After the fight Valenzuela was thrilled to put it all to rest, and to have finally shut up Bennett’s overactive mouth.

Another MMA series hits primetime television this week when ShoXC, a joint venture between Showtime and EliteXC, debuts on Showtime.

Showtime has found tremendous success with their original series ShoBox, which highlights up-and-coming boxing stars and top-notch world champions on a weekly basis. The folks who run Showtime hope that ShoXC can be the same type of program, only highlighting MMA fighters instead of boxers.

When describing the program Showtime and EliteXC said they want it to be a proving ground for young elite MMA talent that helps get them into the public eye. The premiere will be shown on a Friday night, but subsequent broadcasts will be aired on Saturdays.

The show premieres on July 27 with five planned fights. The main event is a 155lb match between EliteXC rising stars Edson Berton and K.J. Noons. Berton is a young smart fighter who can knock people out with his fists and hard leg kicks. Noons doesn’t have much MMA fighting experience, but he’s a vicious attacker who has plenty of power behind his shots.

The undercard for ShoXC includes Jefferson “Tanque” Silva vs. Aaron Rosa, Jeremiah Metcalf vs. Aaron Wetherspoon in a King of the Cage/Gladiator Challenge Welterweight Championship unification bout, Muhsin Corbbrey vs. Lee Gibson, and Scott Jorgenson vs. Chris David.