Andrei Arlovski Signed, Kendall Grove Possible for August ProElite Show

Former UFC heavyweight champ and ex-Strikeforce fighter Andrei Arlovski is among the first fighters to sign with the newly relaunched ProElite promotion, and will be one of the headliners of its upcoming August 27 card.

ProElite's director of operations T. Jay Thompson confirmed with Hawaii's KHON that Arlovski has inked a deal to participate.

MMA Fighting reported last week that ProElite would return to the event promotion business under new ownership group Stratus Media.

ProElite's Aug. 27 show will take place at Blaisdell Arena in Oahu, Hawaii.

Though once a UFC champion, Arlovski has struggled lately, losing four consecutive fights, including three by knockout. Arlovski was part of Strikeforce's Heavyweight World Grand Prix, but was knocked out by Russian Sergei Kharitonov in the first round of their February fight. Prior to that, he'd lost consecutive fights to Antonio Silva, Brett Rogers and Fedor Emelianenko.

Thompson didn't name any other fighters signed to the promotion, but among those rumored are former UFC fighter Kendall Grove.

A longtime UFC star, Grove was the winner of The Ultimate Fighter's season 3, and went on to a five-year run with the promotion, but after a three-fight win streak to start his UFC run, he could never find the consistency to make him a contender. He fought 13 times in the UFC, going 7-6. He was cut shortly after his last fight, a decision loss to Tim Boetsch at UFC 130.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that former UFC fighter Drew McFedries may also take part in the event, likely facing Kala Kolohe Hose.

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ProElite, Inc. re-enters the MMA world, announced Aug. 28 event

ProElite Inc. (former owners of the famously flawed Elite XC) have decided to try their hand at promoting mixed martial arts once again.

After unsuccessfully bidding against the UFC for the rights to Strikeforce, the company has decided to open promotions once again, this time with an August 28 event taking place at the Blais dell Arean in Honolulu.

Headlining the card will be former UFC Heavyweight Champion and Elite XC veteran Andrei Arlovski.

The former heavyweight great has lost his last four bouts with three of them being by first round knockout.

This slump has made many fans call for the veteran’s retirement; to which Arlovski has not complied.

Most recently he was knocked out by longtime MMA journeyman Sergei Kharitanov in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand-Prix.

No opponent has been announced as of yet and, with most legitimate contenders being signed by Zuffa, it will be interesting to see what ProElite can find.

Perhaps the most intriguing signing was that of 2004 Olympic silver medalist in wrestling, Sara McMann (2-0). She will be taking on Raquel “Rocky” Pa’aluhi (3-1).

Although inexperienced, McMann is considered among the most prominent prospects in female mixed martial arts and could be a force in the 135lb. division for years to come.

UFC veteran striker Drew McFedries will take on Kala Hose in what should be an entertaining but rather meaningless bout.

Both men have struggled to win as of late with McFedries losing three of his last five and Hose losing his last three straight.

Although not official, rumours have circulated that long time UFC veteran and Ultimate Fighter winner Kendall Grove could participate in the event.

The other announced bout is a heavyweight tilt between Jake Heun and Mark Ellis.

Stay tuned to MMAHQ.com as more becomes available on the event.

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