Mike Chiappetta • E-mail

EliteXC secured three of its biggest stars Monday when the company signed Kimbo Slice, Gina Carano and Robbie Lawler to long-term deals.

Perhaps not coincidentally, all three fighters will be featured on the May 31 primetime CBS debut.

"We’re extremely happy to get these deals done with Kimbo, Gina and Robbie," said EliteXC president Gary Shaw. "Fighters know EliteXC is the place to be and the organization to fight for, which is why we’ve always been able to sign or re-sign almost each and every one of our fighters."

Slice, the centerpiece of promotion for EliteXC's CBS card, is just 2-0 in his young MMA career. He made his name in internet streetfights posted to Youtube.com and parlayed his success into a burgeoning pro career. While EliteXC didn't officially announce his match, NBCSports.com learned last week that he will be fighting James "Megapunk" Thompson, a 6-5, 260 pound standup fighter.

Slice has become the main building block of the promotion. With his near-mythical beginnings and intimidating appearance, he's been featured on ESPN and has hundreds of websites devoted to him.

Carano is considered to be the face of women's MMA. She fought on EliteXC's first-ever card in February 2007 and had what many considered to be the night's best fight in a win over Julie Kedzie. Since beating Tonya Evinger last September, Carano (5-0) hasn't fought MMA while she was taping a season of NBC's American Gladiators. EliteXC has not named an opponent for her.

Lawler is the current EliteXC middleweight champion and will be defending his belt against Scott Smith. A former UFC fighter who is known for his aggressiveness and punching power, the 25-year-old Lawler is 15-4 in his career and holds wins over notables like Chris Lytle, Frank Trigg and Murilo "Ninja" Rua.

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