Mixed martial arts has a first date with prime time

Mixed martial arts’ first date on prime-time network television will be May 31, CBS announced today.

The network’s 9-to-11 p.m. slot for fights in MMA’s Elite Xtreme Combat organization will be headlined by a main event for the middleweight title, pitting champion Robbie Lawler against Scott Smith at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

Former street fighter Kimbo Slice also will fight a heavyweight opponent on the show, with other matchups to be announced at a later date.

Elite XC President Gary Shaw said it was important to select fighters who will give first-time viewers an example of the sport at its finest.

“Robbie and Scott are both great stand-up strikers, Scott with his heavy hands and Robbie with all-action,” Shaw said. “It’s the type of fight that will increase our fan base, and whet their appetite for things to come.

“This is a historic night for the sport. We’ll have the most eyeballs ever to watch an MMA fight.”

Shaw said the broadcast will feature four to five fights, with “back stories and vignettes” inserted to explore the fighters’ lifestyles. A boxing promoter, Shaw said he has taken no measures to tone down MMA’s tendency to produce gory, blood-spilling battles.

“This is the real thing,” Shaw said. “It won’t be boring. There’s no stiffs in this card. The sport is faster than boxing, and safer. We want the fans to see that.

“This is like being the homecoming queen. We know we only get one shot at our presentation.”

CBS has planned four two-hour Elite XC shows to air on Saturday nights through next March. The broadcast team has yet to be announced.

lance.pugmire@latimes.com