CBS to air Lawler vs. Smith rematch

CBS announced its next EliteXC ultimate fighting event, and it includes a rematch of a controversial bout from last month’s premiere.

"Ruthless" Robbie Lawler and Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith will climb back into the octagon July 26 after their last fight was – in the opinion of many fans – halted prematurely. Doctors called the fight after Smith caught a finger in the eye late in the third round. Smith said he wanted to continue, but the fight was declared a no contest.

CBS' experiment to bring ultimate fighting to broadcast network television on Saturday nights showed real ratings promise, though some viewers complained that the production seemed bloated with unnecessary padding. A CBS insider pledged that July's event will have more fighting action and less filler.

Another match will feature welterweights Jake Shields vs. Nick Thompson, with the rest of the event card to be announced at a later date.