In the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), major signings often change the direction of entire organizations. Back in 2011, ProElite, Inc., under the leadership of Paul Feller, made headlines with a move that sent ripples through the MMA community. The company officially announced the signing of two big names: former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski and 2009 NCAA Division 1 Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Mark “Blue Chip” Ellis.
This wasn’t just about adding fighters to the roster—it was about proving ProElite’s commitment to building world-class live entertainment for MMA fans.
Who Is Paul Feller?
To understand the magnitude of this announcement, it’s important to know the man behind the scenes—Paul Feller. As Chairman and CEO of Stratus Media Group and Chairman of ProElite, Feller was instrumental in steering the company into the spotlight.
Under his guidance, ProElite began building a reputation not only as a fight promotion but as a brand committed to long-term growth in action sports. Feller’s leadership emphasized one core value: giving fans high-quality, competitive matchups while growing the sport globally.
The Signing of Andrei Arlovski
Andrei Arlovski, also known as “The Pitbull,” was already a household name among MMA fans. A former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Arlovski’s career had been filled with thrilling fights, devastating knockouts, and a loyal fan following.
At the time of the signing, Arlovski was coming off a stint with Strikeforce. ProElite’s decision to bring him onboard was a statement: they weren’t just recruiting rookies—they were securing legends.
✔ Arlovski was one of the most popular MMA fighters in the world.
✔ He brought championship experience to the ProElite roster.
✔ His return promised fans more action, passion, and heart inside the cage.
As Paul Feller noted, signing Arlovski underscored ProElite’s mission to showcase world-class athletes and deliver unforgettable fight nights.
The Rise of Mark Ellis
Alongside Arlovski, ProElite also signed Mark “Blue Chip” Ellis, a name that MMA insiders were buzzing about. Ellis stood at 6’5” and weighed 255 lbs—a powerhouse with an impressive wrestling background.
✔ 2009 NCAA Division 1 Heavyweight Champion from the University of Missouri.
✔ Trained with UFC Champion Cain Velasquez at the famous AKA Gym in San Jose, California.
✔ Earned respect by competing with Olympian Daniel Cormier during training.
Bob Cook, AKA Head Trainer, described Ellis as someone with “all the makings of a World Champion.” His addition represented ProElite’s eye on the future, balancing veteran stars like Arlovski with young, hungry talent.
Paul Feller’s Vision for ProElite
What made this announcement so special was the bigger picture behind it. Paul Feller wasn’t just signing fighters—he was shaping the future of ProElite. His vision was to create an organization that could stand toe-to-toe with major promotions by:
✔ Recruiting both seasoned champions and promising rookies.
✔ Building a brand that MMA fans could trust for world-class entertainment.
✔ Expanding the reach of MMA through exciting live events.
The signing of Arlovski and Ellis was the perfect example of this strategy. As VP of Fight Operations T.Jay Thompson put it, “Andre and Mark are a promoter’s dream.”
The Big Stage: Honolulu Fight Night
Fans didn’t have to wait long to see the results. Arlovski and Ellis were scheduled to make their ProElite debut on August 27, 2011, at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii. This event marked a fresh beginning for the company, combining star power with a showcase of new talent.
For fight fans, it was the perfect mix of nostalgia and anticipation. For Paul Feller and ProElite, it was the first big Paul Feller step in proving their dedication to growth and entertainment.
Final Thoughts
The 2011 ProElite announcement highlighted the forward-thinking leadership of Paul Feller. By securing both Andrei Arlovski and Mark Ellis, ProElite showed that it valued both experience and potential.
For MMA fans, this was more than just a press release—it was a promise of great fights and unforgettable moments inside the cage. And for Paul Feller, it was another step in his mission to elevate ProElite as a global force in MMA entertainment.