EliteXC's future on Kimbo's shoulders

Views
1875
Comments
31

Kimbo Slice doesn't have much on the line when he fights Saturday. Well, other than the very existence of the promotion he fights for -- the struggling EliteXC. Not to mention the short-term future of mixed martial arts on broadcast television, since CBS could pull the plug. And, of course, his earning power that comes mainly from perception and personality, not any actual body of work. At least not yet. A loss risks everything, since winding up flat on your back doesn't make much of a Nike commercial or a future as a pay-per-view draw. In terms of competitive excellence, Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. live on CBS isn't much. In terms of importance in the brief history of MMA, it may wind up significant. While it's unlikely EliteXC, or any other league, can ever mount a serious challenge to the UFC's immense popularity and market share, the possibility is non-existent if Kimbo loses. EliteXC's entire business model hangs on whether Slice, who gained fame from YouTube videos of his street scraps, can prove to be even an average MMA fighter. It's bizarre business scenario. EliteXC has few name fighters and the conundrum of Slice. He's the most famous and popular fighter in the world yet he may not be a top 50 heavyweight. He's fought professionally just three times and it's unlikely he'd make it out of the first round with anyone in the UFC.

Yahoo! Sports

Kimbo Slice, Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images Kimbo Slice, Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images
October 3, 2008  10:54 AM ET

I hope slice gets knocked the H E L L out

October 3, 2008  11:00 AM ET

0% chance of Ken Shamrock knocking him out.

October 3, 2008  11:30 AM ET

I hate Shamrock as much as I hate Kimbo. Is it too much to hope for a double KO?

October 3, 2008  11:35 AM ET

Elite XC is screwed

October 3, 2008  12:22 PM ET

On what does yahoo sports base the statement, "He's the most famous and popular fighter in the world..."? He is neither the most famous nor the most popular. Although I'd bet money that Shamrock is the least popular and one of the most overrated. Shamrock could throw his best shot at Kimbo's jaw and still not knock him out. Kimbo has taken more than Shamrock has to dish out. At the end of the match, I see Kimbo exhausted trying to catch his breath while Shamrock is doing anything he can to pound on Kimbo, but Kimbo doesn't even notice....

October 3, 2008  12:53 PM ET

Loki, by the end of the match? So, you actually think Ken will make it to the end of the fight? I say he doesn't make it past the 1:00 mark.

October 3, 2008  01:16 PM ET

If this somehow makes it to Round 2, I'd be shocked.

October 3, 2008  01:18 PM ET

And it's sad that Kimbo has to hold up EliteXC.

This is one thing I have to say about Kimbo: I'm not saying he won't ever be good, but I'm saying he really isn't right now. And him fighting nobodys would be fine (everyone does coming up), BUT everyone is making him out like he's the greatest ever. So if you are gonna bill him that way then he has to fight someone worth while.

October 3, 2008  05:34 PM ET

They are just hyping the crap out of him so by some miracle they can get a fight with Fedor Emelyanenko for an assload of cash. Too bad the PVP crowd going to hate paying for a 30 second fight (am assuming Kimbo runs for 20 sec before Fedor catches him).

October 3, 2008  05:53 PM ET

I just wonder if Kimbo will fight anyone for real instead of a formerly retired, old, and washed up Shamrock. In this fight Go Shamrock.

October 3, 2008  06:25 PM ET
QUOTE(#2):

0% chance of Ken Shamrock knocking him out.

Hey, never say 0%

Remember Serra and GSP? :)

October 3, 2008  06:25 PM ET

Or Otsuka and Marco Ruas, lol

October 3, 2008  09:31 PM ET

Slice is fighting a has been fighter this is the right person to start with in a heavyweight class this is a stepping stone this will determine whether he should continue fighting in this weight class. Slice will feel the difference in BLOWS with BIGGER FIGHTERS. If Slice struiggles with this one he better stay in his WEIGHT CLASS OR HE WILL GET KILLed fighting BIGGER and BETTER FIGHTERS. Good Luck you will need it

October 4, 2008  05:16 AM ET

Kimbo carrer is on his shoulder, if he loses to Shamrock he will lose the little cred that he's build up.

October 4, 2008  05:32 AM ET

I wish Kimbo would fight someone that doesn't have AARP status. He couldn't touch Lesnar. Go Shamrock!!!

October 4, 2008  06:26 AM ET

as much as i'm sick of seeing shamrock in mma(worn out hasbeen). this is one fight i think he can definitely win. kimbo will be wore out after the first round, and shamrock will submit him

October 4, 2008  08:19 AM ET

You guys are crazy, Kimbo will destroy shamrock!

October 4, 2008  08:20 AM ET
QUOTE(#17):

You guys are crazy, Kimbo will destroy shamrock!

Too bad I cant delete this is he loses :)

October 4, 2008  08:20 AM ET

*if he

 
October 4, 2008  11:17 AM ET

If Shamrock can avoid getting KO'd early and can somehow get the match on the ground he can win it either by submission, choke out, or ground and pound KO. Kimbo hasn't shown me much, his cardio is weak, and he has no clue on the ground in how to pass the half mount or how to escape when he is on his back. EliteXC should be ashamed of itself for promoting him like he has a real resume or body of work. He might well be the baddest **** in any bar you would meet, but inside the octagon or cage he is below average. With that said he does have pretty good dirty boxing skills and can absolutely throw BOMBS. I suspect he'll beat Shamrock by KO early, but in this sport you can never be sure.

Comment

Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.


Send us feedback about the new site here Send us feedback about the new site here

Stub Hub

The 2008 schedule has been released. Search for tickets!

Truth & Rumors

MOST POPULAR

  1. 1
    Carson: Giants should bring Plaxico back
    Views
    8408
    Comments
    2471
  2. 2
    Giants open to Plaxico return
    Views
    4648
    Comments
    1602
  3. 3
    What is Sabathia waiting for?
    Views
    14982
    Comments
    1185
  4. 4
    Pedroia could have held out for more
    Views
    3073
    Comments
    885
  5. 5
    How Horns can still win national championship
    Views
    4555
    Comments
    119

Most Active Users

Comments + Blog Posts + Throwdowns

  1. 1
    _ _ _ _ _
  2. 2
    bcoltrinari
  3. 3
    Epoch1
  4. 4
    Dyhard: Big 10/ACC Challenge
  5. 5
    Vice President Corky

Message Boards

  1. NCAAF > General NCAAF

    Number 1 Florida favored by 10…
    Views
    368
    Replies
    44
  2. MMA > Fight Club

    Where does Torres stack up?
    Views
    339
    Replies
    6
  3. NCAAF > General NCAAF

    Tommy Tuberville Fired from…
    Views
    246
    Replies
    30

Blogs