Why Kimbo Slice is still relevant

[Obese Basement Dweller]

UFC president Dana White has rattled the cages of MMA fans everywhere by announcing that Kimbo Slice, the former golden boy of the organization’s now defunct competitor, would be trying his luck on the tenth season of The Ultimate Fighter. But, after a crushing (and embarrassing) loss to the unheralded Seth Petruzelli in 2008, why should the public be so quick to take Slice back? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice? Not this time. There is good reason to be genuinely excited about this free agent acquisition…and here’s why. WHY WE SHOULD CARE.

Raw Deal: In the world of professional boxing it would be unheard of to pit a rookie fighter against a twenty fight veteran regardless of ability. Case in point, although he is heralded as a future star in professional boxing, 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward has just recently taken the next step in his career against a game Edison Miranda. While ability may have suggested otherwise, Ward used those essential four years to grow and develop into a true title contender.

In his first four fights, Slice faced fighters with a combined total of 83 professional fights, ridiculous in comparison when compared to the aforementioned Ward’s first four opponents totaling 14 bouts. When he faced James Thompson, a nearly 25 fight veteran, Slice was criticized for his sloppy victory. Two professional bouts hardly qualifies him to be placed in that unjust limelight. The Ultimate Fighter is designed for young fighters to be given the chance to grow into true professionals.

Let’s watch Slice take that chance.

IF HE DOES WELL . . .

Ratings Spike: The Ultimate Fighter is the catalyst for the success that the UFC has enjoyed over the last four years. In recent seasons, similar scenarios and mediocre talent has left fans of the hit reality series wanting more. The UFC has made impressive adjustments (such as the “must win” scenario in the opening episodes and the hugely popular “USA vs. UK” concept) and Slice’s presence will take The Ultimate Fighter 10 to a whole new level. Season Ten will feature coaches Rashad Evans and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson which will culminate in a fantastic superfight. To put it bluntly, the tenth season of TUF will be the most watched in history.

IF HE WINS . . .

Heavy Hopes: The UFC’s top heavy heavyweight division will get a much needed booster. Regardless of your opinion of him, Slice remains as one of the most fan friendly sluggers in sports since Mark McGuire. While stars like Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir make the UFC’s heavyweight division one of the most exciting in the sport, recent retirement hints left by longtime staples Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira leave an ominously present gap in future plans. After all, The Ultimate Fighter 10 is exclusively featuring heavyweights for a reason.

IF HE LOSES . . .

Curtain Call: The UFC is truly in a no lose situation when considering the prospects of Kimbo Slice. If he wins TUF 10, a fresh, highly marketable star is reborn. If he loses, the UFC can finally close the book on the overhyped mythology that surrounded Kimbo Slice. While the light that surrounds Slice will burn out, a new star will be born…and he’ll be fighting for the UFC.

[NFFC]

He ain't relevant though .

[Sandwich]

He's not going to win, he's not even going to make it to the finals.

He's going to be a middle of the pack striker, and will probably be the worst grappler on the show.

[spiderbloke]

I agree with Bob he'll beat up a few bums before getting tapped out by somebody with skill, however he'll boost ratings simply out of people's curiousity.

The writer makes a good point about MMA fighters fighting better competition much earlier than boxers, there's no protecting records in MMA chaps

[rosemuji]

Kimbo Slice, mixed martial artist, street brawler, entertainer, and family man. Regardless of how you label the man, one thing is for certain, the word “draw” has to be included on your list. Whether you support his efforts to become a complete mixed martial artists, or you desire to see him get beat repeatedly, you tune in.
With talk about a possible December 12th match up with heavy hitting Houston Alexander making its way around the internet, I asked myself a question. “ How will Kimbo’s drawing power be effected by a loss in his Octagon debut? More importantly, “ Could Kimbo actually be the catalyst to right what I consider to be one of the major wrongs in American MMA? “
If Kimbo Slice were an NBA player or and NFL draft pick he would be considered a “project”. An athlete with a tremendous upside, but an equal amount of faults. Kimbo Slice demands attention. In a sport filled with more talented fighters, Kimbo is a household name.
Kimbo recently lost his first round bid to be the winner of “The Ultimate Fighter” of season 10. He was quite easily defeated by Roy Nelson. This loss however did very little to derail the hype train that proudly steams forward with Spike TV and Zuffa at the controls.
I’m not here to pass judgment on the situation because quite honestly, it’s just good business. Regardless of what we may consider right or wrong, it makes good business sense to continue to promote the man who brought you the attention, and possibly a new group followers to your product. A loss to Houston Alexander in December would likely do very little to damage Slice as a ticket and pay per view seller. As Cory Brady outlined so well “It’s all about how you spin it baby.” I look for Zuffa to nurture the “Kimbo Slice” character along win or lose proudly outlining that he is “growing” and “working hard”, and regardless of the outcome he is “entertaining”.
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[ClarenceSpresser]

Kimbo is great in a street fight. He just doesn't have the years and years of training that these other fighters have.

[Joe Ko!]

He is relevant cause he will make money

I love in Ultimate fighter he is stand by because they say he is the most improved fighter lol

Dana just wants to make money off him and hope he wins some how