Quote of the Day: Jon Murphy on Kimbo Slice

JM: I don't know, but I would think so. Being that we're heavyweights and with all the hype around Kimbo (Slice), I know that sooner or later he's going to have to step up and fight someone that's really high caliber. I know he hasn't had any prior MMA experience and I understand that, and he's building himself up as he gets better and better -- which is smart. But sooner or later he's going to have to get in there with someone that's really well-rounded and I think that's in the card.

A guy like Antonio Silva, he's going to be a tough fight for anybody. I welcome the opportunity to fight either of them. I really haven't been told too much where the winner (of the fight vs. Rogers) will go, but I would speculate that (Slice or Silva) would be a possibility.

Q: Slice is a lightning rod for controversy these days. Do you think he's good or bad for the sport?

JM: It's a tough question. I don't know what the general public really knows about him. I mean, the guy is obviously a smart guy. The guy went to Miami University on an academic scholarship, from what I understand. I think he brings a lot of good qualities to the sport as far as athleticism. Who knows about his past? I know there are a lot of people who have said things about his past, and this and that. But I'll tell you what: If he keeps fighting the way he's been fighting, then he'll keep bringing fans to the sport. And by bringing fans to the sport, they get to see all of the other fighters fight also. So in that aspect it's good.

People can say what they want to say, but the guy is out there working hard. ... He's training with Bas Rutten and I don't think Bas would train just anybody. So to get to the answer to the question: I don't know. I'm kind of on the fence. Until I see more of what happens with him, I can't judge him.