Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock on October 4th for EliteXC
by Luke Thomas on Aug 25, 2008 2:22 PM EDT
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Loretta Hunt of Sherdog.com apparently has the confirmation:
Ken Shamrock (Pictures) will be the fourth man to face Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson (Pictures) when the two icons clash at EliteXC’s third installment of "Saturday Night Fights" Oct. 4 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla. The headlining bout will anchor a live broadcast on CBS.
Sherdog.com confirmed the bout’s signing with multiple parties aware of the fight, while a press release is expected to circulate later today with the news.
The 44-year-old Shamrock (26-13-2) beat out fellow candidates Sean Gannon and Brett Rogers (Pictures), who called out Slice in May, for the coveted slot.
Shamrock, a 15-year veteran of the game who made his storied Octagon debut at UFC 1 in November 1993, has dropped his last five bouts in a row since 2005, including a lackluster showing against brawler Robert Berry (Pictures) at Cage Rage 25 last March.
However, "The World’s Most Dangerous Man" exudes substantial selling power for a match now only five and a half weeks away. A strong personality in and out of the cage, Shamrock’s 15 appearances in the UFC earned him international recognition alongside his original nemesis Royce Gracie.
Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if the athletic commission in Florida failed to approve this fight. Shamrock's position in the annals of MMA history are well-entrenched, but it's situations like this that are likely to tarnish or re-write what could be considered a successful and glorious career. Shamrock is in no position to take this fight and Slice's power represents a threat to Shamrock's health. I shudder to think what could happen to EliteXC, Slice and perhaps even MMA if Shamrock is seriously injured on the CBS broadcast.
As for Slice, it's regrettable EliteXC would line up an opponent so beatable, but there is a silver lining:
MMARated.com has learned that despite the fact that Ken Shamrock was chosen over Brett Rogers to face Kimbo Slice on the next EliteXC on CBS card on October 4th, Rogers' camp has been told by EliteXC officials that he will face the winner of that fight sometime in the future.
In addition, EliteXC officials have invited Rogers to sit ringside for the October 4th card to get a better a look at his next opponent (like he really needs it).
EliteXC will achieve their immediate objectives for this show. The Shamrock-Slice fight will buy them enough time to get Slice a legitimate challenger and fulfill their four-event deal with CBS. But in so doing, they are branding themselves the dubious relative to the UFC. EliteXC promotes MMA, yes, but with a questionable cast of oft-repeating characters in what can be argued is done in favor of legitimately anonymous legitimate talent. Booking Slice vs. Shamrock is a short-term solution (necessity?) that only exacerbates long-term requirements for acceptance among fans, critics and investors. Color me extremely unimpressed.
UPDATE: Two more thoughts:
1. The pressure from EXC on Slice's management and team to accept this fight may have been overwhelming, but this is a serious set back for Slice in terms of giving him opponents in a hierarchical manner. There is no upgrade here either in terms of talent or experience. Giving Slice a beatable opponent still serves the larger purpose of getting Slice exposure as well as comfortable performing in large-scale events. But Slice is already accustomed to the big stage thus far in his career and Shamrock is not step up in competition at this stage in his career. This match does little for Slice except to line his wallet and inflate the bubble around him.
2. And speaking of that bubble, I wonder when it will burst. Should EXC go under and Slice is forced to find a new home, who is going to pay him his current going rate? Admittedly, if he defeats Rogers he will have earned a win over a credible challenger. But that's by no means a given and neither is high pay days even with that win. Slice's value has been artificially inflated by EXC's need for him. His aura and YouTube history with EXC's marketing and CBS's medium made for a potent combination, but what value does Slice have outside of a promotion that needs him for fiscal solvency? Yes, he could probably sell tickets for Strikeforce or Affliction should EXC fold, but Slice's ability to put asses in seats currently rests on a gimmicky image cultivated by a desperate organization. Worse, it's an image that can be shattered with a thunderous right from Rogers. If Slice losses or is finished, his credibility takes a far more significant hit than any other professional heavyweight at his popularity level. Slice is still at a point where what legitimacy he has can be erased very quickly. And he's at the point where his ability to ever challenge the top of the heavyweight food chain is VERY much a question. The ability of Slice to command a strong pay day outside of the overly hospitable waters of EXC is by no means a given.
If anyone thinks this is an upgrade over James Thompson, you're dreaming. Shamrock is handled here by Buzz Berry of all people. Slice may very well lose, but that would make him almost unfit for professional competition.
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This fight is wrong on so many different levels. Let the comments flow… It will be interesting to hear Frank Shamrock commentate during this match, but geeze, Ken just needs to retire.
by dmayeda on Aug 25, 2008 2:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This fight is wrong on so many different levels.
Maybe but the only thing ProElite cares about now is ratings. If they do bad numbers on this show, they’re basically done.
by Tonley on Aug 25, 2008 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think this is a good fight for Kimbo.
We all saw how green Kimbo is in terms of his MMA skills, and we can’t blame him—he only just started training. Kimbo’s gonna need time to develop his skills, and EliteXC is making a wise decision in bringing him up slowly. Having beatable opponents gives him more time to train and live up to his potential.
Plus, even if Kimbo fights Rogers and wins, people will still doubt his skills saying Rogers hasn’t beaten anyone legit.
by jcee on Aug 25, 2008 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
UNbelievable????
Luke made a great point in the above post!!!!
Ken Shamrock STILL needs to be granted a license to fight Kimbo. That would be awesome if the commision DENIED this freakshow from happening. Come on Ken couldnt figtht average or below average, SMALLER striker like Tito….Now add 5 or 6 years and he is even slower.
This is sickening. I have a firend that is an amateur fighter. This kind of circus event drives him crazy. he evens doubts himself sometimes. He wonders if all the long hours and long days were worth it. He says he should get a ridiculis Halloween mask like the Tazmanian deveil and have people following him around to parking lots and whatever and film it. he is so frutsrated he says if taht s what will get you made then WTF???? have your first cartoon mma-ist. If what people want to pay for is gimmicks and freakshows, then …….
ALthought he would never do it. He does wonder if the abuse he puts his body through is worth it if if never makes it, especially when people make it like Slice is doing. He is among MANY fighters that feel that it is just a direct insult to ALL the up and comers that have put in the time
by fightfan on Aug 25, 2008 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rogers invited to sit ringside, huh? More in-cage post-fight antics on the way courtesy of the brain trust at EXC.
by Chris Nelson on Aug 25, 2008 2:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
the real question here is whether or not brett rogers will be furnished with a folding steel chair to throw to shamrock as the referee is looking the other way or whether he will have to bring his own.
by dt3 on Aug 25, 2008 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They should've booked this fight
instead of Shamrock/Berry and Slice/Thompson.
Even today I think its the best of the options they’ve got, as lame a fight as it is.
by Kid Nate on Aug 25, 2008 2:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Completely agree.
This fight is lame, BUT I have no problem with it and even find it somewhat interesting.
If Shamrock wins, this could really hurt EXC.
"The bigger the cushion, the sweeter the pushin'"
by BJJDenver on Aug 25, 2008 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see how Ken winning would hurt EXC – it would bring more attention to the brand IMO
"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007
by lovingmma25 on Aug 25, 2008 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because you would have an over-the-hill, irrelevant fighter who hasn’t won a meaningful fight in a very long time, beating their marquee name that they are basing almost all of their hopes for survival on. Other than that, it wouldn’t hurt them at all, lol.
I’m afraid that is the kind of attention they wouldn’t want.
"The bigger the cushion, the sweeter the pushin'"
by BJJDenver on Aug 25, 2008 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree with you on both points here
-i think out of the three options this is easily the worst. 3) shamrock – chance on defeating kimbo, even if he does he still doesnt get any love from most fans 2) gannon – fans would have lost their mind with the drop in competition but at least proelite gets a 15 second youtube highlight of sean gannons face imploding. 1) Rogers – Fans finally get to see what they want… competition for kimbo in what probably would be a very hard fought battle. Best case scenario, kimbo wins and he finally gets to tell those critics to shut up. Worst case Scenario, he loses but rogers is now the kimbo killer and increases his q-rating tenfolds. eXC loses one megastar’s undefeated record but creates a superstar in the process.
The thing to remember here is that all these eliteXC fans that booo everytime a match hits the ground and think kimbo is the greatest thing since the gogoplata don’t care about undefeated records. By the time kimbo’s next opponent steps into the ring they cant remember who he fought last time… whether he won or loss… all they care about is where that damn beerdude is (and whether or not that sweet affliction shirt will still be in the nordstroms clearance rack when they go back on sunday).
-I think if kimbo had to fight shamrock before he was taught that lesson by thompson that this match would be a bloodbath. If shamrock would have been smart enough to come in with a good game plan, which is questionable in itself, he would have had the ground and pound to end kimbo when thompson couldnt.
by dt3 on Aug 25, 2008 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Ken can pull this one off – he has to got out on a win – I think that is his goal.
"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007
by lovingmma25 on Aug 25, 2008 2:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Actually this is the best possible fight they could make for Ratings and for the casual fan. aAot of people who don’t know shit about MMA know who Ken Shamrock is. Sure the Hard Core fans don’t want to see this fight but we are not the ones who bring ratings and sell PPV’s. I myself will give Elite a pass hear sence they need ratings to survive but after this fight its time for Kimbo to start fighting real HW’s and be tested.
by Shocbomb on Aug 25, 2008 2:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You’re right, I recently did a presentation on MMA and one of my classmates (a gentleman every bit of 48-50 yrs old) said that Kenny Shamrock and Kimbo Slice were his favorite fighters. He had no idea who the others fighters were that I discussed.
"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007
by lovingmma25 on Aug 25, 2008 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is his 4th fight.
He barely beat James Thompson, now this a mismatch? I think anyone wondering if this fight will be sanctioned or not seems misguided.
I think it’s a solid fight personally. Popularity and skill do not have a linear relationship. If someone can beat an aging Ken Shamrock in their 4th MMA fight, I think that’s fair.
At least he’s fighting someone who could potentially, at some point, submit him. We’ve all seen how simple Kimbo’s ground game is.
I officially endorse this fight!
by ghettoiam on Aug 25, 2008 2:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i agree that’s it’s not a terrible matchup in terms of skills, and i agree with blackout612 (below) that kimbo could very welll be submitted. but admittedly, i have a pretty conservative view on safety issues in the sport. i would not be surprised at all if 15 years from now ken shamrock is talking with slurred speech and showing other forms of being punch drunk (his pro wrestling history probably doesn’t help … same with sakuraba). he’s too old, has bad reaction time, and is just too susceptible to be matched up with a hard striker like kimbo.
it is the biggest seller for the mainstream, but it’s a giant risk in a lot of ways.
by dmayeda on Aug 25, 2008 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He should be fighting people who are winning.
by Eugene Schelfaut on Aug 25, 2008 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shamrock could be the Mir to Kimbo’s Lesnar if he can grab a leg. I don’t think he’s that overmatched, let’s not give Kimbo too much credit..
by Blackout612 on Aug 25, 2008 3:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Remember Ortiz vs Shamrock 3?
I dont see why Kimbo couldn’t do that to an even OLDER Shamrock, lets not give Shamrock too much credit…
Hes gonna get pounded. =/ I would be ecstatic to see Ken beat his ass and upset him but its just really hard to fathom.
by xFenixKnightx on Aug 25, 2008 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you comparing Tito and Kimbo?
by Blackout612 on Aug 25, 2008 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pardon me...
For that brainfart. :(
by xFenixKnightx on Aug 25, 2008 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For the sake of argument....
EliteXC goes out of business. His two options at his price tag are Affliction and UFC. Now the UFC seems to be a non-option. I cannot see Dana paying that large a sum of money for a guy who could potentialy go winless in a three fight deal in his stable of fighters. As weak as the UFC heavyweights are right now, Cain Velasquez, Shane Carwin, Brock Lesnar, Fabricio Werdum, Cheick Kongo, Heath Herring, Gabe Gonzaga, and Frank Mir all have an above average chance of mud-stomping a hole in Kimbo. There are only so many Dan Evensons to fight.
And could you Imagine Kimbo in the Affliction stabel of Heavyweights? I say he has a 50-50 chance with Paul Beuntello right now. Everyone else on their heavyweight roster would destroy Kimbo.
Bottom line for me, Kimbo better pray Elite makes it financially. He is in for a rude awakening.
by Nick Travaglini on Aug 25, 2008 3:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I would actually be interested in Kimbo/Rothwell slugfest.
"The bigger the cushion, the sweeter the pushin'"
by BJJDenver on Aug 25, 2008 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
too much credit to kimbo
yes, yes, ken is over the hill but his strength is his ground game; primarily his leg locks. from what i’ve seen, kimbo’s ground game is mediocre. i can easily see ken getting the fight to the ground and snatching one of kimbo’s legs. i can also see kimbo catching ken on the way in for a takedown or clinch. sure this fight is marketable, but it seems like a bad decision for a promotion with so much vested in kimbo.
by trialplayer on Aug 25, 2008 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This appears to be a bad mash-up of...
…Rocky 3 and Rocky Balboa…Clubber Lang versus an over the hill Rocky…WTF…Kmbo by KO round 1 minute 2..Shamrock has taken 5 too many blows to the head
by Kel on Aug 25, 2008 3:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is the right fight to make. This is only what, Kimbo’s 4th fight? Odds are Kimbo gets an easy KO, but incase Shamrock pulls off a miracle and submits him, Frank vs. Ken could easily headline the next PPV show.
I think it’s stupid not to have Rogers fight on this show if they’re thinking of headlining a PPV with him against Kimbo.
by Michael Rome on Aug 25, 2008 3:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Kimbo and Ken were made for each other
Seriously, this is the best possible scenario for both fighters. Ken takes one good shot and lays down at this point in his career and Kimbo needs his to showcase his punching power. Hyping the fight should also begin at a furious pace thanks to the personalities at play here. As for EliteXC, I agree that they’ve been opportunistic with their marketing of Kimbo, but this being planet Earth home to at dozen or so sleazy but capable MMA promoters, he was gonna be portrayed the same way regardless. The market was there and Kimbo is cashing in while perporting to take MMA seriously. Let’s hope he follows through.
by Jaydoggydog on Aug 25, 2008 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is sad statement about humanity, nevermind mma.
I told you I can't build your candy house! It will fall apart, the sun will melt the candy, it won't work!
by mma_dude on Aug 25, 2008 3:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is the best fight to make right now. In the miracle that Shamrock wins, you have a Frank vs Ken mega-fight that would garner huge casual fan interest on CBS. Otherwise, we see Kimbo vs Brett Rodgers for the EliteXC Heavyweight Title with Antonio Silva being forced to vacate due to his year long suspension. Not only do they have a match for a world title to put on network TV but it would involve Kimbo against his first legitimate challenge. Showing video clips of Brett Rodgers destroying guys and pushing him as an unstoppable menace and sincere threat to Kimbo’s glory would make for a very interesting build.
EliteXC has matchmaking much different to that of the UFC’s simply because their talent roster is much, much more shallow. I don’t see them ever gaining the top position in the sport but they are an interesting alternative and a great place for fighters to become superstars before jumping ship. The Kimbo hype machine has been in full effect since day one but if and when guys like Lawler, Shields, and Diaz eventually head back to the UFC, they could be legitimate superstars.
by dropkick101 on Aug 25, 2008 3:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So how much are they paying Ken for this fight?
And how much are they paying him to keep the fight standing?
by Day Man on Aug 25, 2008 4:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It's a better fight for Shamrock than Kimbo.
Should Shamrock retire? I certainly think so. But Shamrock can beat Kimbo if he can get him down and possibly submit him. If he beats the inflated youtube star, he can possibly ride that ubber hype to one final hurrah against Frank. If he loses, well, he was expected to lose.
If Kimbo wins, it won’t do anything for him because he won’t get new fans. Those that love him will continue to think he’s the bee’s knees, cause they won’t care he just beat up an over-the-hill fighter that hasn’t won a meaningful fight since before Bush was President. And those that think he’s overhyped will just dismiss the win as another canned victory. If he loses, however, at worst it can mean a blow to his MMA future. At best, Kimbo stays off the inevitable beatdown he’ll get when Rogers gets him next. There’s no up for Kimbo in this fight.
by pud333 on Aug 25, 2008 4:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I disagree. No upside among hardcores, but the vast majority of fans will see him slaughter a “MMA legend.” Who is to say his camp will even agree to a fight with Rogers in the future? Who is to say they will even get to a PPV?
If EliteXC is going down, Kimbo’s management needs to protect him. He needs to remain undefeated when he becomes a free agent in order to get a big payoff, and this fight will keep it that way.
by Michael Rome on Aug 25, 2008 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL at Sherdog “confirming” the news. MMARated broke the story. Up next, Loretta calls the meteorlogical society and “confirms” the sun will set in the West.
by andherewego on Aug 25, 2008 4:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
…. maybe Shamrock will do this again:
(image found on the Underground)
by Kierkegaard on Aug 25, 2008 4:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My thoughts exactly!
I just watched that fight a few months ago and didn’t notice that. Gonna have to watch it again now, lol.
by pud333 on Aug 25, 2008 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it’s called ‘selling the punch’ in Hollywood terms. That’s why Ken doesnt have win bonuses in his contracts, he’s there to fight rather than win – big difference.
I’m not talking about fixed fights here, I’m talking about the motivation behind stepping in the ring.
by Benicio on Aug 25, 2008 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just saw the fight.
He actually did slip or whatever. lol The match lasted longer than that.
by xFenixKnightx on Aug 25, 2008 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was no slip Ken Wantd out of that fight he does not have the heart to fight anymore it all about the $$$ and thats all.
by Shocbomb on Aug 25, 2008 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What the hell was that?
… well, a cynical fan might call that a “dive” or a “flop” or a “phantom punch” or … or maybe he just “slipped” at precisely the moment before he got punched …
by Kierkegaard on Aug 25, 2008 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shamrock was diving in for a leg
He’s pulled that move before — minus the getting punched on the way in and landing on his ass part — and its a weak ass takedown attempt.
by Kid Nate on Aug 25, 2008 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's breakdance fighting
Shamrock II: Electric Boogaloo
by Blackout612 on Aug 26, 2008 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Breakdance fighting was banned years ago after some very serious injuries… Shamrock should be fined!
I told you I can't build your candy house! It will fall apart, the sun will melt the candy, it won't work!
by mma_dude on Aug 27, 2008 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am going with Kimbo wins 18 seconds into round 1 with the above as reason why.
Kimbo will throw his first punch and Ken will fall down before it lands and tap, due to an injury?!!!LOL.
Then Ken will say thank you for the $200,000 for allowing me to partake in this freakshow. And he walks off laughing, saying now Kimbo can actaully face a fighter his age and talent level ,WE ALL KNOW that I took the fight for a payday!!!
by fightfan on Aug 25, 2008 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What a stupid fight. If Ken somehow wins Kimbo loses even more credibility. Ken has looked like crap in his last few… so even if Kimbo wins this one it really isn’t that impressive.
Rob Dib
http://www.break-your-face.com
by Rob Dib on Aug 25, 2008 5:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
While this fight does very little for Kimbo, Kimbo and EliteXC’s main priority for him is for him not to lose. Shamrock is about as guaranteed a win as you can get for fighting a name fighter.
EliteXC is probably finished if Kimbo loses, be it to Rogers, Silva, Shamrock, Gannon, or the tooth fairy. So they might as well give him more cans to whallop and hope for the best.
by Michaelthebox on Aug 25, 2008 5:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Would someone please help Ken with his finances so he doesn’t have to keep taking these fights.
by The_Vig on Aug 25, 2008 5:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hard-Core Fans vs Casual Fans
The first fight on CBS was a huge success by any measure. Why? Because they courted the casual fan. We the hard-core fans love strong, compelling match-ups as that is what we are used to watching UFC and WEC fights. The hard-cores got that in the 2nd chapter of CBS Saturday Night fans. Hard-core fans happy, no casual fans ergo horrible ratings. Almost all of us who read this site fall under the hard-core category. Some posts I have read have been negative, but we hard-core fans will watch it anyway, and now with a hugely entertaining, albeit lop-sided match-up we should see good ratings and a competitor to the UFC have a little more breathing room. This is the best matchmaking they could do to at this moment . This sport grows and can become the next major sport by bringing in the casual fans, and that starts with network TV with fights the casual fans) and not the hard-core fans want to see. If you really dont like this match-up, dont watch free TV and stick to paying $45 bucks a month for truely competitive fights straight down the line (all eleven fights). If you prefer a little entertainment mixed in with some compelling fights join me in October for the 3rd rendition of CBS Saturday Night fans.
by marketmaven on Aug 25, 2008 6:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is just a conspiracy to get Kimbo over to WWE… the only place his free-agency will lead him. Maybe then we can see him fight “Doink the Clown”.
I’m not shocked, but this is like the Butterbean vs. Cabbage fight. The match has novelty written all over it. Good for EliteXC.
Never the less, people will talk about how they saw Kimbo Slice brutally knock out “The Worlds Most Dangerous Man”.
by Heenan on Aug 25, 2008 7:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So?
Is it really that big of a deal for EXC to make a matchup that is going to make them money and draw some serious numbers? Everyone was all up in arms that EXC has to make some money and…that’s what they’re going for.
Yeah, it’s a freakshow…but who cares? I mean…I get it…we’re all obsessed with what is “good for the sport” but these guys have the RIGHT to compete. And I for one am not going to give any promotion trying to make money or any fighter trying to do the best he can do for himself any grief. I’m not going to say that Kimbo shouldn’t be fighting, this is America…it’s his right to pursue this career. And I’m not going to say he shouldn’t be in main events…a promotion SHOULD do what is going to make it the most possible money.
I guess I’m just to the point where you can’t both want EXC to make money, but then give them crap when they do something to do so.
Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
by Brent Brookhouse on Aug 25, 2008 7:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. The stuff about this being unfair to other fighters is nonsense. My friend is (basically) a starving actress, the fact that Lindsay Lohan makes millions doing retarded shit isn’t unfair. It’s reality.
by Michael Rome on Aug 25, 2008 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly...
What do people want? Kimbo to be on the undercard? Who does that benefit other than these “hardcores” (who can’t be too hardcore considering that they consider viewership to be unimportant to big time MMA)? The truth is…he is the main attraction for most people that will watch the show…it isn’t too different from what goes on in Japan a good portion of the time.
Main attraction = main event.
Yeah, it sucks if you’ve devoted 10 years of your life to eating and sleeping MMA only to see Kimbo get a more swank spot than you off of street fights. Just like it sucks when you work for a company for 10 years and some new guy comes in to take the new management spot that just opened up…It happens..enjoy what should be a hell of a spectacle (and probably a short, ugly fight) or don’t watch it. But don’t tell me that somehow the fighters or the promotion shouldn’t be able to take or make this fight.
Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
by Brent Brookhouse on Aug 25, 2008 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the athletic commission deems Shamrock able to fight then it should be allowed to happen. It looks like the best possible fight from a marketing perspective for EXC. Personally, I don’t want to see Shamrock fight anymore. I don’t know how much this match will help toward EXC’s PPV aspirations.
by Cannon Jacques on Aug 25, 2008 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
If they spend the show (which will pull big numbers because of Gina and Kimbo/Ken) talking up the future plans…that is the best option.
Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
by Brent Brookhouse on Aug 25, 2008 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
The hype train will have to run wide open to sell this potential PPV. I’m not sure people that enjoy watching Kimbo knock out an over-matched or over-the-hill fighter are the same people that will shell out money for a PPV. I’m also not sold on the fact that this show will match the ratings of the May event. A number of things have to line up correctly for EXC if PPV can even be considered as an option.
by Cannon Jacques on Aug 25, 2008 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they let Tank continue to fight, I don’t forsee a problem with Shamrock getting a greenlight.
I’m all for EXC making money, but I’m so sick of people asking me about Kimbo and how great he is. I noticed he didn’t make the top 25……ever.
by Heenan on Aug 25, 2008 11:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
In all likelihood..
..neither of these guys is going to dominate the other; it’s probably just going to be a really bad fight.
And yes, I agree that XC can do as they please and we don’t have to like it. But I don’t really see how that comes into play here. If Bigfoot (ignoring the roid issue) were fed can after can, sure, I’d think it was bullshit. But I’m really unconcerned with the handling of Kimbo after he was exposed in his fight with Thompson. I got what I wanted— his credibility with those of us that know what’s what was damaged irreparably (I’d venture to say). So now that we know what he is, why not let them milk his popularity in circus fights? Why not try out a formula that has been successful on Japanese cards in the past and see if it can keep them profitable enough to reward us with fights like Cyborg vs Radich? I’m all for it. I’m done seeing what Kimbo’s worth and it’s really a matter of time before he becomes deeply exposed, to the degree that the casuals that revel in his Youtube glory will also see that he doesn’t belong on this grand stage of MMA. For now, let the old man have his go at him. If I thought Ken didn’t truly believe he could win this fight and he just wanted to get paid, maybe my outlook would be skewed..
by Blackout612 on Aug 26, 2008 1:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Fix is in
The outcome has already been determined. Ken will fight stand up only and will take a dive or get knocked out. Just like all Kimbo fights, he can’t lose.
by Harry Triangle on Aug 26, 2008 8:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
EliteXC is like WWE style
Kimbo Slice’s First Four Opponents
* Bo Cantrell, Last 5 fights (0-5), Last 10 fights (5-5), Overall (10-11)
* Tank Abbott, Last 5 fights (1-4), Last 10 fights (2-8), Overall (9-14)
* James Thompson, Last 5 fights (1-4), Last 10 fights (3-7), Overall (14-9)
* Ken Shamrock, Last 5 fights (0-5), Last 10 fights (2-8), Overall (26-13-2)
by Anty57 on Aug 26, 2008 1:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WWE because it is more like fake sport, boxing is real sport so MMA but not EliteXC
by Anty57 on Aug 26, 2008 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
umm...
Boxing is the correct comparison. Young and/or protected fighters are fed easy opponents with bad records. Putting on real fights with predictable outcomes is quite different from putting on predetermined fake wrestling matches.
Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
by Brent Brookhouse on Aug 26, 2008 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
…. although the way Bo Cantrell started tapping on the way to the canvas made that fight look a little “predetermined” and “fake.”
… and the way Tank Abbott went down and basically gave up without any fight at all made that fight look a little “predetermined” and “fake.”
… and the way Mirgliatta officiated and ended the Thompson fight made that fight look a little “predetermiend” and “fake.”
… and …
I think boxing is probably the more apt comparison, but it is a bit odd who not only has Slice been fed complete cans so far but almost every fight has an odd little “feel” to the way it went down.
:)
by Kierkegaard on Aug 27, 2008 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why do people hate on kimbo so bad??when he was backyard fighting all people could do is bich about how f he does professional he will get smashed, now hes doing proffessional all people can do is talk bout how his oppenants arnt that tough, hes only had 4 fights. hes only had 1 real oppenant (james thompson) which he ended up beating neways, with the other 3 wich he jst smashed. Now hes up against a great fighter nd people are still biching about how kenz old now. kimbo’s a great fighter and will only get better now, wait another 5 years and he’l be unstoppable.
by Amiro on Sep 2, 2008 7:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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