Kimbo Slice Draws 5.2 Million Viewers for "The Ultimate Fighter" 10 Finale
by Luke Thomas on Dec 8, 2009 4:30 PM EST
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Most Watched "The Ultimate Fighter" Finale In Franchise History And Biggest Audience For A Live UFC Fight In 2009
New York, NY, December 8, 2009 – Spike TV’s telecast of "The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights" live finale on Saturday, December 5 was the most watched final episode in the 10 seasons of the TUF franchise, peaking with 5.2 million viewers and a 5.9 rating with Men 18-34 for the Kimbo Slice-Houston Alexander fight. The over 5 million viewers were the most to watch a live UFC fight in 2009.
Overall, the three-hour fight card drew 3.7 million viewers, a 2.4 household rating, a 4.6 in Men 18-34 and was the most-watched show on cable with Men 18-34 and Men 18-49 for the day.
"The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights" live finale was the third most-watched UFC fight card ever.
Kimbo came up just shy of Fedor's 5.46 million viewers, but of course Spike's narrower reach on cable makes these numbers ultra impressive. None of it is particularly shocking, obviously, but impressive nonetheless.
As everyone is rightly suspecting, all bets are on Slice's future fights being part of a PPV card. The UFC is ready to make serious money from his popularity now that he's been partially legitimized and cleaned up. In evaluating what these numbers mean for Slice, we have indisputable proof the masses are still interested in what he can do. If one considers that Slice has been under similar forms of pressure since November 2007, the idea that people are still hanging on to the idea of what he could become speaks volumes about how much more his popularity can be developed...provided he can win. Slice will be spotted the requisite forgiveness after a couple of losses in the UFC, but to have any career momentum he's got to win and win big. Period.
Which is where the real rub is. The win over Alexander is legitimate and no one can say otherwise. But we can't overextend ourselves in evaluating Slice's game. If he enters the heavyweight division, the easiest tasks are arguably Al-Turk or Hardonk, both of whom are more than capable of defeating Slice. For the forseeable future, the UFC has to find talent that is dangerous but also limited and lopsided. Alexander was a credible challenge, but the matchmaking was tailored to maximize Slice's chances of winning. Alexander has no ground game to speak of and less polished striking than Slice. Finding opposition that won't categorically exploit his shortcomings or overshadow his strengths is a delicate balancing act, so expect more potential catchweight fights with carefully screened opponents.
In the meantime, I hope Slice is being nicely compensated for single-handidly delivering a season's worth of ratings from two fights. After all of the insults, dismissals, questions and doubts, that's one hell of an achievement. Kimbo Slice is the real peoples' champion.
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How many of those 5.2 million viewers don’t want to see Kimbo fight again after that trainwreck?
Keep firing Assholes!
Fedor has accomplished nothing until he fights Kimbo.
Exactly what I was thinking. Kimbo didn’t win that fight so much as Houston lost it. I think if they put him against anyone else who isn’t doing to be afraid to trade, Kimbo is going to go down. Unless they drag Ken Shamrock out of the woodworks, Kimbo is done winning fights. Heck, a gassed hurt Houston still rocked Kimbo. Hardonk would murder Kimbo.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13
Sadly, a lot
Most of them aren’t interested in “MMA”, they want a brawl.
"Why am I here? Why does my mind have wings? Why do blue midgets hit me with fish?!" - The Tick
The second round will be enough for them to keep coming back.
by Neil Manich on Dec 8, 2009 5:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
* "TUF 10" episode No. 1: 4.1 million viewers
* "TUF 10" episode No. 2: 2.9 million viewers
* "TUF 10" episode No. 3: 5.3 million viewers
* "TUF 10" episode No. 4: 2.8 million viewers
* "TUF 10" episode No. 5: 2.8 million viewers
* "TUF 10" episode No. 6: 2.8 million viewers
* "TUF 10" episode No. 7: 2.5 million viewers
* "TUF 10" episode No. 8: 2.5 million viewers
* "TUF 10" episode No. 9: 2.4 million viewers
* "TUF 10" episode No. 10: 2.4 million viewers
* "TUF 10" episode No. 11-12: 2.6 million viewers
* "TUF 10" live finale: 3.7 million viewers*UFC 105 Randy vs Vera: 2.9 million viewers
by MMASuPreMaCy
by Nick Thomas on Dec 8, 2009 4:33 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Hardonk would would end Kimbo’s career. They’re probably going to have to give fellow season 10 TUFers a contract and hope for the best.
LOL, agreed. Hell, even Al-Turk would probably roll into a submission on Kimbo’s leg before he even knew what happened.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Dec 8, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
I don't want Kimbo on my PPV.
I know he’s a massive draw and will bring in the $$$, but if I’m gonna pay for my fights, I want quality matchmaking. Even if you never know how a fight will go down until it happens, we still know what we’re getting from Kimbo – bad boxing and a tiny gas tank. I don’t want that on my PPV.
/whine
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 8, 2009 4:35 PM EST reply actions
You're having a PPV?
The only thing Jon Jones does better than Matt Hamill is hear.
(And smash faces)
I’d love to see him used on UFN cards with younger prospect types. i.e. Jon Jones.
Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
MMA Editor - SBNation.com
by Brent Brookhouse on Dec 8, 2009 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
^this
fact is, Kimbo isn’t getting any younger and it will be hard for him to get that much better. rather than try and directly build and make money off of Kimbo, make money off of him indirectly: draw big audiences and then use that to build other stars, which will in turn make for good PPV draws.
www.tapology.com | twitter @tapology
Kimbo vs Jon Jones
would last about 15 seconds. Pass.
Although I’m not sure you were actually suggesting they fight, just that they be on the same card and use Kimbo as a lure.
"(Brock Lesnar) is never in good spirits and he's not in good spirits now." - Dana White
Kimbo vs Jon Jones
I’m pretty sure he meant they fight on the same card against different fighters. They could leverage Kimbo’s popularity to get some eyes on their skilled youngsters.
by Zou want a piece? on Dec 8, 2009 6:41 PM EST up reply actions
They should just get SpikeTV to pay half his contract and keep giving him special attraction/catchweight fights on fight night cards. He will draw good numbers on Spike even if they had him fighting absolute nobodies and pull up the ratings for the rest of the guys on the cards. Spike could also use him for their moronic shows too, Kimbo hosted MANswers and 1000 ways to die would be something Spike would probably jump all over.
Schaub easily beats kimbo. Maybe give him big baby or meathead, yeah I know baby is good on the ground but I think kimbo can ko him fast. Other fighters wrestling is too strong for kimbo to defend against. Jon madsen v kimbo would be funny.
by kanodogg on Dec 8, 2009 4:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
not sure that i agree he easily beats kimbo.
but putting that aside, the UFC somehow needs to be able to market the fight. kimbo versus the ultimate fighter runner-up, both guys looking to prove they belong in the UFC, etc…. this fight can be sold.
but a guy like marcus or madsen, i don’t know how you can really market that fight. i don’t think they will seem like credible opponents.
www.tapology.com | twitter @tapology
Since when has Kimbo needed a credible opponent?
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions
James McSweeney would be a good style match up but they could probably come up with enough TUF house footage to sell a booking against Zak Jensen or Wes Sims.
McSweeney would leg kick the shit out of him. It would be a short night for Kimbo.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito Ortiz on Vitor Belfort at Affliction:DOR
How do you figure?
Wes Shivers beat the dung out of McSweeney.
Heck bring Cro-Cop in to face Kimbo. Cro-Cop finally gets his LHK highlight win in the UFC
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13
Yeah but I think ufc wants to ride the kimbo money train as long as they can. Don’t think it would be a bad idea for them to bring in Ken Shamrock to fight kimbo, though I think shamrock might actually win.
by kanodogg on Dec 8, 2009 4:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
or a rematch with Tank Abbott
"Why am I here? Why does my mind have wings? Why do blue midgets hit me with fish?!" - The Tick
Kimbo vs Royce Gracie!!!
oh wait, Royce has a ground game.. nevermind!
cagar é uma filosofia profunda...
a merda bate na água e a água bate na bunda.
Didn’t some idiots already try this. Ken Shamrock vs Kimbo is a terrible idea.
by Neil Manich on Dec 8, 2009 5:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
no no, it’s not a terrible idea… they tried it but the fight never happened. say what you will about shamrock, but he still has that name value amongst casuals, look at how well his 3 fights vs. tito did. 3 f’n fights that had essentially the exact same ending.
He pulled out of that fight day of. His last fight he tested positive for roids. If you are the UFC, why would you rely on him.
ufc has a short memory of things like that. gilbert yvel knocked out a ref and from what i’ve read about him is known for being a dirty fighter, yet he’s gonna be on the main card of a ufc ppv.
Yvel knocked out that ref 5 years ago. He’s rehabilitated his behavior and image since then.
The UFC has a very long memory, but they are willing to forgive given a sincere effort to change.
by Michaelthebox on Dec 8, 2009 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i dunno about that, ufc has always turned a blind eye to steroids, i don’t think they’ve ever penalized a fighter for steroids. i also seriously doubt that shamrock cut himself on purpose to get out of the fight, shamrock may be alot of things but cowardly is not one of them
Huh?
That’s what athletic commissions are for.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
They suspended chris leben and stripped 3 champions of their titles. What more can they do when they have the Athletic commissions handing out suspensions?
Yeah
The Leben suspension was for lack of a commission. They’re hardly protecting roiders.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
Wow
If a fighter can get commissioned, it’s the UFC’s prerogative to sign them to fight. They’re punished when they get suspended.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
i understand that, that’s the point i’m trying to make, shamrocks suspension is almost over… and UFC would not rule him out just because of a steroid test failure that he’s already been punished for.
Saying “the UFC has always turned a blind eye to steroids” suggests that they’re allowing fighters to get away with using PED’s, or somehow would, if possible. The Leben controversy and the stripping of titles by offenders (even in the bizarre Sherk case) proves that that is simply not true.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
read above man, and see how this discussion got started, someone suggested that because ken tested positive for roids ufc won’t touch him, and that’s just not the case. his suspension should be over very soon too.
no way shamrock gets back into the UFC. talk about credibility bombshells
by Austin Martin on Dec 8, 2009 8:32 PM EST up reply actions
I just wish there was a way to strip ‘roiders of their wins. If they lose, like Leban, no biggie, just do what you always do. But for guys like Barnett, Sherk, or Sylvia, who won and tested positive, strip that W. I have no idea if the UFC even has control of this, but it’s a nice idea.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 8, 2009 8:53 PM EST up reply actions
A couple of state athletic commissions do have this power (Nevada and New Jersey are the only ones I know about currently) but even those states only got that ability relatively recently. The UFC has no control over that at all the athletic commissions do (although the UFC might do that overseas as they follow Nevada regulations when they self-sanction).
I know I'm a Sherk-homer, but I must revisit this
Again..
Both men in that bout were found guilty of the use of PED’s and Sherk was eventually found half guilty because his case was butchered by the CSAC.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
Also
I apparently love italics… today.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
True, Sherk’s case was fubar. I have no idea what they even meant by “half-guilty”.
I still say that even half-guilty is worthy of changing the W to NC, though. If both
fighters test positive in the future, maybe give them both the L?
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 8, 2009 9:11 PM EST up reply actions
Not sure what to do in that case, but it was weird. And the half-guilty thing was due to the bizarre nature of his testing procedures and the subsequent hearing/evidence. He had samples of his Xyience supplements tested and they contained traces of PED’s, which attributed to the half-guilty (six months) sentence. Totally bizarre circumstances and I feel awful for him that he’s now considered a career-long cheater and is constantly accused of dodging testing and the like. I’ve mentioned in the past that my brother trained in the same gym as him, and I’ve seen him fight live many times, so I know first-hand just how hard the guy works. So yes, I’m biased, but I feel there’s a lot to go on no matter who you are. I also don’t believe Antonio Silva did roids, but he has less of a case than I feel Sherk did/does.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
I still don’t think he’ll do well on PPV.
How many people have ever paid to see a Kimbo fight?
kimbo could be the ticket to network TV, or make everyone a lot money co-main eventing Spike shows.
I agree.
If the UFC ever wants to get the networks to buckle under to their demands, they are going to have to string together some ridiculous ratings on Spike, and when it comes to ratings, Kimbo is a proven rainmaker. IMO, he is of more to use to them as a proven ratings dynamo than as a potential PPV draw.
You mean do what EliteXC was doing with Kimbo, though their plan was to eventually sell a PPV with him, and I can imagine the UFC will do the same.
=)
shh
They don’t like when people point that out ;)
"Why am I here? Why does my mind have wings? Why do blue midgets hit me with fish?!" - The Tick
by mythbuster on Dec 8, 2009 5:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Difference is, Kimbo gets to sit on the undercard, rather than on top of title fights.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions
Which means…?
"Why am I here? Why does my mind have wings? Why do blue midgets hit me with fish?!" - The Tick
Which means you don't endanger the integrity or image of the sport
by having him mixed in with so many other legitimate fights. Obviously it’s milking the guy’s image, but ultimately that doesn’t hurt if you’re not trying to brand Kimbo as The Big Thing in MMA.
For EXC he was their main attraction. For Zuffa, he’s just a sideshow and most people know it. The ones that don’t know it are newer fans and they can be more evenly introduced to the MMA landscape watching him fight on a small-time Zuffa card.
There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.
Kimbo being on TUF and being on spike or network TV as the co-main event is not the same thing as Kimbo being the star of every show and his losses being “the biggest upset in the history of mixed martial arts.”
Elite planning to build a PPV around him is even more credence that it’s a stupid idea, since they didn’t have very many good ones.
by Phildo on Dec 8, 2009 6:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
1) It was EliteXC which embodied everything that was bad in MMA.
2) What the announcers said and what the “promoter talk” was made the difference, LOL.
What the announcers are saying to the casual fans does make a hell of a difference because casual fans tend to actually believe the crap spouted by announcers. EliteXC embodied what was bad in MMA on a heck of a lot of levels beyond just them pushing Kimbo like he was an unstoppable monster too (such as the whole paying guys to stand crap or the Shaws).
Thanks
I really wanted to digest my dinner.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
But the decision would go to Kimbo, as he displayed great “Parking Lot Control”.
by fedorade on Dec 8, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I like Kimbo, but even I can't pinpoint his appeal
I don’t know if it’s Kimbo’s charisma or what, but there is an odd appeal to Kimbo that makes people want to watch him fight. He is a terrible fighter, but it is so strangely appealing to see this Bahamian improve. His fights have to be tailor-made for him, and his fights that aren’t total brawls aren’t even that good, but there is an uncanny entertainment to them.
Kimbos basically the new Houston Alexander, just have him fight on all the tuf finales/ufn cards
by kanodogg on Dec 8, 2009 4:43 PM EST via mobile reply actions
“The win over Alexander is legitimate and no one can say otherwise.”
I completely disagree with this statement. In fact, I say otherwise.
He was a heavyweight given a smaller opponent with absolutely 0 ground game.
Even at that, Kimbo had Houston Alexander in mount, and couldn’t finish.
Nothing about that fight exudes legitimacy.
by iki on Dec 8, 2009 4:45 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
I’m going to assume this is trolling as no one would consciously submit an argument like this expecting it to be taken seriously.
by Luke Thomas on Dec 8, 2009 4:47 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
“no one would consciously submit an argument like this expecting it to be taken seriously”
LOL, Luke. I’m willing to bet 1/3 of the casual fanbase would.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Dec 8, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
Seriously?
I know Houston’s ground game is bad but come on. People were calling for him to destroy Kimbo – on the feet and on the ground. Give the man his dues.
Just because Houston didn’t come to fight shouldn’t reflect badly on Kimbo. Alexander was a legitimate threat – just ask Jardine or Sakara.
by HappyLittleTreez on Dec 8, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
Haven't you figured out how this works yet?
Step 1: You say how badly fighter X is going to get destroyed by fighter Y and there’s little chance outside of miracles that X can win the fight.
Step 2a: When fighter Y beats fighter X – you were right about fighter X sucking all along.
- or -
Step 2b: When fighter X beats fighter Y – fighter Y was really a joke, I mean he got beat by fighter X.
Conclusion: Fighter X sucks.
by The_Gaijin on Dec 8, 2009 5:01 PM EST up reply actions 11 recs
well… it is a legitimate win over houston alexander. you actually really can’t argue that. he won the fight, and his opponent was, well, houston alexander.
you could say that it was not a legitimate win over brock lesnar. and there i would agree.
www.tapology.com | twitter @tapology
Again, Houston lost that fight. I didn’t think it was legitimate at all. He acted like a guy scared of getting knocked out and if anything, that fight probably showed how bad he really is, even though he still could have won it had he actually been aggressive
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13
Houston could’ve won, if it weren’t for the pesky fact that he was less skilled than Kimbo as a fighter, thus precluding him from winning.
Houston isn’t less skilled than Kimbo – Kimbo has sloppy boxing, HA at least has leg kicks. He lost the fight because he had a brain collapse, so he forgot to win the damn thing via kicking Kimbo’s legs off. It’s like Vera – they didn’t lose for lack of talent…
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 8, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, he is. Houston has zero boxing. His leg kicks were poor. Kimbo has better boxing, better TDs, and a better ground game. It may not be elite in any aspect, but it’s clearly better than Houston.
If the HA that floored Jardine and Sakara had fought Kimbo, he would have won, easily. Blitz, clinch, knee, profit.
It’s not lack of talent, but that he never maximizes it. I’m not saying HA is world-class, but he’s certainly better than Kimbo.
How would Houston have done against Thompson or Petruzelli? I say KTFOs JT & batters Seth.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 8, 2009 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
I still think Houston is more skilled than Kimbo, at least in the stand up. I’ve always felt Houston was a bad fighter with a fluke win over Jardine. That said, I still believe he should have beaten Kimbo if he actually went in there to fight and not circle the whole time. Houston looked terrible circling the whole time and Kimbo looked bad for letting him.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13
Give him Mike Ciesnolevicz
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
Kimbo loses. I’d say maybe Tim Hague.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Dec 8, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
Bring in Linderman...
http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/DJ-Linderman-30279
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Dec 8, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
LOL @ Team Do Somethin'
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
Mitrione
He’ll be invited back after winning— who is he supposed to fight?
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
I feel like Mitrione would knock Ferguson out.
Bolts from the Blue // "I have got to be the most boring GM in the league." - A.J. Smith
Bloody Elbow // "I win again. Engrish is my bitch." - Steven Zucconi
Beat me to it.
Not that I condone facism or any ism for that matter. Isms are in my opinion, not good. A person shouldn't believe in an ism, he should believe in himself.
I quote John Lennon, "I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me". Good point there, after all he was the walrus. I could be the walrus. Wouldn't change the fact I have to bum rides off of people.
Nah, Mikey C wins by first round heel hook. His BJJ is too good (even though he’s undersized for HW). He just got his purple belt, I’d post a picture but don’t know how…
by mictlantechutli on Dec 8, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions
I know people
who went into the Kimbo-Houston fight rooting for Houston, and switched alliances before the end of the fight. he earned some fans. I believe he could pull fans into a PPV, but I agree that the UFC is better served keeping him on Spike. Perhaps Rothwell, someone who is known to “bang”, could be a decent fight.
Rothwell would maul
Kimbo
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Kid Nate on Dec 8, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It'd be ugly
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
I just watched the UFC HW roaster to find someone for kimbo, they need to sign new/old fighters ASAP. They need bob sapp, they need Ken Shamrock, they need guys that lose fights with a bang!
10/24
give him....
butterbean!
cagar é uma filosofia profunda...
a merda bate na água e a água bate na bunda.
At Heavyweight, Kimbo vs. Neil Grove. Grove is such a bad striker with zero ground game… Kimbo could probably beat him. Hell, you could probably bring back Ken Shamrock or bring in some former Cage Rage heavyweights like Rick Berry. James McSweeney might be a legitimate challenge, or any of the TUF guys who lost.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Grove would probably catch Kimbo with one of his shot-put punches, then it’s good night Irene.
Keep firing Assholes!
Fedor has accomplished nothing until he fights Kimbo.
No way… Grove is bad. Beyond bad.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Dec 8, 2009 5:07 PM EST up reply actions
Unlike Kimbo, he managed to KO James Thompson, though.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 8, 2009 5:15 PM EST up reply actions
But he didn’t make his ear explode. ;)
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 6:13 PM EST up reply actions
Isn’t it amazing how we we could always differentiate the UFC from other promotions because they were the major leagues and there were no “freakshow fights” or “gimme’s” in the UFC. And now we are trying to figure out gimmes or freakshows for Kimbo to fight.
by John Nash on Dec 8, 2009 5:41 PM EST up reply actions 10 recs
The difference being that this freakshow (Kimbo) is being used as a lure for eyes, probably to show off prospects. Other orgs built their entire business model on Kimbo’s drawing power. Guess which plan will succeed?
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 8, 2009 5:46 PM EST up reply actions
No, both are using him for the same reason, to get ratings and eventually they hope he will get PPV buys. How they use him within the promotion whether they claim he is a great fighter or not (promoter talk) is moot.
He was on a fucking reality show in a house filled with journeymen… he was then on a undercard (not a main event or co-main event) on a freakin fight night show.
He fought a UFC fighter (whom if strikeforce signed you’d slobbering over) and won.
This is a far cry from a “freak show”. All the idiots calling this a “freakshow” because of the ratings.
If kimbo had no name and no ratings would you think that card or tuf was any different than any other season or finale? right… now go get some brain cells.
by mmalogic on Dec 8, 2009 6:05 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
It’s probably considered a freakshow because of the disparity between talent & viewers, like Bob Sapp in Japan.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 8, 2009 6:08 PM EST up reply actions
Dana White:
Urijah Faber is 145 pounds. He’ll beat Kimbo Slice. Kimbo Slice sucks. He’s terrible. If I had a heavyweight The Ultimate Fighter show, I don’t think he’d win the show. And he’s headlining a show on CBS?
When the major media outlets would rather follow freak shows instead of real athletes, it’s embarrassing.
Do you just cover your ears and hum when people tell you that Kimbo was headlining those shows over legit title fights? Kimbo is now more legit than he EVER was in Elite, by beating Houston Alexander.
He still sucks, but at least he earned it, pretty or not.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 6:16 PM EST up reply actions
Didn’t Kimbo make it into the second round when a “legit” fighter like McSweeny couldn’t?
And what does him being legit before have to do with anything? Kimbo lasting more than 2 minutes with Roy is impressive as it is, and you know it.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 6:21 PM EST up reply actions
I’m talking about present, you’re talking about past. Cute attempt thought.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 7:01 PM EST up reply actions
Kimbo didn't make it to the first round.
He lost his first fight to Roy.
Not even gonna try to explain how silly this comment is.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 6:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You failed at sarcasm, because this season they didn’t have a “preliminary fight” to get into the house…so yeah, he made it to the first round.
Regardless of how poor the sarcasm was, it was just kind of…mind numbing.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 7:02 PM EST up reply actions
By going through TUF, fighting on the finale, and winning that fight, he can affix “UFC veteran” to his credentials. That alone makes him appear more legit than anything he’s done before. Whether he’s actually legit is a different story. I say no – he won because Houston crapped his brains out, not Kimbo’s awesome mad skillz.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 8, 2009 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, it was like Houston thought up 1 aspect of the game plan…stay on the outside and kick the leg…but then…that was it. And the sad part was, alot of the kicks were weak. I’m not suprised that Houston couldn’t generate a ton of power with his lead leg, but he built a whole strategy around it.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 6:24 PM EST up reply actions
How they use him is important. If he hadn’t been the center of EXC’s world, they might still be around.
Do you think the UFC will make that mistake? Again, they “legitimized” Kimbo by making him a UFC fighter, implying he needs them more than they need him. Without the UFC honorific, Kimbo is still only “street-certified”.
I can’t want for the Kimbo saga to be over personally – he’s taking up a spot on the roster where a quality fighter should go.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 8, 2009 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
nottheface’s point has nothing to do with where Kimbo is on the card. The UFC has a reputation as a place with no gimme fights, and now people are stretching to find potential gimme fights for Kimbo. See, it’s funny.
I realize that “b-b-but EliteXC has him as the main event!!!!” is the standard response to any cynicism about the UFC’s use of Mr. Slice, but it’s totally irrelevant here. The point is that the guy does not fit the standard, romanticized picture of the UFC and its fighters. (Not that this is really news—that picture has always been a bit ridiculous.)
by JRN on Dec 8, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Houstan was favored over kimbo… what do you think the lines would be for al turk, struve or pretty much any fight in the 205 or HW class in the UFC?
People arent looking to give him gimme fights… there looking to give him the most competitive fights for his skill level. That’s why Main event, co main and undercard positioning matters.
You can give Kimbo a fight like al turk on the undercard… you cant place him as a co-main on a ppv with that kind of opponent – are you getting some common sense now?
were you crying when crocop got al turk on the undercard?
by mmalogic on Dec 8, 2009 6:24 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I thought the undercard was the non-televised portion?
Isn’t it undercard / main card / co-main event / main event?
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 8, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions
Weird – whenever I hear undercard talked about (predictions, results, Brock Larson’s whining, etc), they’re referring to the dark matches. I also thought prelims = undercard.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 8, 2009 6:31 PM EST up reply actions
Houstan was favored over kimbo… what do you think the lines would be for al turk, struve or pretty much any fight in the 205 or HW class in the UFC?
I think they would all be favored against him, as well they all should be. What does that have to do with anything?
People arent looking to give him gimme fights… there looking to give him the most competitive fights for his skill level. That’s why Main event, co main and undercard positioning matters.
When I say “people,” I mean people in this comment thread. Look it over: several people are explicitly trying to think of fights that Kimbo would probably win (Ken Shamrock, Neil Grove, Shannon Ritch, Dan Evensen, etc.). It was that phenomenon that nottheface was responding to. As for what the UFC will actually do, who knows?
You can give Kimbo a fight like al turk on the undercard… you cant place him as a co-main on a ppv with that kind of opponent – are you getting some common sense now?
What did I say that indicated I would disagree with this?
were you crying when crocop got al turk on the undercard
Just the opposite. This is evidence that people do in fact get gimme fights in the UFC, which is exactly my point. Thanks for bringing it up!
by JRN on Dec 8, 2009 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
actually Zuffa wanted him to fight cain but nice try… He already got his ass kicked trying to go through the UFC gauntlet.
Strikeforce’s middleweight champ gave up his belt only to come back a month later to main event a show against a hand picked scott smith.
Kimbo was given a fight on the undercard of a tuf finale against a guy who was favored against him.
UFC is major league and Strikeforce is bush league… this is not a fantasy – it’s reality.
by mmalogic on Dec 8, 2009 8:42 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
actually Zuffa wanted him to fight cain but nice try… He already got his ass kicked trying to go through the UFC gauntlet.
Cro Cop got beat a couple times, then they still brought him back, let him turn down a tough fight, and gave him a gimme. You’re making my point for me. Thanks!
The rest of your post is, as expected, completely irrelevant to my point. I’m not making a comparison to Strikeforce. Why would you even bring them up? I didn’t. I’m also not disputing that Houston was favored against Kimbo.
What I’m saying is that it’s funny that fans, on this blog, would be bandying about potential gimme opponents for a fighter in an organization that is often purported to be gimme-free or very close to it.
As a corollary, I’m saying the UFC has never been as gimme-free as some have liked to claim. You have graciously helped me to make this latter point.
by JRN on Dec 8, 2009 8:51 PM EST up reply actions
What mma fighter is a gimme for Kimbo? every mma fighter has a good chance of beating him.
Giving crocop al turk after crocop got his ass kicked twice in the UFC makes it a gimme fight?
Guess who crocop fought next? Dos Santos.
You dont seem to understand when fighters lose they get easier fights to gauge where they are at and possibly have another opportunity to make another run. Who do you think crocop should have fought when he came back?
Hendo couldnt make it at 205 and 185 so he got palhares… do you think that was a “gimme” fight?
There’s a big difference between “protecting” a fighter and giving a fighter a way to build back up after they lose.
I bring up Strikeforce to give you the reality of the situation and show you what a major league org is and what a b-league is.
Cung le is being protected and Kimbo isnt.
by mmalogic on Dec 8, 2009 9:25 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
What mma fighter is a gimme for Kimbo? every mma fighter has a good chance of beating him.
Again, if you’d read the comments, you’d see that this is a recurring theme. Folks are scraping the bottom of the barrel, yet everybody nearly everybody they come up with seems dangerous in one way or another. That’s a big part of what’s funny about it!
Giving crocop al turk after crocop got his ass kicked twice in the UFC makes it a gimme fight?
Al-Turk not being very good is what makes it a gimme fight. Who Cro Cop fought next doesn’t make his previous fight any less of a gimme.
You dont seem to understand when fighters lose they get easier fights to gauge where they are at and possibly have another opportunity to make another run. Who do you think crocop should have fought when he came back?
Nowhere did I criticize the practice of giving fighters softball fights at times. I’ve merely pointed out that some people deny that they occur in the UFC or downplay their occurrence beyond reason. That’s a criticism of certain UFC fans, not the UFC itself.
Hendo couldnt make it at 205 and 185 so he got palhares… do you think that was a "gimme" fight?
I find it very amusing that you keep trying to work a Dan Henderson into this somehow… no, I didn’t think Palhares was a gimme, he’d shown himself to be a pretty dangerous guy. It was certainly a fight that Dan was, and should have been, favored to win, but not a gimme.
I also find it strange that you’d characterize losing to the #1 fighter in each division as not being able to “make it.” By that yardstick, virtually no one can “make it,” rendering that particular epithet pretty toothless.
This is all irrelevant, though.
I bring up Strikeforce to give you the reality of the situation and show you what a major league org is and what a b-league is.
Thanks, I guess? I already knew Strikeforce was a b-league, and nothing I’ve been saying contradicts that, or even addresses it, in any way.
Cung le is being protected and Kimbo isnt.
I also never said or insinuated that Kimbo is being protected.
by JRN on Dec 8, 2009 9:55 PM EST up reply actions
I like it when people get my points
Thank you. I have nothing against Kimbo and I have nothing against him fighting in the UFC. But I do something against the UFC trying to cherry pick beatable foes for him just to cash in on his name recognition. Especially after we spent all summer hearing quips like this:
They are ducking the UFC gauntlet which almost no fighters have survived
No gets to choose their fights (in the UFC)
Issue is, it’s just us sitting here talking about who the hell Kimbo should fight…don’t get pissy when we don’t even know who Kimbo will fight next, and my guess is, it won’t be an easy fight.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 6:33 PM EST up reply actions
Isn’t it amazing how we we could always differentiate the UFC from other promotions because they were the major leagues and there were no "freakshow fights" or "gimme’s" in the UFC. And now we are trying to figure out gimmes or freakshows for Kimbo to fight.
My comments are directed at us “fans” for being so accepting to the idea that Kimbo should be in freakshow fights.
But I do something against the UFC trying to cherry pick beatable foes for him just to cash in on his name recognition.
Is me trying to ward that off from happening. That aren’t doing it yet and I hoping they realize it isn’t acceptable.
Or maybe thats what most of us want.
To be fair
It remains to be seen how he’s treated. All of this conjecture can’t be held against the UFC, right?
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
plus, houston alexander isn't exactly a gimme fight
he leg kicked the FUCK out of pendargarst. I have no idea why he didn’t do that to kimbo for 3 rounds until he couldnt walk, but you can’t blame kimbo for alexander’s pussification
by Austin Martin on Dec 8, 2009 6:37 PM EST up reply actions
Houston had a brain failure for the Kimbo fight. He should have won.
Keep firing Assholes!
Fedor has accomplished nothing until he fights Kimbo.
could've should've would've
still can’t blame kimbo
by Austin Martin on Dec 8, 2009 6:46 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t blame Kimbo, I went 2 feet straight up in the air when the Kimboplex happened. Houston didn’t show up for some reason, if he had come out guns blazing like he usually does, he should have won.
Keep firing Assholes!
Fedor has accomplished nothing until he fights Kimbo.
kimboplex- i like
and its true, he should’ve. but he didn’t, and we were left with the defining moment being a better suplex than randleman vs. fedor.
by Austin Martin on Dec 8, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions
Nah man, Randleman/Fedor is the suplex to end all suplexes.
“Like he wanted to make dinousaurs extinct again” I think was the Cracked quote
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
haha alright, based on that quote alone
i’ll downgrade it to “comparable to randleman/ fedor”
but impressive nontheless
by Austin Martin on Dec 8, 2009 6:51 PM EST up reply actions
I like it when people have no idea what they’re talking about…
How was houstan beatable??? Houstan was a 2 to 1 favorite.
Zuffa made the best style match up on the show for a competitive fight. If Zuffa wanted to give Kimbo a cherry picked opponent to win they would have given him tiddies or one of the other cans who would have no chance of submitting or knocking him out.
by mmalogic on Dec 8, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I would appreciate it if you read my complete thread of comments to see what I was talking about before deciding to insult me. You jump to conclusions faster than the guy from Office Space.
I read your comment…
You seem to not understand the difference between Fedor vs Zulu or Hong Man Choi and Kimbo vs any of the guys listed here.
A show is consisted of a main event, co main and an undercard. The main event carrys alot of weight and then the co main.
So a “freak show” means you have a circus fight for a main event.
If you meant “Freak fight”… who in the UFC would be a freak fight for kimbo?
So to be clear Fedor vs Zulu is a freak show. Kimbo vs Houstan on an undercard is not. Even as a main event it wouldnt be considered a “freak show” as its a competitive fight. It would be considered a weak main event.
There are no gimme fights for Kimbo… so your entire point doesn’t make sense.
“Freak shows”, “UFC Gauntlet” – those terms come into play when a guy like Fedor is fighting journeyman instead of top competition.
Dan henderson couldnt handle the UFC guantlet and even the best UFC guys cant handle the UFC gauntlet.
Kimbo coming into tuf, losing to the guy who won it, then fighting on the undercad of the finale against a guy who was favored against him has nothing to do with “freak shows” or “gimme fights”.
by mmalogic on Dec 8, 2009 8:33 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
What you’re missing is that nottheface never referred to the Houston fight as a gimme. He referred to some of the potential matchups being suggested by commenters here—against the likes of Shannon Ritch and Ken Shamrock—as gimmes. I wouldn’t be inclined to call either of those fights a “freak show” exactly, but others probably would.
None of what you’re responding to is criticism of actual UFC practice. It is an observation about an amusing phenomenon in these comments, as pertains to larger tropes in the MMA media/internet fan world.
So you can relax!
by JRN on Dec 8, 2009 9:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Are you saying that Frank Shamrock, Robert Berry, and Sean Gannon are UFC caliber fighters? The same Frank Shamrock who has loss 7 of his last 9 fights and whose only recent win was over terminally obese Ross Clifton The same Robert Berry, who has lost 6 of 9 with one of his wins coming against aforementioned Mr. Shamrock? The same Sean Gannon whose only claim to fame was beating Kimbo in a “Street Fight” (And I’m sorry, but that would be a fucking Freak Show). These are the names being bandied about here. This level of fighter would be acceptable against Kimbo as long as it was competitive? I can’t believe I have to defend the minimum standards for the UFC against you.
Houston Alexander was a legitimate opponent. And Kimbo won, which I have previously praised him for. Now lets see him take on a James McSweeney, Mostapha Al-turk, or Antoni Hardonk. He’s earned his shot in the UFC, let us not cuddle him too much so we can keep the golden goose around.
I understand what you’re saying… but you’re comparing “what ifs” to fights that have already happened and are happening in other orgs!
You are comparing the people who complain about freak shows… YOU KNOW THE ONES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAPPENED AND ARE HAPPENING to people who are throwing out IDEAS on fights that have NOT happened and have almost no chance of happening.
by mmalogic on Dec 8, 2009 9:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You and the other genius are talking about ideas on a freaking forum and comparing it to freak shows that were actually booked and televised in other orgs!
People were upset the fights ACTUALLY HAPPENED. Nobodies gonna take to the street on fights that were proposed by a few people on a freaking comment section of a blog.
You are comparing the people who complain about freak shows… YOU KNOW THE ONES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAPPENED AND ARE HAPPENING to people who are throwing out IDEAS on fights that have NOT happened and have almost no chance of happening.
That’s kind of the point when you are making an observation about hypocrisy. If someone is going to observe that the" best of the best fight in the UFC" and there is “no such thing as a gimme in the UFC” and then writes about what bargain bin to search for a fighter poor enough to give Kimbo a shot, I don’t what else to call it but hypocritical.
And for the record, I was merciless against Elite for giving us such “freak shows” as Kimbo vs. Tank and James Thompson.
I realize the fights being named haven’t happened. And I realize that the names thrown out are mostly that – names being thrown out for imaginary what if scenarios. Scenarios that, I might add, I hope would be unacceptable if they ever came to pass.
I could also do without the insults or condescension. If you don’t agree with me, just tell me so and why, and I promise you I will reconsider my position. I understand that you get a lot of shit from some of the other members and that you may have mistaken another comments for mine or made an accidental confluence between the two. If that’s the case, I understand, but I would appreciate if our correspondence was a little more courteous.
But where’s the hypocrisy?
You want the people who have rightfully bitched about freak shows THAT ACTUALLY OCCURED to come out and bitch about what people have suggested on a blog’s comment section???
You want people to bitch about things that will most likely never happen?
Come on man… lets get real.
You’re right, the manner of my correspondence to you has been rude and I apologize for that.
Apology accepted
Now lets see if we can get you and MMASuPreMacy to break bread. I would have suggested smoogy if I thought that was even possible.
Wake up
Time for pumpernickel.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
Man the dude was on TUF and fought once on a TUF finale (definitely not a show that was ever meant or claimed to be the best fighting the best). Perhaps you should back up off the hypocrisy bit there and just let people have their fun fantasy booking Kimbo.
I have no problem with fantasy bookings for Kimbo. If people want to come out with outlandish foes that is fine (I would love to see him against BJ Penn. I think Penn would take it.) My original reply was to Leland suggesting some pretty god awful fighters. I wanted to make it known that I thought this would be terrible and thought I would also point out that this is the same sort of matchup many decry others for having made. After which I was content to let others keep coming up with whatever scenario they could dream up. If you’ve noticed the only comments I have made have been replies to those replying to my comments. I am not really that worked up over Kimbo in the UFC, but apparently many took umbrage to what I had written. I though it fair to reply and explain my position. Apparently that didn’t help because I just ended up replying to more people taking umbrage to what I had written again. You would be a good example. Poor Frank Shamrock will probably be another.
What it was may of been intended to be one thing but what it because is pretty obvious. You take a dig at UFC fans and someone is going to fire back and in a thread with both SuPreMaCy and logic posting in it you might as well be smoking while pumping gas because you are just asking for a conflagration.
Are you saying that Frank Shamrock, Robert Berry, and Sean Gannon are UFC caliber fighters? The same Frank Shamrock who has loss 7 of his last 9 fights and whose only recent win was over terminally obese Ross Clifton The same Robert Berry, who has lost 6 of 9 with one of his wins coming against aforementioned Mr. Shamrock?
Frank Shamrock has not lost 7 of his last 9 nor has he fought Robert Berry or Ross Clifton.
The only thing Jon Jones does better than Matt Hamill is hear.
(And smash faces)
Frank Shamrock would hunt you down and kick your ass for confusing the two of them, Ken would just book you for a fight on Wargods next card.
Ha
Yeah, it wasn’t me, I was just repairing.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
Well to be fair we don’t know what the UFC’s plan is just what we are discussing in a comments section. Hell comments sections get pretty wild all the time but that doesn’t mean anything to the sport.
Zactly
People are acting like he’s scheduled to fight Sean Gannon as the headliner of UFC 111.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
I’m certainly not acting this way. As I said above
As for what the UFC will actually do, who knows?</blockquote
by JRN on Dec 8, 2009 9:18 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, not everyone
But people are riling each other up all along the thread. These circumstances are not the same as EXC. Though, I will be weirded out if the UFC starts protecting him, putting him high up on important cards, etc. It’s just too soon for the criticism I’m seeing right now.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
Well if he’s on a PPV his fight is gonna be televised but in fairness to him he is fairly inexperienced as an MMA fighter so he should be fighting guys on the lower rungs of the ladder at his weight class, whether that be HW or LHW.
The only thing Jon Jones does better than Matt Hamill is hear.
(And smash faces)
I couldn’t believe people were actually fighting about it that way (well I can believe it out of SuPreMaCy but he’s still flying the EliteXC flag too). Seriously folks this is a bunch of meaningless internet discussion not a UFC booking committee, there aren’t even any rumors out there about who Kimbo is going to fight next.
Nottheface and the other genius is complaining about:
“why people arent standing up screaming about ideas posted on a freakin forum (ideas that have almost no chance of happening)”
Because people were upset about freakshows THAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED and are happening.
Who said anything about “standing up and screaming”? Besides you, that is? I’m just chuckling about all this. It’s funny that people are trying to think of d-level people that Kimbo could fight and beat, in the UFC of all places. Funny. That’s all.
The only righteous indignation or dramatic conflict happening here is 100% in your mind.
by JRN on Dec 8, 2009 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
The UFC hasn’t booked him against anyone yet, hell there aren’t even any rumors at this point. This is just the internet being the internet and there are no soft ball fights for Kimbo Slice imagined or otherwise at this point.
The UFC hasn’t booked him against anyone yet
I know. As I’ve posted twice now:
As for what the UFC will actually do, who knows?
there are no soft ball fights for Kimbo Slice imagined or otherwise at this point.
There are definitely a number of imagined softball fights for Kimbo Slice on this very comment thread. They’re funny, you should check them out.
Yes we all have great imaginations I just don’t know why people are even bothering to point it out. As far as imagined softball fights sure we can (and were) having a lot of fun with this but damn I thought it was blatantly obvious that it was just people on the internet having fun. Not sure why people want to turn this into some big UFC bashing though, heck who knows what level Kimbo will end up at but pretty much anyone fighting anyone on a fight night show shouldn’t be surprising or even worth much of a fuss, it’s not like they are main eventing him on major shows. It was a freaking TUF season finale card, it’s hard not to have the skill level to fit in on one of those.
Yes we all have great imaginations I just don’t know why people are even bothering to point it out.
Because it’s funny. It was obvious that people were joking around, and a part of what made that joke funny was the idea of people like Shannon Ritch getting to fight in the UFC because Kimbo is there.
No one is turning it into a UFC bashing thing except you, in your mind. (And mmalogic in his.)
Isn’t it amazing how we we could always differentiate the UFC from other promotions because they were the major leagues and there were no "freakshow fights" or "gimme’s" in the UFC
Honestly when you start with that then what are you doing if it’s not prodding at the UFC? I mean you even have SuPreMaCy and logic going at it in that exchange, of course it’s shitty ass org vs org bs going on, it’s a classic example of how that crap degrades.
Why blame nottheface for what mmalogic and MMAsupremacy do? Those two will wind up in a discussion in the flimsiest of pretexts.
What nottheface is referring to there is a view commonly held by a number of staunch UFC fans. It is not a dig at the UFC itself unless you insist on reading it that way.
I'm taking you wherever I go
to explain to all my clients, vendors, girlfriends, family, and the judge what I’m really trying to say.
The problem is notheface was in effect saying all those people had no right to chastise the freak shows that actually happened in the other orgs BECAUSE Leland threw out some ideas.
And all those people are now hypocrites because Leland threw out some ideas and arent busting his balls.
Are you fucking kidding me?
Because Leland threw out some ideas that discredits any arguments against all the freak shows going on in the other orgs?
Because Leland threw out some ideas then that excuses all those freak shows that were actually booked and televised.
These are the most silly assertions I have ever heard.
This is what he said:
Isn’t it amazing how we we could always differentiate the UFC from other promotions because they were the major leagues and there were no "freakshow fights" or "gimme’s" in the UFC. And now we are trying to figure out gimmes or freakshows for Kimbo to fight.
So the UFC “WERE” the major leagues but now that leland threw out some ideas they are not.
So we “COULD” differentiate the UFC but now that Leland threw out some Ideas he and you are insinuating that we cant.
You used the word “romanticizing” to describe how people see the UFC… You deluded yourself into this conclusion Not based on actual fights booked but based on ideas on a freakin comment section of a blog.
That’s “romanticizing”
I think it’s pretty obvious what I meant.
Isn’t it amazing how we we could always differentiate the UFC from other promotions because they were the major leagues and there were no “freakshow fights” or “gimme’s” in the UFC.
That is how hardline supporters (and actually me as well, but I try not to lord it over other people) would describe the UFC. Here we are, a bunch of people on a forum, who had spend the better part of the year bragging about how the UFC has no equal (it’s true they don’t) and yet
now we are trying to figure out gimmes or freakshows for Kimbo to fight.
Obviously my comments where directed at the UFC “nuthuggers” as some like to term them, but it had it be. They were the people that were ridiculing Fedor for dodging the big leagues. They were the people laughing at Kimbo for being a joke, and now they were coming up with wild fights to keep Kimbo in the UFC and in the limelight.
And I know many of the people commenting here are not UFC nuthuggers, I myself am a huge UFC fan, it was a broad shotgun blast of generalization. (I don’t want to name names but one rhymes with aker). In fact I don’t know why it’s being interpreted as an attack on the UFC. If anything I’m trying to hold the line for what I perceive to be the UFC’s standard of excellence. In other words, I just wanted to let it be known that I didn’t want to see any shit matches.
Thats the problem… FEDOR VS ZULU HAPPENED!
People bitched about a fight that HAPPENED.
You are talking about someones freakin comment on a freakin blog.
I can't believe we are still going over this
So I re-read the posts and it is obviously that everyone is conflating different post with mine. So for simplicity’s sake here is a summary of my stance:
I agree that Fedor vs Zulu was a joke and that Fedor vs Hong Man was a joke (I give them a pass on Lindland – Monson had to cancel) but my point had nothing to do with the UFC or any real fights. It had to do with us fans. How we were searching so hard to find fighters bad enough so that Kimbo would have a good shot at winning and getting built up in the UFC. I thought this was funny and I thought I made a funny comment concerning it. Apparently it wasn’t too good, because only JRN got it.
I never said Houston was a can or a gimme. That was a legitimate win.
I never said the UFC would feed him a gimme or make a freakshow fight with him.
I have assumed they would go with another Tuf member.
I was just pointing and laughing at the lengths in which we have to go to find Kimbo an easy a potential victory. The same fans who passionately advocate the UFC as the place where there are no cans fighting ( and I’m one of those that wants the UFC an a-league. I don’t want squish matches) are working themselves into pretzels to find a can instead of letting you prove himself. I understand he had to work his way up but they should be at least UFC cailibet fighter. I say just give him McSweeney, or Mitrione and see what he can do.
Hopefully that clears it up, otherwise it’s not that big of deal.
I can’t believe I typed this on a date. This is pathetic.
by John Nash on Dec 9, 2009 3:25 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
What’s the saying? it’s never as fun the second time around.
by John Nash on Dec 9, 2009 5:18 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
First of all, who me, I was hoping that would have came across as humorous. Secondly, if anything it should be interpreted as me trying to protect the quality of the UFC, by not allowing it to descend to the point where it would be acceptable to exhibit an Elite XC -type ‘freakshow fights". I would prefer that keep having the best fighingt the best instead of giving into the temptation to keep the Kimbo cash machine alive.
Which, of course, they haven’t done yet. So this is a pre-emptive complaint which hopefully we can won’t have to drudge up every time Kimbo fights. Of course, this is all hypothetical and way overblown.
Eh, the UFC doesn’t give a rats ass about comments sections on MMA sites, heck they don’t seem to give a rats ass about the articles on those sites. We are all just here posting for our own personal education and amusement, we aren’t changing the MMA world.
Now I think we all know that if the UFC does book some kind of real BS match up for Kimbo the writers here and at other places will call them out for it but at this point all we are doing is having a good time at Kimbo Slice’s expense by fantasy booking who’s going to kick his ass. No reason to think beyond that level at this point.
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS NEIL WAIN?!
Not that I condone facism or any ism for that matter. Isms are in my opinion, not good. A person shouldn't believe in an ism, he should believe in himself.
I quote John Lennon, "I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me". Good point there, after all he was the walrus. I could be the walrus. Wouldn't change the fact I have to bum rides off of people.
It's been signed. Kimbos next fight is against Jeremy Bullock
.
Here’s a video of Kimbos next opponent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8tVTuNZ3Zw
"Why am I here? Why does my mind have wings? Why do blue midgets hit me with fish?!" - The Tick
by mythbuster on Dec 8, 2009 4:59 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Shannon Ritch… he’s always wanted a shot in the UFC. There ya go.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Dec 8, 2009 5:00 PM EST up reply actions
That would almost be perfect… they could sell him as a tough test on the grounds that he’s a veteran of over 100 pro MMA bouts. Also, he’d be much smaller.
The only problem is that the guy is much more prone to being submitted than knocked out, and more prone to submitting his opponent (if he wins) than standing up.
by JRN on Dec 8, 2009 6:13 PM EST up reply actions
Tho honestly
Kimbos first opponent will be cutting to 205
"Why am I here? Why does my mind have wings? Why do blue midgets hit me with fish?!" - The Tick
He came in at 212 against HA
and he did it with no nutrition coach, he could make 205, he’s just not used to cutting weight. i also wouldn’t advise it because the LHW division is stacked.
Kimboplex
Glad I’m not the only one who still thinks he can make 205…if he sat in a sauna for an hour I bet he’d have made it there from 212. Who knows what he’ll do though.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions
He was saying that he had trouble cutting weight to 215.
"Why am I here? Why does my mind have wings? Why do blue midgets hit me with fish?!" - The Tick
It was his first time cutting weight.
Do you remember the first time you cut weight? It sucks man!
Kimboplex
Because he dieted down and was losing muscle and hardly any fat. The poor guy didn’t even know to go cut weight in a sauna. That was his back up plan…when it should have been his first option.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 7:33 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, too bad he’s signed with Bellator.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Dec 8, 2009 5:02 PM EST up reply actions
I think Bellator should have kept that a secret… for like… ever.
Not that I condone facism or any ism for that matter. Isms are in my opinion, not good. A person shouldn't believe in an ism, he should believe in himself.
I quote John Lennon, "I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me". Good point there, after all he was the walrus. I could be the walrus. Wouldn't change the fact I have to bum rides off of people.
I really think his next fight
Will be against Petruzelli.
LOL at those saying that they wouldn’t pay to see Kimbo on a PPV.
I guess his talent isn’t up to par for your discerning tastes?
I’ll bet you had the same sentiments about BROCKLESNAR!! when he debuted.
Brock had outstanding wrestling credentials.
And never said I wouldn’t pay for a PPV with him one it; rather, I don’t want him taking a PPV slot away from a better fighter.
Kimbo’s best use is on UFNs, drawing eyes to showcase legit up-and-coming talent.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 8, 2009 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
I guess his talent isn’t up to par for your discerning tastes?
Wait, what? His talent?
"Why am I here? Why does my mind have wings? Why do blue midgets hit me with fish?!" - The Tick
ok I'll give him that :)
"Why am I here? Why does my mind have wings? Why do blue midgets hit me with fish?!" - The Tick
Didn't Dana once say that Urijah Faber could beat Kimbo?
Book it Joe!
"Why am I here? Why does my mind have wings? Why do blue midgets hit me with fish?!" - The Tick
He said "my lightweight champ could beat him!"
who was/is still Penn. Make it happen, Dana!
by pdl on Dec 8, 2009 5:55 PM EST up reply actions
Huh, really?
I only heard him say Penn, thanks for the heads up. I pick Urijah by looking 15 years younger.
by pdl on Dec 8, 2009 6:01 PM EST up reply actions
Found it
http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2008/6/5/546680/dana-white-speaks-on-kimbo
Urijah Faber is 145 pounds. He’ll beat Kimbo Slice. Kimbo Slice sucks. He’s terrible. If I had a heavyweight The Ultimate Fighter show, I don’t think he’d win the show. And he’s headlining a show on CBS?
I also like this one, that doesn’t seem to bother him anymore:
When the major media outlets would rather follow freak shows instead of real athletes, it’s embarrassing.
"Why am I here? Why does my mind have wings? Why do blue midgets hit me with fish?!" - The Tick
Breaking news, fight promoter changed his tune on a fighter after he signed him.
More at 11.
by Phildo on Dec 8, 2009 6:25 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Eh, what Dana says I’m used to. I get a kick out of the fans who scream and rant at whatever Dana tells them to.
"Why am I here? Why does my mind have wings? Why do blue midgets hit me with fish?!" - The Tick
by mythbuster on Dec 8, 2009 6:48 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Actually that is something I would like to the UFC and mma move beyond. If the UFC is the NFL, NBA, or MLB then Dana really shouldn’t have to get out there a try and direct the storyline for a match. That’s what the press does for the other major league sports. They are the ones that determine that “Eli is trying to prove himself to his father and brother” or “that the game is a personal feud between Kobi and a Lebron”. He should start allowing the mma press to take up this void. It now seems amateurish and petty when he does it. it’s like watching Don King or VInce McMahon. And “Legitimate” doesn’t come to mind when listening to those two.
He’s a fight promoter, that’s his job.
If MMA gets to the point that he can be a commissioner instead of a promoter, then that can be part of the discussion, but it’s not there yet.
by Phildo on Dec 8, 2009 7:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Well well well, if it isn’t the world’s strongest man vs. Mariusz Pudzianowski
Not that I condone facism or any ism for that matter. Isms are in my opinion, not good. A person shouldn't believe in an ism, he should believe in himself.
I quote John Lennon, "I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me". Good point there, after all he was the walrus. I could be the walrus. Wouldn't change the fact I have to bum rides off of people.
Not trying to be a killjoy, but just noticed that while this is a great number to pull in – it’s almost 1 million less than what they drew for his fight with Nelson…I would hazard to guess it might have a lot to do with Wednesday vs. Saturday in terms of tv viewers?
I guess it’s pretty moot, because he won this one and now has the added credibility of winning in the octagon…so it should only serve to help his future drawing power.
- “TUF 10” episode No. 1: 4.1 million viewers
- “TUF 10” episode No. 3: 5.3 million viewers
- “TUF 10” live finale: 3.7 million viewers
*UFC 105 Randy vs Vera: 2.9 million viewers
What i heard about my casual/semi casual mma fans at work…
- houston was scared of kimbo
- kimbo has a ground game now
- OMG KIMBO SLAM!
- Why didn’t Houston actually kick him harder (the semi casual guy)
but they actually talked about Nelson more… people love them some fat guy who knocked someone out i guess. They thought he was funny as hell
UFC 107 Update:
More than 10,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday’s event, generating more than $1.4 million in gate revenue. The UFC’s last four pay-per-view shows have averaged an attendance of 15,163.
http://mmapayout.com/2009/12/ufc-107-more-than-10000-tickets-sold/
Another sign...
That UFC is putting on too many shows. Part of the problem of having so many events is that they lose focus and time promoting events. Cut back 3 or 4 shows a year and they could do a better job selling their events and hyping them
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13
Having a Hawaiian and a Chicano headlining a card in Memphis is the problem. It’s still a decent gate considering….
I didn’t see it as being a bad gate, other than it’s their first card there. Given the hand they were dealt there, and in general…I think it’s fine.
Less than 2 million gate will make it a bad gate. I assume it will end up somewhere around 1.8-2.2 ish. Not to mention, this is their only event with a title on the line in the upcoming months.
Had the original main event happen, I’m sure the place would have sold out with the quickness (Rampage vs. Rashad for those who are unaware).
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 6:19 PM EST up reply actions
Yep, that was why Dana was so pissed that Page’ bailed after he went and got him a venue in his hometown. Dana knew this show would bomb in Memphis if it didn’t have the TUF 10 coaches headlining. This same show would have sold out in Nashville, I’d almost garuntee it.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 6:30 PM EST up reply actions
The thing is I think this is probably one of, if not the best card of the year. It’s a shame that its been overshadowed because of TUF and the insane amounf of cards UFC put on before it.
UFC really could have pushed it hard and hyped it to be a big money show, especially considering the personalities involved.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13
When are people going to realize this guy fuckin sucks…
After the 2 train wrecks on CBS andlosing on tuf people still tune in to see this fucker.
Kimbo cant knock anyone out in the UFC… Kimbo cant Submit anyone in the UFC. He’s a journeyman who gets toyed with at Top Team by fuckin welterweights.
Kimbo will be used for one ppv to convert as many of the new viewers into “buyers” as possible and then he can be kept on free programming to maximize eyeballs into the funnel.
by mmalogic on Dec 8, 2009 5:56 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Mark my words...
If they counterprogram any Strikeforce CBS cards with a live card , he will be one of the marquee fighters.
Did the UFC fire you or something? You seem irate lately.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 6:19 PM EST up reply actions
Bentley’s at the mechanic’s
Keep firing Assholes!
Fedor has accomplished nothing until he fights Kimbo.
by Ubernoober on Dec 8, 2009 6:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Labor problems (slave revolt).
Keep firing Assholes!
Fedor has accomplished nothing until he fights Kimbo.
by Ubernoober on Dec 8, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
goddamn revolts. always fucking shit up for the people on top.
by Austin Martin on Dec 8, 2009 6:28 PM EST up reply actions
hate hate hate hate
let the fuckin guy live huh? he’s obviously not the best at mma, but i personally love watching him and listening to him. i don’t think anything thinks he’s anderson silva, but he was able to beat a legitimate challenge in HA and i dont think he’d get crushed necessarily by everyone.
what is the probably with having fan friendly fights? pride did it too. I think us hardcores place too much emphasis on the sport itself and not the entertainment value. i personally LOVED the second round of that fight, and i think you’d be lying if you denied you did too
by Austin Martin on Dec 8, 2009 6:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
A lot of people feel that you should be working your way up to fight for the belt. Constantly fighting better and better opposition, moving up the ranks and such. They can’t comprehend just a ‘fun’ fight. It is no longer entertainment.
A lot of people feel that you should be working your way up to fight for the belt. Constantly fighting better and better opposition, moving up the ranks and such
And a lot of people believe the hype that this is all the UFC does. I mean
i dont think he’d get crushed necessarily by everyone
is not usually the sort of damning with faint praise we expect of a “UFC-caliber fighter,” right?
Nothing wrong with just-for-fun fights, per se, but let’s recognize the implications for what they are.
by JRN on Dec 8, 2009 7:16 PM EST up reply actions
hate hate hate hate hate hate hate
let the fuckin guy live huh? he’s obviously not the best at mma, but i personally love watching him and listening to him. i don’t think anything thinks he’s anderson silva, but he was able to beat a legitimate challenge in HA and i dont think he’d get crushed necessarily by everyone.
what is the probably with having fan friendly fights? pride did it too. I think us hardcores place too much emphasis on the sport itself and not the entertainment value. i personally LOVED the second round of that fight, and i think you’d be lying if you denied you did too
by Austin Martin on Dec 8, 2009 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
sorry, posting is weird. it was excessive hating though
by Austin Martin on Dec 8, 2009 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
i’m excited for your sons new movie, and iron man 2
by Austin Martin on Dec 8, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions
Guy Ritchie is half the director I am!
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
How is it that your son is like 20-something years older than you?
The only thing Jon Jones does better than Matt Hamill is hear.
(And smash faces)
The Drugs.
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
by Anthony Pace on Dec 9, 2009 12:24 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
had to add some extra "hate" the second time around?
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
wasnt the intention, certainly works tho
by Austin Martin on Dec 8, 2009 6:23 PM EST up reply actions
Ditto!
This line was entertaining.
“Kimbo Slice is the real peoples’ champion.”
Check out my recent MMA drawings on my blog, drop a comment, or subscribe via RSS for updates http://www.scritchandscratch.com/blog/?tag=mma
by VeeisAnimated on Dec 8, 2009 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
Kimbo cant knock anyone out in the UFC… Kimbo cant Submit anyone in the UFC. He’s a journeyman who gets toyed with at Top Team by fuckin welterweights.
No wonder he wants out of ATT so bad.
And I agree, I don’t understand what was so impressive about Kimbo. His ground game was atrocious and I wasn’t impressed with his stand up either.
I’m assuming the UFC is using Kimbo as a means to an end. They know they’re gonna get flack for having him on PPV’s and on TV, but they’ll do it anyway to generate new PPV buyers and perhaps use those TV ratings as an entry point into a television deal. There’s no denying it: for some bizarre reason, the public wants to see this dude fight.
I don’t particularly mind that they’re using him in this fashion, because I’m looking forward to the long term. However, as a fan, part of me gets destroyed when options for Kimbo’s next fight gets discussed and people have to resort to scraping the bottom of the fighting barrell in order to find an opponent that Kimbo can beat, but someone not so wimpy that the fight can’t be seen as legitimate. I mean, I’ll get over it, but it does strike me as kind of sad at this point.
I love me some Sexyama!
Even EliteXC refused to make that fight due to it being bad for MMA and the backlash MMA fans were giving them …
=)
I don’t see the big deal with it. Spin it like Dana talked with Kimbo, Kimbo said he wanted to fight Gannon, Dana says why the hell not.
The crowd goes wild. And, I’ll also mention…it won’t be a headlining fight.
"You guys are jerking eachother off with some pseudo deep bullshit." - Kid Nate
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2009 6:32 PM EST up reply actions
Actually
He turned down an offer. True story.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
Yeah
You don’t remember this? He was asking for a hilarious amount of money because he knew he’d probably get mashed up in an ugly brawl.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
The Kimbo and EliteXC saga is fuzzy now. So much drama happened in that span that I can’t recollect most of it. =)
Let me refresh your memory:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=jared+shaw&search_type=&aq=f
Keep firing Assholes!
Fedor has accomplished nothing until he fights Kimbo.
I still think that...
A) sean gannon is someone kimbo can beat
B) for the right money he will fight
C) the media and backstory for that fight would be great
Kimboplex
No
EliteXC wouldnt do it because Gannon was asking for too much money.
by The Bronzeville Bully on Dec 8, 2009 8:08 PM EST up reply actions
Yup
I tried telling him that already.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
It’s sometimes difficult to tell.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
Don’t worry, I let you know when it works.
by MMASuPreMaCy on Dec 8, 2009 11:24 PM EST up reply actions
UFC's event in Hawaii
Kimbo vs Jim York or Scott Junk
Penn headlines.
I still question Kimbo's legitimacy.
A small LHW (Houston looked tiny next to Jardine) moving up in a catchweight against a midsize heavyweight? Not to say catchweights are illegitimate (Franklinweight had some good scraps and Strikefrorce has had some good ones as well) but this one was tailor made to benefit Kimbo. Obviously not a guaranteed win, I personally picked Houston by murder, but still was intentionally made for his advantage. I see Kimbo as being comparably legitimate to if Bob Sapp had beaten Sokoudjou.
what kind of legitimacy do you want?
the man is an ADMITTED street brawler with no prior knowledge in any related aspect of MMA, and he’s just a big scary black dude who capitalized on internet sensationalism, you can’t blame him and he isn’t trying to be a world beater.
by Austin Martin on Dec 8, 2009 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
From the article:
The UFC is ready to make serious money from his popularity now that he’s been partially legitimized and cleaned up…
The win over Alexander is legitimate and no one can say otherwise.
Assorted things from this discussion, various posters:
Kimbo is now more legit than he EVER was in Elite, by beating Houston Alexander.
[Kimbo] was able to beat a legitimate challenge in HA and i dont think he’d get crushed necessarily by everyone.
There’s a lot of legitimacy talk in this thread, I’m just tossing my two cents in. I also don’t blame him for anything, I’m responding to the fan/blog reactions claiming he has more than basic shreds legitimacy in the sport. The Houston fight means very little to me.
Kimbo beating someone like Struve will start winning me over, and I think that’s a good fight to make. Not a significant weight disadvantage for Kimbo, a very dentable chin to go after, and a respectable base skillset with poor striking defense. He has the avenues to win, but also a real danger of losing on the mat. Let him get more of those sorts of matchups and I’ll give him respect and believe the “legit” talk.
by pdl on Dec 8, 2009 7:49 PM EST up reply actions
It's fair.
Kimbo looked a little better Saturday, but it’s not like he looked good. His ground work was terrible, save a big slam, and his stand up wasn’t impressive. He landed power shots but didn’t knock Alexander out. And Kimbo didn’t seem to have an answer for Houston’s unwillingness to engage. It was just so sloppy.
A few points
Kimbo can’t survive in this environment, but it remains to be seen how the UFC handles him. Many commenters in this thread are jumping to conclusions about how the UFC is doing exactly what EXC was and coddling him for ratings. I’ll be the first to say that if they DO nurse him for more than one fight, that much will be true. I have a feeling he’ll draw the likes of Mitrione in his next bout and then a more difficult task thereafter. But be honest with yourselves— Kimbo was essentially walked out to the plank with Houston— I could find a quote from most of you in this thread that said as much (myself included). And he was successful. All of the TUF contestants that won a fight on Saturday will get another chance, and Kimbo had what was regarded as the most difficult task of anyone outside of perhaps Schaub (in having to face Roy Nelson). He won that fight, so he deserves another fight. Did the UFC get what they want? Yeah. Are guys like Sup stumbling over themselves to make it seem like they’ve got Gary and $kala Shaw’s sensibility in having him in the UFC? Most certainly. But the guy won a fight he was regarded as having absolutely no business winning. Lower your guns until we learn what he’s asked to do next.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
by Blackout612 on Dec 8, 2009 6:44 PM EST reply actions 8 recs
But be honest with yourselves— Kimbo was essentially walked out to the plank with Houston— I could find a quote from most of you in this thread that said as much (myself included).
This applies to myself as well. Fair enough. I guess we’ll just sit and wait to see what they do with Kimbo. Should be interesting, at any rate.
I love me some Sexyama!
I think a big part of the problem is people on this site resent the fact that Kimbo is going to get a contract and takes up TV time because he has a name, not because he deserves it from a sporting point of view.
It would be one thing if he looked impressive. But the caliber of his fight on Saturday, in terms of skill level, wasn’t very high. That makes the Kimbo hype a little harder to stomach.
I’d award him another fight just for the suplex.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
by Blackout612 on Dec 8, 2009 7:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs