So it's Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock
Well, it’s official now. Kimbo Slice will fight Ken Shamrock in the main event of EliteXC’s Oct. 4 show, the next CBS event. I joked about it earlier in the week but they actually are going the route of Slice-Shamrock, which really shouldn’t be surprising.
Ken Shamrock is a big name, one most people are familiar with from his early UFC days and his stint as a pro wrestler. The one thing most people will miss, however, is that he’s not much of a fighter anymore. He’s lost seven of his last eight fights and is the very definition of a has-been. He hasn’t made it out of the first round successfully since 2005.
It’s clear now that Kimbo Slice is nothing more than a sideshow and that EliteXC is going to milk everything they can from him. It’s not a bad business move as this fight will certainly be well-hyped and should draw good TV numbers. It makes it even more clear, however, that EliteXC could care less about the sport’s future.
That main event is a freakshow. It’s a gimmick. And it sucks. I wish the UFC would get its act together and get a TV deal, or that a promotion like Affliction could get on primetime TV. Anyone who is willing to promote decent fighters.
The sad thing is EliteXC has some decent fighters, yet real fighters like Jake Shields won’t get half the promotion of Slice and Shamrock. Capitalizing on the YouTube fame and putting Slice somewhere on the card is one thing, but to promote him like he’s the greatest fighter in the world while scrambling to find fighters who won’t embarrass him is something different.
Naturally, the camp of Brett Rogers was fairly upset, and released a pretty scathing letter to fiveouncesofpain.com.
I was never big on Rogers fighting Slice but the letter is entertaining regardless.
The thing is, I don’t know that Shamrock, even though he’s lost a lot lately and is getting up there in years, is such an easy opponent for Slice. I would’ve liked Kimbo’s chances better against James Thompson than I do against Shamrock, and Slice should’ve lost to Thompson. Shamrock knows how to beat Slice, the question is whether or not he still has the athleticism to pull it off.
Comments
I think it would of been better if it was you and I vs. Kimbo. That would of been better ratings than a washed up 44 year old child on sterio.. nevermind.
Posted by: Drew | August 28, 2008 11:17 AM
I understand how the "real" MMA fans see this matchup as a joke for a main event but I think it's a smart business move like you said. I also think they are thinking about the future of the sport in doing so. This fight will attract people to watch it. True they probably aren't going to be the best fighters on the card that night but they are the ones most people will want to see. The purpose is to get people to watch. Using thes guys and Brock Lesner are their best chances at getting more people to watch. They need to take full advantage before Shamrock does retire or Kimbo gets beaten silly and doens't fight anymore. I'm a big sports fan overall but I don't follow MMA that much. I never would have even read this article if Kimbo, Shamrock or Lesner weren't in the headline. I watched the last Kimbo fight and I'll watch this fight. I know it sucks for the diehards but this sport has the door open and they are trying to walk through it. Not having guys like this fight in the main event makes it a lot harder to get through that door. Instead of complaining about these guys not being very good people should be working with them to make them better so they can help the sport even more. Just a thought from a guy this match was meant to reach and hopefully pull in.
Posted by: Ronnie | August 28, 2008 1:09 PM
I want to see Shamrock vs. Vadar again!
Kimbo Vs. The Junkyard Dog would be great.
Posted by: Grant | August 28, 2008 4:20 PM
SHamrocl was a great fighter, not just in the old days, but he was lightnng quick and could execute submissions flawlessley. He still may be able to do that in some non-striking event. However, he is SO prone to flash knockouts (which is a symptom of post-concussion syndrome) that Kimbo will tap him in th nose and he'll go down. If he's smart, he'll strictly wrestle with Kimbo and stay away from stand-up, but his ego gets in the way every time. Kimbo in a minute-thirty.
Posted by: Please | August 28, 2008 5:28 PM
I hope Shamrock wins so he retire for good after beating a "big name" fighter. It would be a nice way to end his career.
It's probably not gonna happen that way, though. Regardless of whether he wins or loses against Mr. Slice, I think Shamrock will continue his career as a mixed martial artist until he's physically unable to any fight longer.
Posted by: Sean | August 31, 2008 4:59 PM
True fight fans like to see any fight anytime any place regardless of who's fighting. There is a lot people that like to bash Kimbo and say he's not a good fighter but I'd like to see anyone of you stand toe to toe w him in your backyard for even 15 seconds. Shamrock is old but atleast he still has the balls to get in there and fight. A fight is a fight. You don't like it don't watch. To all of you who think you would know how to build a MMA franchise and think you know how to get all the best fighters all the time heres an idea...get off your ass and start your company. See what happens. If not sit back, shut up and watch the fights.
Posted by: shane | October 2, 2008 10:39 AM
How does anyone think that Shamrock could withstand Kimbo? Like him or not [and I do], Kimbo is a monster and KS, once a very tough, intimidating fighter, doesn't have the jaw to take Kimbo's punches. Ken's remaining strength is the determined look on his face. Kimbo will take care of that.
Posted by: Gary from Indiana | October 2, 2008 11:12 AM
I don't understand why there is so much hate towards kimbo. I hope its not racially motivated. I know that Rampage didn't get the respect, sponsorships, or endorsements as the champions before him. Anyway, Kimbo is just beginning of course he's not going to be anything more than a grappler. And MMA roots are grounded in a spectacle. I remember TUA coming out carrying a cross. Only the gracie's were really MMA. The rest of the guys were brawlers. So to make it like brawlers aren't accepted is going against the roots of the sports. For me personally, MMA is nothing more than a fad. It will never be the sweet science of boxing or even kick boxing or K1. I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't go back to the underground where it started....
Posted by: Real Sports blog | October 3, 2008 11:50 AM
Kimbo barely won his last fight so this may be his first defeat.
Ken Shamrock will not be a pushover!
Posted by: Derrick | October 4, 2008 9:46 PM