Kimbo Slice

[Rampage]

Anybody planning on watching the EliteXC fights on Saturday night? They are on Showtime. The fight card has Kimbo Slice. Search his name on Youtube for video of some street fights that he has been in. The guys is a monster.

I do not have Showtime. I wonder if it will be played in any bars.

[Rampage]

Not many MMA fans out there. I guess fighting and actuarials don't mix. I guess this will be a thread where I talk to myself. Here's a Sports Illustrated article about Kimbo Slice.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/pramit_mohapatra/11/06/kimbo/index.html

Search "Kimbo Slice" on YouTube and what you get is a multitude of videos totaling millions of views. To some, Slice (aka Kevin Ferguson) has just made it big as a YouTube celebrity (Think: Leave Britney alone girl or I've got a crush on Barack Obama girl). But when he makes his EliteXC debut Saturday the question he'll answer is: Can the internet superstar make himself into more than a YouTube stunt man in a time when MMA is looking for a new heavyweight celebrity?

While Slice has dominated almost every street fight he was in, the quality of most of his challengers is dubious and street fighting is not the same sport as MMA. His one loss came at the hands of Sean Gannon, a Boston police officer who trained in MMA and later went on to a very brief and rather unimpressive MMA career of his own.

But Slice said he's turned the corner from loving the internet fame to being ready for the real deal. "In a backyard fight, I used to enter those things high," Slice said. "I was smoking before I went out to fight. Definitely it's different. It's not the same. I'm focused. I know something's coming. I know these guys that are fighting me, professionals. I know they're for sure of their game. So I have to bring my A game."

So can he do it?

Slice's first professional MMA fight earlier this year hardly serves as a valid barometer -- while he showed signs of all-around ability, the victory came against a hapless and equally inexperienced 46-year-old former boxing champ named Ray Mercer. But Slice has shown enough flashes of talent -- athleticism, knockout power, and a decent chin -- to convince some that he may one day possess the skill needed to succeed inside the cage.

His training has also turned a corner: he has been training in MMA for the past two years and recently teamed up with two of the sport's top coaches -- Shawn Tompkins and MMA legend Bas Rutten. "Bas Rutten and Shawn Tompkins...swear by this guy's determination [and] swear by this guy's desire to learn, persevere, and succeed," said Luke Thomas, editor of the MMA blog BloodyElbow.com.

While there are question marks about Slice's ability right now, there isn't much doubt about his drawing power. The prevailing wisdom is that, at least initially, Slice will be able to capitalize on his vast entertainment value. Mention Slice to industry insiders and the word "marketable" pops up in almost every conversation. He's the subject of the new ESPN show, E:60, and a hot topic with MMA fans ready to see if he's worth the hype.

John Rallo, a former professional heavyweight MMA fighter and now a co-owner of a MMA Academy and a MMA trainer, said Slice hasn't earned the right to fight with EliteXC, but said, "Kimbo and his people marketed themselves wisely. They created a lot of buzz on the net... so I think people who are curious to see if Kimbo is 'for real' will tune in to see this fight."

Even Slice -- who is articulate and soft-spoken in a way that belies the sheer aggression seen in his videos -- acknowledged in a phone conversation last week that he believes his internet popularity played a big role in EliteXC signing him. And, in a conference call last week, EliteXC President Gary Shaw said, "He's unique in that he's had his career on the Internet. He's got more unique visits than any other fighter ever on the Internet. I think it's over 10 million."

Add to that mix the fact that the UFC heavyweight celebrity power is waning quickly with the loss of popular UFC champ Randy Couture, and the business is more than ready for a new hero.

YouTube fame only goes so far though. Slice will need to build up wins early in his career to remain marketable. Fans will initially give him a honeymoon period simply because they are intrigued by his story, but mounting losses will eventually relegate him to circus show status.

While Slice's path to MMA celebrity may be a fluke (he says there was no strategy behind posting the videos on YouTube: "We just put it [the videos] up to put up something cool. We weren't really looking to reap anything from it."), his marketability and raw skills are tantalizing enough to believe he may enjoy some longevity in the sport. He may never win a title, but thanks to the fame coup he's already pulled, he doesn't have to in order to call himself a success.

[Mick Fan]

I thought this thread was about a golfer named Kimbo who needs to work on hitting his driver.

[notmyfriends]

i was thinking
http://coolest-birthday-cakes.shippony.com/images/characters/kim-possible/kim-possible-03.jpg

[GSUActuaryStud]

Kimbo is a great brawler. I hope I get to see the fight at a bar or something. I really wanted to see Randy vs Fedor but it doesn't look like it will happen. I also wanted to see Brock Lensar vs Kimbo, but I don't think that will happen either.

[Chubbs_23]

He'll never rise to even be a middle-of-the-pack heavyweight. Once he starts fighting better people, they will gameplan around leg kicks. It will scare him and off balance him just enough to take away his punching power. Plus, I doubt he will ever be able to attain the level of conditioning necessary to go 10 minutes strong.

[Rampage]

Time will tell. Slice has knockout power and can take a punch. The true test will be his take down defense and how well he fights on the ground.

[ShakeNBakes]

Time will tell. Slice has knockout power and can take a punch. The true test will be his take down defense and how well he fights on the ground.
as of right now I'd bet the answers are not very good and not very good.

[Rampage]

as of right now I'd bet the answers are not very good and not very good.

If you are correct, he better go Houston Alexander on his opponents.

[Rampage]

Slice won 19 seconds into the fight. Stopped after a flurry of punches.

[Cohete009]

Am a big UFC fan......

Just watched a bunch of Kimbo's youtube videos...the guy can punch and take a punch.

Would like to see him take on some big name, and see how he fairs. It seems like conditioning for him is bad, so someone that can weather his storm should be able to overcome him later on in the fight.

Time will tell. Will definitely be following his progress!

[Rampage]

If you paid attention around here, you could of heard about Slice before your tv told you to. He won his first real MMA fight, but after watching it on youtube, his opponent went down way too easy. I am hoping that his next fight is more serious competition to see if this guy is for real or not.

[Max Noehammer]

What can you say about Kimbo? Unfortunately it will take a long time for people to take him seriously in mma because of his track record on youtube. He hasn't been training professionally long but looked alright against Mercer winning by guillotine in an unofficial mma fight. He trains with Bas Rutten which is great for him and his future, and I would like to see really how good he can get as more than just a street fighter.

That said, Bo Cantrell is a HUGE CAN. He's done nothing in the sport and Kimbo winning doesn't say much about his current skill or heart at this point in time, although, he did land a beautiful elbow which ended up giving him the win. He is slated to fight in February but no opponent has been named, possibly Eddie Sanchez, who is no doubt a step up from Cantrell and could possibly make for a real barn burner if it happens and both show up to scrap.

[bloodninja]

Slice has knockout power...

No he doesn't. He fought a bunch of crackheads and didn't knock any of them out. How can you say he has knockout power?

[Rampage]

No he doesn't. He fought a bunch of crackheads and didn't knock any of them out. How can you say he has knockout power?

He knocked out his first opponent in MMA action. Granted, it looked like the guy was looking to collect a paycheck. Time will tell. I believe that he does.

[Rampage]

Also, read the article that I posted, the author feels the same way.

[bloodninja]

He knocked out his first opponent in MMA action. Granted, it looked like the guy was looking to collect a paycheck. Time will tell. I believe that he does.

I saw the fight. It was a TKO, not a KO.

Kimbo is strong and tough. There have been lots of guys like that who couldn't cut it in professional mma.

[Rickson]

should be interesting...for now it's more of a freak show attraction than a real MMA fighter.

[Incredible Hulctuary]

Kimbo Slice fights Tank Abbott in Miami next month. Battle of the street brawlers, the wannabe vs. the has-been. I plan to be there.

[Rampage]

I will at least catch the fight on you tube after it is over. Hopefully, I catch it live on Showtime.

[Max Noehammer]

I will of course catch the fight, but for Kimbo, Tank is no step up from Bo Cantrell. But on the plus side, it is more professional experience for KS for when he ends up facing more stiff competition.

[Incredible Hulctuary]

I will of course catch the fight, but for Kimbo, Tank is no step up from Bo Cantrell.But still a big step up from Afro Puff and Big Mac.

[Max Noehammer]

But still a big step up from Afro Puff and Big Mac.

haha ya... and don't forget Glass Joe and Soda Popinski

[ian grey]

I watched Kimbo knock out Tank on Showtime. It was a short brawl, and Kimbo was obviously the stronger of the two. As short as it was, it was still a hell of a lot more exciting than most UFC bouts.

[H.R. Paperstacks]

:danim:

[Rampage]

I didn't catch it live. I will look for it on you tube later this week. It sounds like he will be fighting Ken Shamrock next. They are taking it slow with him, hopefully he goes up against some tougher competition down the road. Shamrock, like Tank, doesn't have much left at this point.

[ian grey]

I didn't catch it live. Shamrock, like Tank, doesn't have much left at this point.

True. Both are willing to take a beating for a paycheck.

[Rampage]

Kimbo on cbs on Saturday night. I'm torn on whether I want to see this fight do well. I want the sport to continue growing, but I'd rather one organization be a dominant force. EliteXC needs big numbers or it will end soon.

Also, Slice is not the ideal first fight for an MMA event broadcast over public airwaves, but he along with GC (Crush from American Gladiators) may draw in some viewers. Hopefully, the title fight will live up to its potential to make some new fans.

[glassjaws]

The Kimbo videos I saw a long time ago, he was a beast. I haven't really paid much attention since, but I'd not want to piss him off. Ever.

[Cohete009]

Prediction: Kimbo wins by TKO in 24 seconds.

[H.R. Paperstacks]

The Kimbo videos I saw a long time ago, he was a beast. I haven't really paid much attention since, but I'd not want to piss him off. Ever.

I saw his fight against Tank Abbott on one of those On Demand channels I think, Tank should retire he has really gotten slow. Kimbo put a nasty 3 piece on his chin.

[Rampage]

Pretty disappointing event. Kimbo gassed fairly quickly. He wasn't that good on the ground, but you can see that he is putting in the work. I think his problem was more that he was tired. He was possibly saved by the stoppage though he had Thompson hurt at the time.

The two best fights on the card were stopped early. One was NC becuase of a poke to the eye. The ref didn't give Smith 5 minutes to recover. He wanted to go on. Carano beat Young not because the doctor stopped the fight, but because the commission stopped it. CBS probably didn't want to show a bloodied up woman on tv. Carano probably wins regardless. Now if she could only make weight.

Overall, I can't imagine that this fight card would bring back casual fans for a second viewing. I imagine EliteXC will be bankrupt by the end of the year.

[H.R. Paperstacks]

That ear was nasty-looking. If Kimbo had trained to fight for 15 minutes he would have knocked him out the in the first round with the first two-piece combo.

[Rampage]

The ear was horrible. After Kimbo's punch cut it open, I thought to myself, this guy has a silly "achilles heel."

[H.R. Paperstacks]

The ear was horrible. After Kimbo's punch cut it open, I thought to myself, this guy has a silly "achilles heel."

I'd cut that piece off if I were him, or at least have it drained before fights.

[nottom]

I was extremely disappointed by the program in general. The early fights were OK. The chic fight was better than expected. The 4th fight was great until the BS stoppage, and then my DVR cut off becasue even though 2 of the fights ended in round 1 and the other two ended in the middle round, their scheduling was still off by enough that their main event didn't start until after it was scheduled to be over.

I did eventually watch the Kimbo fight on YouTube and wasn't impressed at all. He has no finishing ability agasint anyone who can actually defend himself and would get destroyed by any top UFC heavyweight. Someone like Brock Lesnar, who didn't even win his only big fight, would kick the crap out of Kimbo. Don't even get me started on how ugly a fight against Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira or any other big submission expert would be.

[H.R. Paperstacks]

He has very little mat moves, I think he was helped out by his strength in getting some of those positions he manuveured but he still has a long way to go before fighting someone with excellent mat abilities. But if its straight up punching while on his feet he might do well.

[Bison]

Potentially stupid question, as I don't really follow MMA at all...

If Kimbo's strength is standing there and trading punches, and he has a glaring weakness in the mat portion of MMA... why doesn't he become a boxer?

[MooBeay]

Potentially stupid question, as I don't really follow MMA at all...

If Kimbo's strength is standing there and trading punches, and he has a glaring weakness in the mat portion of MMA... why doesn't he become a boxer?

He doesn't punch that hard.

[Boink]

No real surprise that the Kimbo Slice fight paled in comparison to Faber-Pulver on Versus last night.

Talk about anti-climactic, those last couple of fights on CBS ...

[Incredible Hulctuary]

If Kimbo's strength is standing there and trading punches, and he has a glaring weakness in the mat portion of MMA... why doesn't he become a boxer?His strength is that he punches harder than most MMA guys. But he doesn't punch harder or faster than a good professional heavyweight boxer, nor does he have the conditioning to last the umpteen rounds of a boxing match. Remember in boxing they have rules like standing 8 counts, not punching a guy who is down, and the 10-count after knockdowns, all of which make the fight drag out longer than under MMA rules.

[Incredible Hulctuary]

After that fight, Thompson better look into getting some plastic surgery to remove that golf-ball sized keloid from his ear. Or his next opponent will also target it.

[H.R. Paperstacks]

After that fight, Thompson better look into getting some plastic surgery to remove that golf-ball sized keloid from his ear. Or his next opponent will also target it.

I'm thinking why did he even come into this fight with it.

[Incredible Hulctuary]

I'm thinking why did he even come into this fight with it.He didn't expect it could pop open like that.

[Patience]

Potentially stupid question, as I don't really follow MMA at all...

If Kimbo's strength is standing there and trading punches, and he has a glaring weakness in the mat portion of MMA... why doesn't he become a boxer?

He doesn't punch that hard.


I didn't see the whole thing, and not an MMA fan, but I have to agree. He caught the opponent clean a couple of times without doing a lot of damage. Can't believe anyone's jaw can be that good.

[Incredible Hulctuary]

Ken Shamrock backed out of last night's Kimbo Slice fight at the last minute after picking up an injury on fight day.

Another guy who I never heard of was put in to fight Slice, and ...

He TKO'd Slice in 14 seconds.

[mlschop]

Ken Shamrock backed out of last night's Kimbo Slice fight at the last minute after picking up an injury on fight day.

Another guy who I never heard of was put in to fight Slice, and ...

He TKO'd Slice in 14 seconds.

About an hour late on this one...
http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=149300

[LifeAct]

About an hour late on this one...
http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=149300

nobody wants to look at that thread because they have no idea what it is about.

[mlschop]

nobody wants to look at that thread because they have no idea what it is about.

If you care enough about MMA - you should know what it's about :shrug:

[H.R. Paperstacks]

just saw the video, wow. Looks like he under-estimated that guy.

[mlschop]

just saw the video, wow. Kimbo Slice still isn't worth talking about.

IFYP

[H.R. Paperstacks]

IFYP

I don't think he should have been a main event guy so soon. He isn't much more than a brawler with a good hook.

[Incredible Hulctuary]

If you care enough about MMA - you should know what it's about :shrug:
Seth Petrwhatsisname is a no-name guy even among MMA fans.

[mlschop]

Seth Petrwhatsisname is a no-name guy even among MMA fans.

Yesterday he was a no name. Any real MMA fan would know his name (if only to recognize it) by 1pm this afternoon.

[Almighty Malachi]

BUt they said on the broadcast he'd be a household name by today, how's that coming along? :lol:

[remilard]

BUt they said on the broadcast he'd be a household name by today, how's that coming along? :lol:

They also said he would be the next Rocky Balboa. I haven't seen Rocky in a while but I don't recall it having been about a moderately successful fighter coming back off a layoff to fight another moderately successful (but well hyped) fighter.

[H.R. Paperstacks]

They also said he would be the next Rocky Balboa. I haven't seen Rocky in a while but I don't recall it having been about a moderately successful fighter coming back off a layoff to fight another moderately successful (but well hyped) fighter.

I thought it was in reference to Rocky(the underdog who was also white) knocking out Apollo Creed (the black guy who was expected to win).

[Jim Luther Davis]

I don't think he should have been a main event guy so soon. He isn't much more than a brawler with a good hook.

So soon? How about ever.

I'm not sure of how realistic it is for anyone in their mid-30's (be they a backyard brawler or couch potatoe, neither lend creditibility to mma style fighting) who says "ya know, it's time i step into the cage and make a new living".

Kimbo wont amount to anymore of the geto trash he already is.

He has bad breath too.

Word.

[H.R. Paperstacks]

So soon? How about ever.

I'm not sure of how realistic it is for anyone in their mid-30's (be they a backyard brawler or couch potatoe, neither lend creditibility to mma style fighting) who says "ya know, it's time i step into the cage and make a new living".

Kimbo wont amount to anymore of the geto trash he already is.

He has bad breath too.

Word.

:roll:

[Jim Luther Davis]

:roll:



Sorry I was just kidding. I think Kimbo is a really good guy who brings a wonderful new dynamic to MMA fighting. In reality, the sport needs someone like him to get it off the ground. He's articulate, sharp-witted, handsome, and overall is the total package.

[H.R. Paperstacks]

Sorry I was just kidding. I think Kimbo is a really good guy who brings a wonderful new dynamic to MMA fighting. In reality, the sport needs someone like him to get it off the ground. He's articulate, sharp-witted, handsome, and overall is the total package.

I liked the gheto trash version better. You really provided proof as to why Kimbo wasn't a good fighter. Abbott should demand a rematch.

[Jim Luther Davis]

I liked the gheto trash version better. You really provided proof as to why Kimbo wasn't a good fighter. Abbott should demand a rematch.


Ok.

Kimbo is a terribal person and further reinforces the islamic extremist hatred for our country. He is the reason why terrorists hate our freedoms and want to fly planes into tall buildings.

He couldn't fight his way out of a paper sack. This is why he's only being matched up with 44-year old has-beens formerly of the UFC.

The only thing he's good at is growing nappy chest hair.

[H.R. Paperstacks]

Ok.

Kimbo is a terribal person and further reinforces the islamic extremist hatred for our country. He is the reason why terrorists hate our freedoms and want to fly planes into tall buildings.

He couldn't fight his way out of a paper sack. This is why he's only being matched up with 44-year old has-beens formerly of the UFC.

The only thing he's good at is growing nappy chest hair.

That sounds rational.

[LifeAct]

Ok.

Kimbo is a terribal person and further reinforces the islamic extremist hatred for our country. He is the reason why terrorists hate our freedoms and want to fly planes into tall buildings.

He couldn't fight his way out of a paper sack. This is why he's only being matched up with 44-year old has-beens formerly of the UFC.

The only thing he's good at is growing nappy chest hair.

From what I saw, he isn't even good at that. He only grew it on one side of his chest.

[Jim Luther Davis]

From what I saw, he isn't even good at that. He only grew it on one side of his chest.

Ok.

The only thing he is good at is growing one boob's worth of nappy chest hair.

[Rampage]

I thought that the last fight against Thompson was more telling that Kimbo is all hype. He has an awesome trainer, but isn't showing any improvement.

Anyone can get hit by the right punch and lose a fight. The last fight showed that Kimbo doesn't have the offense to fight with legit fighters.

[H.R. Paperstacks]

I thought that the last fight against Thompson was more telling that Kimbo is all hype. He has an awesome trainer, but isn't showing any improvement.

Anyone can get hit by the right punch and lose a fight. The last fight showed that Kimbo doesn't have the offense to fight with legit fighters.

:iatp:

He would have lost to shamrock as soon as they hit the mat.

[H.R. Paperstacks]

In the harshest mainstream media criticism of EliteXC and Kimbo Slice yet, Michael Wilbon said today on ESPN's Pardon The Interruption that he believes Kimbo's loss to Seth Petruzelli Saturday night was fixed.

"That was a more phantom punch than Ali had to knock out Liston in that fight in 1965," Wilbon said of Petruzelli knocking Kimbo to the canvas. "Kimbo Slice, your boy, is a fraud."

Wilbon's on-air partner Dan Le Batard then said, point blank, "Are you saying it was fixed?"

Wilbon replied, "Yes."

Le Batard then noted that mixed martial arts is a legitimate sport that is very popular among young men and added, "That was not fixed, Mike."

Wilbon replied by comparing MMA to professional wrestling, saying, "It was fixed. Wrestling was fixed, I loved it all my life. It was fixed."

As Le Batard tried to defend MMA, Wilbon told him, "Danny, you don't want to defend this because your credibility will be at stake. He's a fraud, it's a fraud, get off the stage."

During a brief look-in on the next commercial break, Wilbon said, "I don't know what Kimbo's ties are. Kimbo still could have taken a dive while others are trying to prop him up. He could have gotten paid."

Those are incredible accusations -- Wilbon is accusing Kevin Ferguson (that's Kimbo's real name) of committing a felony. But the accusations are out there, and EliteXC, Kimbo and Petruzelli (who got this whole thing started by suggesting that EliteXC paid him not to take Kimbo to the ground) should address them head-on..

[Rampage]

Wilbon is an idiot. He hates MMA. This would be the dumbest fix of all time. Kimbo and Elite XC had everything to lose in this fight. Petruzelli will not become a big money fighter as a result of this win. If there were a fix, it would have been in the opposite direction. The accusations that Elite XC tried to influence Petruzelli to stand so that the fight would be in Kimbo's favor are the real story that was fleshed out by true MMA journalists.

[Rampage]

I imagine EliteXC will be bankrupt by the end of the year.

And it's over for EliteXC. There are a few interesting fighters that could go to UFC or Affliction. The biggest question will be where does Gina end up. She was a huge draw for the CBS shows and brings viewers. UFC does not want to be in the women's MMA market, maybe Affliction. They need more marketable fighters or they will fold next.

I imagine Kimbo will disappear at this point.

[Cohete009]

Kimbo has agreed to appear on season 10 of the ultimate fighter. Filming began yesterday. Interesting. Maybe. But cohete will watch it!

[trondogss]

I love Kimbo. He used to demolish people in bare knuckled street fighting.

[Incredible Hulctuary]

Kimbo Slice lost again ... TKO'd in the 2nd round by a guy who only had a 1-0 record going into the fight.

Time to go back to fighting Big Mac and Afro Puff in the parking lot ....

[lipman]

Kimbo Slice lost again ... TKO'd in the 2nd round by a guy who only had a 1-0 record going into the fight.

Time to go back to fighting Big Mac and Afro Puff in the parking lot ....

He got cut from the promotion as well, so Big Mac should be looking for that next big card

[knowles]

Kimbo Slice lost again ... TKO'd in the 2nd round by a guy who only had a 1-0 record going into the fight.

Time to go back to fighting Big Mac and Afro Puff in the parking lot ....

Agreed that he's done, but don't hate on Mitrione. He's a big dude and a heckuva heckuvan? decent athlete.

[Cohete009]

Yeah, Mitrione was in the NFL for a few years. Tough dood.