Kimbo Slice, the UFC, and boxing - where they all meet

Kimbo Slice. That’s the name I hear all the time. It doesn’t matter that he is in the EliteXC, and that the UFC is an entirely different division. Mixed Martial Arts for many means Kimbo as many do not know the difference.

I mention this because I wonder how much of an effect has the recent loss by Kimbo done to the UFC and MMA in general?

Kimbo had perhaps the biggest media behind his success. Much of that press is due to the deal with CBS, and their desperate desire to make their investment profitable. As such, Kimbo had to be like Mike Tyson in his matches, lest the hype would be lost. But in fact it could be said that he was exactly like Tyson, versus Buster Douglas.

But this black eye to CBS and EliteXC seems to have invaded the whole industry. And many long-time boxing fans are even further put off by MMA. Of course there is no loss in enthusiasts of all types, like this woman.



So MMA has decided to mix boxing into the event. Matches between a fighter and boxer are set for January 2009. And the question is will that hype lead up to an interesting event that can draw boxing fans?

I think not. Boxing fans that don’t like MMA won’t be pleased with a loss to a non-boxer. The fact that the disciplines are so different insists that whatever style is favored will lead to a win. Thus in a 3 match event, with it being broken down to 2 of one style and a 3rd of another, the winner is most probably the style with the most matches. Which says nothing of the abilities or worthiness of the opponents.

This is exactly the reason why Roy Jones Jr. won’t fight Anderson Silva. If it’s 2 MMA fights, Jones will be embarrassed in front of his fans. If it’s 2 boxing matches then boxing fans will conclude that the MMA is a waste of time. And if a fighter of either discipline wins at the opposite style, fans of there’s will scream that the match was fixed - just like many of the fights of Kimbo Slice are accused. And then everyone loses.

The UFC needs the big money that boxing holds. They need to get the media attention that Spike Television just can’t provide (though it is considerable exposure). And they must avoid the media-driven black eye that CBS gave the industry with Kimbo Slice. In fact they must surmount the profit motivated exploitation that is the EliteXC on CBS.

But pitting boxers versus MMA fighters is not the way to go. Nor is baseless hype. Perhaps there just needs to be a fighter that is Herculean in style and presentation, again like a Mike Tyson. Someone the general public can cheer to lose as he wins repeatedly with style and speed – against obviously qualified opponents.

Is there another choice? Am I wrong about boxing vs. MMA? You tell me.