Commentary on Kimbo

When I came into work this week everyone was asking me what I thought of the Kimbo Slice fight. Apparently CBS is trying to get in on the mixed martial arts (MMA) scene, and I don't blame them since MMA is the fastest growing spectator sport in the world. Since this was not a UFC event I was completely unaware of the fight or Kimbo. So I did my homework.

In the Internet age, I guess it would make sense for CBS to capitalize on Kimbo Slice. Kimbo (real name: Kevin Ferguson) is a street brawler made famous by the web. He fought a series of fights by his own rules. . .

Kimbo Slice Street Fight Rules:
1.This is not a mixed martial art or a street fight
2.Only punching allowed (no elbows, knees, kicks, etc.)
3.Stand up fighting only
4.No holding or grappling with opponent is allowed
5.If someone is knocked down he has thirty seconds to get up and continue fighting
6.Ways to win are KO, thirty second count out, and if the other guy quits

These are the rules from Kimbo's own website. I think his head may have been hit one too many times because the title of his rules and his first rule completely contradict each other. What is more I don't know any "street fight" that would follow these rules. These look more like thug rules meant to give Kim. . .bo, I meant Kimbo, the advantage by narrowing the scope to his one talent - hitting people in the head really hard with his fist. But I would never argue the point with Kevin in a dark alley.

That being said, I do give him full props for stepping up and entering the world of professional MMA. I also give him props for preparing in a ground discipline.

The fight itself was second class. I didn't dig the fireworks and other WWE gimmicks before the fight, it detracted from the credibility. And what was up with James Thompson's ear?! The left ear look like a balloon. Why wasn't that thing drained or taken care of before the fight? It is one thing to have a cauliflower ear, but the fight was ended in the third round because Kimbo hit the thing, and the blood balloon exploded.

There were a few spots where an experienced MMA fighter like the "Collosus" should have finished the fight but he just didn't close. In the first round he had Slice in a great standing guillotine choke hold but he never brought it to the ground, wrapped him up and cinched it. Then James was feeding Kimbo an elbow feast as he dominated him on the ground in the second round. In the end Thompson lost. He should fix his ear, and fix his closes on submission holds.

K Slice was panting like a mare in heat by the end of the first round. Conditioning should be his top project if he wants to continue in the world of professional MMA. Though you could tell he learned some ground skills just for the fight, he used it well. He twice brought a guillotine choke to the ground and tried to wrap James up for the cinch, which is what James should have done but didn't. Kimbo's freakish strength, newly learned AND applied ground fighting skills kept him out of real trouble and let him get back to his feet where he likes to fight. He should continue with some Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and hone his grappling and ground technique, with his strength he could be really formidable. In the end. . . K Slice won. What more can be said.

I'll tell you what more could be said. . . watch UFC! If you want to see professional fighters, with a professional presentation and a professional venue put on a great fight UFC is the place to go. The speed, power, technical excellence and endurance of the athletes will amaze you. You'll realize how second rate this CBS display was.