So, anyone catch the premier of The Ultimate Fighter 10: Heavyweights (TUF) on Wednesday? It appears that many people did, as it is one of the topics creating some buzz in the internet world thereafter. I saw some of the highlights, as I wasn't home when the show was on, and one word describes what I saw: brutal. Let me address that in a minute, I want to first address the big news of the night -- Kimbo is back.
Yes, Dana White (UFC president and promoter extraordinaire) finally convinced internet fighting sensation (and former EliteXC fighter) Kimbo Slice that he would have to work his way into the UFC by competing in TUF. After Wednesday's episode, it sure seems that Slice is going to have to work for his spot in UFC. White has not assembled the group of tomato cans that Kimbo was going to face in EliteXC before his loss and the company's demise. Kimbo is going to have to fight against experienced fighters who actually have ground games (gasp!).
In EliteXC, Kimbo was going to be brought along as a puncher and then perhaps his ground game would develop -- but many of you have not come here for an analysis of Kimbo's fight game. Some of you may be wondering how White and UFC are going to make money off of Kimbo. Well, I am going to guess that we are going to see Kimbo fight in the last half of the season ... just so he can receive some coaching and perhaps develop a more all-around fighting game rather than his current brawling style. Once he develops a ground game (if Rampage Jackson can teach him one), he will be featured in fights nearly every week so people will begin tuning in to see him fight.
One thing is certain, in the fighting game Kimbo Slice draws viewers, and he will continue to do so as his fight game develops. Plus, who won't watch to see Kimbo knock someone out? That is why we all watch, the spectacular knockout, the gladiatorial bloodfest like we saw this week.
Perhaps there was way too much hype for that show -- I mean, Kimbo did nothing but walk in. However, there was a flat out beatdown issued by Team Rashad. That is what should concern Kimbo and anyone that wants to see him succeed. Poor Abe Wagner, I'm glad he has another job, because the way he got beat last night, fighting isn't his game. Of course, it doesn't help when all your coach is offering is "get up" and "he's going to do it again!" I don't profess to be an MMA professional, but I could coach like that (sorry Rampage, please don't come after me). The good news for UFC is that Kimbo Slice is a big name pull and it is going to make UFC a bit of cash.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-18-2009 @ 2:36PM
e.krabs said...
Now here's something I wasn't expecting from BloggingStocks!
I was into mixed martial arts before the term the UFC was every televised, so as you can imagine, I do have particular interest in this sports.
I have to say that Dana White deserves much praise for resurrection this franchise into an actual, viable business, and if my risk tolerance was high enough, perhaps I would have like to have a stake in his restructured business.
That said, I am having a hard time seeing an obvious upside to this sports, at this point in time. Besides an obvious reality show already being done, I'm not sure how much further than can capitalize on this. I think it would be very interesting to see what Dana has to say about this.
For that matter, it would be interesting to follow the Tapout company as well, but either case, it's still kind of a fringe company and who knows where they'll go from here. But hopefully, it will continue to evolve and grow.
9-18-2009 @ 2:37PM
e.krabs said...
Sorry about all the terrible typos. Shouldn't have known better to proofread first.