Ken Shamrock Talks Kimbo Slice: Them's Fightin' Words

"Honestly, I think I can test him anywhere. He’s got big, heavy hands. Everyone says he punches hard and he probably does. But again, he doesn’t punch properly, in my opinion. He swings his hands, he moves his body back and forth trying to get as much power as he can, but there’s really no snap behind it. You can usually see the punches coming. I’m going to do what I need to do. If it goes to the ground, I’ll probably break his leg. I mean, no question. I will break his leg. If he gives it to me, I’m going to break it.”

—Ken Shamrock on upcoming opponent Kimbo Slice, courtesy of Sherdog.com

Ken Shamrock has always been known for his cocky streak, but this time his legacy is on the line. Shamrock is a proud man, and he is not willing to risk it. He will get a hold of something and pull a Babalu. He's not going to let go.

“I’m sure (referees) are concerned,” he told Sherdog.com.

He said this noting that they're concerned about his age, but I think they should be concerned about Kimbo's limbs. If even Kimbo Slice's trainer couldn't avoid getting caught in one of Shamrock's vast array of submissions, how can we expect a much lesser fighter training under him to avoid it?

Slice's best out is his hands. However, this again comes back to Bas Rutten, his trainer. In my opinion, and in the opinion of many experts, Rutten may be the best striker of all time. If even Bas with his liver-popping strikes can't catch Shamrock, how can Slice? I realize this is not the Shamrock of old, but he is training harder than he has since 2000. And again, Slice is no Bas Rutten.

Also, we go back to the original quote that Shamrock said Kimbo telegraphs his punches and throws loopers. These are not technically sound, and then Shamrock can duck them and get takedowns. This is all it would take for Slice to get submitted.

“The way he looks, he’s very impressive looking. He moves well for a big guy, before he gets tired," Shamrock said in a backhanded compliment.

Shamrock feels that this persona of poster boy and intimidating unbeatable fighter will be destroyed also.

"So he’s got that charisma. He’s got what it takes to be marketable," he said. "Now we’ll figure out whether he’s got what it takes to be a fighter.”

Shamrock's got what it takes to get himself in the news; let's see if he's got what it takes to beat Kimbo Slice. God, I hope so. I know EliteXC is praying he doesn't.