There was a day when a fighter could bring his style, his brand, and himself as he was, into a ring and display it against some other fighter's style, brand, and self. In those days, no one knew what the other guy might do or how he might attack. No one knew the broad spectrum of possibilities that could unfold in the ring.
That was a day when Kimbo Slice might have made a serious impact on the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. That day was 15 years ago.
In the early days, had Kimbo Slice decided to give MMA a shot, to see how he would fare, one might guess that he would have been quite successful. Let's face it, Kimbo is a street brawler with insane talent and presence.
The guy really is scary and has paid dues in a less-than-controlled environment, which takes a lot of spine. More than most of us analytical MMA buffs have, that is for sure. He's a tuff guy, who, this writer thinks, missed his calling.
Imagine Kimbo in the days of Tank Abbot or Don Frye. Sure, he would have bumped into a Brazilian who would have gladly shown him what tapping out felt like, but in general, the odds would have been more in his favor than they are today.
It's a tuff hustle, teaching an old dog new tricks. That is exactly what Slice is trying to do, learn new tricks, as an old dog.
Now let's talk about an old dog with old tricks. Ken Shamrock was around for those glory days when one dominant style could win, and not only the fights, but the fans as well. One strong man, with a technical approach and a goal of ending a fight by any means, could have success, at least for a while.
Ken was one of the first to approach a fight to end it however he could, while others wanted to display and posture with their respective disciplines.
Many competitors came to fight and display their skill set and toughness, yet Ken was one of the successful ones, who came to end fights, period. How many guys came out swinging only to wind up on the ground wondering what this fella was doing to their ankle? Seconds later, they were informed, he is trying to snap it off. Ken was a pioneer. Ken was a monster. Ken was the most dangerous man alive.
WAS, is the operative word in that statement.
So, as the headline states, one of these tuff guys was dabbling in lord knows what, down in Miami, during the early days of MMA becoming mainstream, and now has shown up with little more than a very strong, single strength, tunnel-vision type, background and approach. He is extremely late to the MMA party.
Kimbo is one of, if not the, meanest street fighters we have ever laid our eyes upon. He has paid his dues in that world and deserves that credit. An MMA practitioner he is not.
He has displayed the heart and desire to become one and best wishes to him on that journey. Training with Bas Rutten does not hurt his chances. Give the guy some wrestling, add some Jiu-Jitsu, maybe a bit more conditioning, possibly a time machine, and you've got a recipe for a formidable talent.
The second man has been and always will be a name in this great sport. Like him or leave him, he has paid his dues in MMA. He has shown what he is all about, and like him or not, he has entertained us for many years in one of the toughest forums in the business.
4 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
Brian Oswald 9 months ago
I enjoy your writing style. And although I am burnt out on Kimbo vs Ken talk your article kept me wanting to read on!
I will definitely be watching this Saturday like many others will be. I hope this fight finally forces Shamrock to consider retirement. Although, win or loss, I think he will keep trekking froward.
And while I am not a fan of Kimbo, at least not yet, I wish him luck in his pursuit of the american dream.
Thanks again for your contribution.
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Todd Jackson 9 months ago
I am not genuinely interested in the topic strangely enough. I got the email Im sure a lot of writers received from Zander and decided to weigh in. Its not the typical, this guy beats that guy writing but it is my no ish assesment. Glad you enjoyed my friend. Im still catching up on your recent writings as well. You have been busy lately. I wish Kimbo well, and Shamrock too. Im more concerned about the hype surrounding less than viable talent at this point. Take care Brian. Thanks for the read and comment.
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The Yacman Ron Yacovetti 9 months ago
Hey Todd - This is great. I am a big believer in the most meaningful evolution MMA has seen thus far is in the word MIXED - where once the mix was what solitary fighting style an individual brought to the fight, to each individual coming in to fight with a MIX of styles each.
Your point and addressing the timing for a guy who is very talented, very undeveloped and very hyped would be easier to pull off when having one trick in your bag was enough. Ken was a pioneer in the one style isn't enough movement...he just may be too far along to bring the younger Slice up to speed on MMA's evolved state.
A lot of substance behind this article.
Yacman
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Todd Jackson 9 months ago
Thank you so much for your comment sir. It means a lot coming from someone with your talents and experience. Glad you enjoyed. I totally agree on the eclectic group that we see before us today as a result of the melding of time and styles over the history of the sport. It really is a treat to have seen it transform in some capacity or another from day one. Sometimes I jump the gun and judge too harshly and it comes out in my writing. I wish I had taken more time to write this one. It sounds more judgemental of the fighters than I had planned. I wanted to paint a picture of an old timer who just wont quit and a newcomer who may have shown up too late. Live and learn I guess. Take care, and thanks again. Have a great weekend sir.
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