Kimbo Slice: An American Underdog in MMA

Before last night's debut episode of Elite XC Mixed Martial Arts on CBS, I already had a firm grasp on who Kimbo Slice was.

When I read the article on Slice in the June 2 issue of ESPN: the Magazine, it confirmed the "rumors" I'd heard from others about his tough life and the incredibly lucky turn it has taken.

A Division I football prospect coming out of high school in Miami, Slice's school was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew. He was never offered the scholarships that likely would have awaited him due to a shortened season.

Slice did whatever he could for money; bodyguarding for a pornography company is his most famous job. He lived in a Nissan Pathfinder and was a homeless man looking for a way to rise from the ashes of unfortunate circumstances.

Then YouTube began posting Kimbo's street fights, which received millions of hits. He would fight for money, and seemed to be a different person during battle. He would almost suck the life out of his opponents with his ability to manipulate their minds into thinking they would lose.

Then world-renowned cage fighter Bas Rutten began training Slice for MMA combat, as Slice was desperate for paychecks.

Slice made an estimated six figure check from Saturday night's fight with James "The Colossus" Thompson.

Thompson was obviously the bigger of the two fighters, but Slice and his chiseled man-beast frame fought valiantly, even when he did struggle on the mat.

Many of the viewers, including the fight's commentators, believed the fight was ended too early. I myself thought that Thompson looked ready to fight after his ear exploded. 

I am not going to pretend I have any clue about the rules of stopping a fight. However, if a guy's "cauliflower ear" explodes and is spraying blood thanks to a punch and the puncher continues to go after said ear, the referee seemed to make the right call in terms of safety.

Is he as experienced as a UFC fighter?

Of course not.

He is a ruthless street fighter from one of the toughest cities in the country. He is also a 235 1/2-pound warrior who is surprisingly soft-spoken and humble for a person of his internet fame.

The cult-like following Slice has received since entering the homes of millions has shown how Americans love the story of the underdog, whether he is a fictional Rocky Balboa or a real Tom Brady.

Slice appears to be staring into the souls of his opponents with the hunger the 34-year-old Bahamian has had for decades.

Does he have a lot to learn?

"I have a lot to learn," stated Slice post-fight.

However, it is hard not to root for a man who is fighting for not only for the money he's never had, but for his family.