A Slice of the "World's Most Dangerous Man"
This saturday's EliteXC main event features a has been versus a never was, or at least that's the way most fighters and presidents affiliated with the UFC should have you think. But it will not be the case if and only if the following things happen.
1) Kimbo has to win
Without a doubt Kimbo Slice has to go from pretender to contender, and that can be done with a decisive victory over Shamrock.
2) Kimbo has to show he's not one- dimensional
Not only does Slice have to win this battle, but he can't just go in and throw blows. He's got to prove to the world, and himself, that he can also defend a decent take down and show some effort of a submission. Whereas Chuck Liddell only feels fit to stand and trade, everyone knows he has great take down defense and he may even have a submission or two. The same can't be said for Slice. And you can forget about that rear naked on the weak opponent in the former heavyweight boxer match up.
3) This fight must be a stand up war
Yeah I know I'm contradicting myself here, but it's still got to be impressive to the casual fans. It's how he makes his money. Slice must show well-rounded ability, but everyone loves a throw down (check Bonner vs. Griffin I). If slice can defend Shamrock's attempts to "break his leg" then, and hold it to the feet for the majority, this could be a decent fight.
4) Kimbo must knock Shamrock out
Not right away. Nobody cares for a 30 sec. fight, although it typically would be impressive. But not here. Especially since Shamrock is 2-8 in his last 10 fights (most of which come by way of knockout or TKO). No, Slice needs the chance to do the 3 rules above first and once that is completed, and only when, should Slice knock him out. (I'm not saying he will, just that he -and EliteXC- wish it were to be)
If Kimbo is able to do these four things, the ElieteXC card will be a success. If any of these steps are skipped, we may see the small promotions peak hit, followed by a quick downward spiral.
