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Mon Aug 25, 2008 6:50 pm EDT

Hardcore fans grumble about Kimbo-Shamrock

By Steve Cofield

EliteXC vice president Jared Shaw might want to get fit for body armor. He is going to have to withstand a lot of shots leading up the Oct 4. Kimbo Slice-Ken Shamrock CBS card. He appeared on ESPNRadio1100 in Las Vegas shortly after the news leaked that the fight was official for the big card in Ft. Lauderdale.

Shaw came out firing about the strength of the promotion.

"This is a fight that brands the general public and the hardcore fans because the general public still doesn't know mixed martial arts but they know who Ken Shamrock is. He's a known commodity and so is Kimbo. That makes for a spectacular event."

Phone callers, texters and message board posters don't echo Shaw's sentiments. Neither does Vegas talk-show host Dave Cokin, who told Shaw that the fight was a joke, stinks and is a made-for-tv event.

CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN TO PART OF THE SHAW INTERVIEW (ESPNRadio1100):

Slice (3-0) has headlined one of the two CBS mixed martial arts cards. His fight pulled in impressive ratings. Without Kimbo on the second card, the ratings dropped 40%. EliteXC is in a tenuous position, without huge ratings this time around, the promotion may lose the highly coveted late night Saturday slot. EliteXC is the only MMA promotion that currently holds a network TV deal to air its events live.

Slice, 34, is trying to make a late transition to professional fighter after gaining fame on YouTube as a streetfighter in Miami. Meanwhile, Shamrock has been fighting professionally since 1993 and has 41 fights under his belt. "The World's Most Dangerous Man" also spent time in the WWE as a professional wrestler working for Vince McMahon from 1997-99.   

You can listen to the entire Shaw convo right here.

As you can hear in the interview, I disagree. There is intrigue in this fight. I think Kimbo may be so unskilled on the ground that he can lose this fight. What provides more proof of the skill level of real mixed martial artists than a 44-year old  Shamrock, loser of five straight fights, beating Kimbo? Think back to when Butterbean was systematically destroyed by 52-year old Larry Holmes.

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158 Comments

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  1. Tonley
    1. Posted by Tonley Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:01 pm EDT

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    I agree that the fight is trash but it will bring in a lot of viewers which is the important thing for Elite at this point. After the media looked over their financial reports, it's pretty much a given that they will go under if this next CBS show doesn't get great ratings.
  2. Kevin S
    2. Posted by Kevin S Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:54 pm EDT

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    I think I'll just watch whatever repeat the UFC puts on Spike during that fight.
  3. Kimmer
    3. Posted by Kimmer Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:57 pm EDT

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    who is the undercard, roger clemens pitching to jose canseco?
  4. ryan r
    4. Posted by ryan r Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:59 pm EDT

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    should be interesting....a has been vs a never will b....I hope shamrock wins so everyone can see that kimbo is a c level fighter @ best. Plus shamrock is fighting as a heavyweight when he is a natural light-heavy. would have much rather seen kimbo fight a real heavyweight. ElitXC is all about ratings though not about the sport. Who is Kimbo going to fight next???? Let me guess....George Forman maybe Hulk Hogan.
  5. Aaron
    5. Posted by Aaron Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:17 pm EDT

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    this oughta be good! its win-win- either we see shamrock get his head caved in or watch kimbo (and elitexc) go down in flames.
  6. whytrip
    6. Posted by whytrip Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:45 pm EDT

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    Seriously.... Kimbo is the next big thing in mma.... He just needs a little practice and a couple warm up fights to be a contender... What it is, these big time promoters are getting the most out of what they have... Now Ken, (five in a row) has something to prove... More than a couple of people have made him look sorta stupid lately and I don't think he wants to add another notch on that side... With that said I look for Ken to be the only true test to kimbo.... After the fight, if he wins, no one can discredit Kimbo as far as they have of late. No one discredited Tito for murdering him two times.... Why didn't anyone get past that fued and give tito a real challenge... Because drama sells.... Ken uses drama to sell most all his fights.... Kimbo seems to be all about business so weeeellll seeeee!
  7. Steve M
    7. Posted by Steve M Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:40 pm EDT

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    WHYTRIP kimbo isn't even close to the next big thing in MMA. He is a brawler and will always be a brawler. That is the last thing the sport needs. It needs real athletes with real skills not someone who can throw a punch because there are plenty of good punchers who can punch. Tito wasn't discredited because he is a legitimate fighter with a grudge against Ken. Kimbo is not legitimate and will be discredited by anyone with a functional brain. EliteXC will make it seem like he was an underdog and won and if Ken wins he will have just been outclassed.
  8. Clint
    8. Posted by Clint Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:27 pm EDT

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    Shamrock should win......with Kimbo's lack of experience it would be a decent win for Kimbo. Kimbo doesnt have the chance to roll over many no-names giving him time to learn better skills and get some experience, he is too popular and all Elite XC has. Either way it's a free show so I hope all you MMA fans tune in! Second tier or not, Elite XC is a place for fighters to go who are not getting contracts from UFC. Options are good! One of Your favorite fighters might have a contract dispute and be exiled from UFC someday!
  9. Uncle Sizzle
    9. Posted by Uncle Sizzle Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:10 pm EDT

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    This fight should be in the center ring at the Ringling Brothers traveling circus.
  10. Clint
    10. Posted by Clint Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:27 pm EDT

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    Cofield, You have Rampaged charged with a couple Felonies and you write 3 articles in a row about Kimbo Slice! (One decent one would have been fine) Nice pictures to post of Shamrock. Go write an article on how Rampage is "Better" and Looking toward getting in the ring with his next opponent! Panzy A$$ Be-Otch!
  11. IDGAD
    11. Posted by IDGAD Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:27 pm EDT

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    "Seriously.... Kimbo is the next big thing in mma." Seems kinda earnest and not a put-on but seriously deluded. Shammrock's skills and recovery have significantly degraded. So..before they go to the ground it's possible Kimbo takes him. But, really, it won't mean a thing to any MMA fan. Youtube fans, maybe.
  12. Wreckinball
    12. Posted by Wreckinball Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:43 pm EDT

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    This will be a true black eye to a sport that I love. Shamrock 1-7 in his last eight against 3-0 Slice and no Noons vs Diaz. To say Elite is reaching, and looking quite desparate while doing it, would be a huge understatment. I would be a liar if I said I'm not gonna watch but, I will be a little ashamed.
  13. Wreckinball
    13. Posted by Wreckinball Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:43 pm EDT

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    this will be a true black eye to a sport that i love. shamrock 1-7 in his last eight against 3-0 slice and no noons vs diaz. to say elite is reaching, and looking quite desparate while doing it, would be a huge understatment. i would be a liar if i said i'm not gonna watch but, i will be a little ashamed.
  14. lamigra187
    14. Posted by lamigra187 Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:20 pm EDT

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    Shamrock is too old for the likes of kimbo but when kimbo actually fights someone credible on the ground he will go down just like brock lesner did against frank mir. Kimbo is just really strong and has a great stare down and hits like a mack truck. But hes weak on the ground he was lucky that the ref didnt stop the fight with him and thompson we was getting thumped with those short elbows on the ground but thompson gas out like he always does. As long as Kimbo stays at eliteXC he will never fight anyone credible at his weight class. They have some good fighters mostly washed up and former UFC fighters that couldn't hack it!!!
  15. Adam S
    15. Posted by Adam S Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:04 pm EDT

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    I think trying to predict when and if Kimbo becomes a legitimate fighter is a moot exercise. He needs years, not a year, but multiple years of real experience under his belt before he can actually become a decent fighter. This is nothing to denigrate his abilities- I'm simply saying that every fighter needs years of practice and good experience to become "the next big thing" or a champion. How long has Kimbo actually been training MMA? A year or two? How many years and how many wars did it take for the current big promotion champions to earn their spot at the top? And some people don't even respect them!
    So maybe, in a year or three, Kimbo Slice will be a legitimate MMA fighter. Or maybe he won't. But we won't know that for quite some time. Admitedly, he is still entertaining to watch because of his demeanor and power. Yes, I'll watch him, but like the vast majority of fans, I won't really view him as a legit fighter for quite some time. Unless he's a really fast learner....
  16. BearDown
    16. Posted by BearDown Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:23 pm EDT

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    Kimbo has to take everything subparXC throws at him before that company folds completely. Get your money Kimbo!! Shamrock is so punch drunk he still thinks that he is the "most dangerous man!!"
  17. Nick M
    17. Posted by Nick M Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:52 pm EDT

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    HOW! HOW IS KIMBO THE NEXT BIG THING? The guys a 36-37 year old street fighting thug with still amateurish MMA skills. All he fights are washed ups or nobodies. Tank Abbot was both. He will NEVER....NEVER be a true martial artist period. End of story. This is the height of his presence in MMA. Now thats if he actually WINS if he loses...Well thats about it for Kimbo imo. And you know Ken Shamrock is gona come out with a passion like no ones seen in a long time. You think he wants to end his career fighting a chump like this?
    Face it. The EliteXC is the european football league of MMA. Not canadian, not arena but the "huh, europe" league. Affliction has the #1 heavyweight, WEC has a mix of some of the greatest light weights and the UFC still has everything that is MMA. EliteXC will milk Kimbo because they dont want to give him matches they want to get him "wins" You think if Kimbo was in any other MMA organization he would even go a full round with his opponents? Lesnar would obliterate him, any of afflictions heavey weight would crush him. Hell Anderson silva would beat him at 205 with a 30lb handicap. If ken can pull some heart out of his coffin like body and show us what kimbo really is....a caged street fighter. It might put an end to the mockery of a great sport.
  18. brian g
    18. Posted by brian g Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:13 pm EDT

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    I think Kimbo'll kill him, maybe Bas has taught him a few things on the ground. If I was training with Bas Rutten for as long as Kimbo has, I could beat Shamrock in his current state. Kimbo's too strong for him, but it'll give him a little more legitimacy. Elite wouldn't put Kimbo in the ring with Shamrock if they didn't know he could beat him. Kimbo is the only thing standing between Elite XC and bankruptcy, sorry but Gina Carrano isn't putting that many butts in the seats.
  19. brian g
    19. Posted by brian g Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:13 pm EDT

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    At the same time, I wouldn't call it a mockery of MMA. It's more like junior varsity. Old guys gotta eat too. It's unlikely that Kimbo would beat a Silva or a Liddell or an Ortiz, he's not on their level, but why can't Kimbo get his bread too without all the haters? Let the big dog get his bone people, war Kimbo.
  20. THE PRODIGY
    20. Posted by THE PRODIGY Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:57 pm EDT

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    Desperation calls for bold attempts. it' either lose kimbo or lose the org. i wasn't surprised at all, but just loled. ken can beat the guy and start talking smack again, but what';s next? maybe one more fight with brother frank? but again, how much would people care? if kimbo wins, it would be opening the door for more quality match-ups for him. ti woud be good for awhile, but it's just a matter of time before he goes down.
    i just want to see kaitlin young back because i am in love with her. war kaitlin!
  21. Captquestionmark
    21. Posted by Captquestionmark Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:17 pm EDT

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    I don't see how this is a good fight. If Kimbo wins, he beat a 44 year old man. If Kimbo loses, his career is over. Kimbo is so mediocre, they had to go into retired people to get a sellable fight. I understand that it is a fight that might be competitive, but what does this do for Elite XC in the long run? The last fight was embarrassing. Kimbo "won," but the production value was terrible. Hopefully they will improve that. But seriously, why not just have him fight Danny Bonaduce? That would be another "big headline" and would mean just as much to the sport. If you put out a poorly produced product, no one is going to watch again.
  22. Nick M
    22. Posted by Nick M Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:52 pm EDT

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    urwrecked I stopped caring what you wrote after you even mention Coutur in the same sentence as kimbo slice. And no he doesn't give ANY heavey weight trouble. You can take the top 10 heaveyweights from any organization and they would beat kimbo. Your arguement is he hits hard...well yeah. He's a heavey weight. All he's fought is tank abbot who isn't even a real fighter but just a bear gut punches a' flying fat guy. Thompson had to have gotten paid off to not drain that target golf ball in his ear. If Ken loses it would be the biggest embarassment in his career without a doubt. Kimbo has done nothing and is nothing, fight an actual opponent. Take the Lesnar rout. Go againt competion. Until he does he's still just a you tube street fighter, only different is he's making more money and fighting on television.
  23. smokey
    23. Posted by smokey Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:37 pm EDT

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    dont fool your self. kimbo IS a amature, but bas is helping and there is no way shamrock will beat him. he was over powered by TITO for gods sake. shamrocks loss to berry on elite xc was pitifull. shamrock should stop. elite xc is killing itself with poor promoters.(that would be shaw)
  24. smokey
    24. Posted by smokey Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:37 pm EDT

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    the sad thing is elite xc has talent, and the female mma is good. but they dont have a deep enough talent pool to put on good shows monthly. i think elite xc is a sinking ship , wich is unfortunate, i think the more mma the better. and they soooo need a better draw than kimbo and gina. i love gina , but not enough to pay to see her, and thats the problem. eventualy they have to start making some money
  25. Keith
    25. Posted by Keith Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:25 pm EDT

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    Yes ... I do think this fight is a joke, no disrespect to Shamrock, but Kimbo will over power Shamrock, even though Shamrock is a veteren, with all the moves, and yes he has lost 5 or so fights in a row, Kimbo will be to powerful !1 .. the only way Shamrock has a chance, is to make the fight go the distance, and wear out Kimbo, like his last fight, which he should have lost too .. hell put Kimbo against a Rampage and Kimbo will be destroyed, .. the man will be out classed ....
    r8rchainz

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