View Full Version : Kimbo Gets "TUF"
The Show Off
06-02-2009, 12:49 AM
"Kimbo Slice" scores "The Ultimate Fighter 10" slot
by Kevin Iole on Jun 01, 2009 at 11:30 pm ET
LAS VEGAS – "Kimbo Slice," the controversial heavyweight who in 2008 headlined the most-viewed mixed martial arts card in history, will be one of 16 contestants on the forthcoming season of "The Ultimate Fighter," the UFC's reality TV series.
Dana White, the UFC's outspoken president, has repeatedly mocked Slice for his lack of fighting ability. Slice, whose real name is Kevin Ferguson, became a cult figure by competing in street fights that were posted on YouTube. Slice's "bouts" drew tens of millions of views and led him to turn professional.
He fought for the now defunct EliteXC, garnering massive media attention but getting mocked by White and others affiliated with the UFC for a lack of ability.
White has called him a "joke," a "bum" and "not a real fighter," among other less than kind descriptions. He said that Slice would "get murdered if he fought in the UFC" and suggested that his lightweight champion, 155-pound B.J. Penn, would "annihilate" the 230-pound Slice.
The UFC president has repeatedly insisted he would not allow Slice to compete in the UFC unless he won his way onto the show by competing on "The Ultimate Fighter."
Slice has called White's bluff and will appear on Season 10 of the highly rated Spike TV series, White has confirmed. Fighters live in the same house and train together, and then fight during the show in a bid to earn a UFC contract.
His appearance, along with that of former UFC light heavyweight champions Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Rashad Evans as coaches, should guarantee massive ratings.
"It should be interesting, given some of the things I've said about him," White said.
Slice, who has a 3-1 professional record, appeared in the main event of the first MMA card shown on network television in the U.S. when he fought James Thompson on May 31, 2008, on CBS.
Slice won by third-round stoppage in a bout that attracted a record 6.5 million viewers and remains the most-viewed MMA bout in history.
But Slice hasn't fought since Oct. 4, when he was knocked out by a jab from late replacement Seth Petruzelli, a light heavyweight, just 14 seconds into another fight broadcast on CBS. The plug was pulled on EliteXC, which reportedly lost millions of dollars, in the aftermath of the fight.
White promised "some major surprises" as he announced on a Thursday conference call that Jackson and Evans, each of whom is a former light heavyweight champion, would serve as coaches on Season 10.
He declined to say anything further but urged reporters on the call not to miss media day, which is Tuesday at the UFC Training Center in Las Vegas.
White worked hard to keep Slice's appearance on the show a secret, hoping to have unveiled him Tuesday. Season 10, which is being called "The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights," was originally slated to feature a cast of eight heavyweights and eight middleweights, but the UFC quietly informed the middleweights who tried out that it was going with an all-heavyweight show.
And unlike in recent seasons, where the competitors had to win a fight to earn their way into the house, there will be no such arrangement this time. All 16 fighters – Spike and the UFC are keeping names of the others a closely guarded secret – will automatically move into the house.
Though White goes to great lengths to insist that nothing on the show is scripted, it's virtually guaranteed that Slice won't fight early in the competition. Having him around and alive in the competition is going to keep ratings elevated.
If Slice is able to advance to the live Dec. 5 finale, with a chance to earn a UFC contract with a win, ratings would likely be the largest in Spike history.
Should be intresting, I smell high ratings for The Ultimate Fighter season 10.
Stickman
06-02-2009, 01:34 AM
Bobby Lashley, please destroy this guy.
Savio
06-02-2009, 01:40 AM
lol that'd be cool if lashey was on the show as well
HeartBreakMan2k
06-02-2009, 01:40 AM
Anyone and everyone... please destroy him... in the first round of the show... please.
Impact!
06-02-2009, 02:20 AM
Lashley won't be on the show, as he's scheduled to face Sapp during filming...unless Sapp is on the show to :p
I was clued in on this a couple of days ago. I hope he ends up on Rampage's team. Can you imagine the comedy?
Triple Naitch
06-02-2009, 11:12 AM
How hilarious will it be when Kimbo participates in his first half naked ketchup fight?
The Show Off
06-02-2009, 12:30 PM
I was clued in on this a couple of days ago. I hope he ends up on Rampage's team. Can you imagine the comedy?
I'm not denying that you know all of this stuff ahead of time because you've proven oretty much that you do know this stuff, but how exactly do you know all this stuff, just curious.
NoJabbaNoBogRoll
06-02-2009, 12:36 PM
I'm not sure if Rob claims to have an inside source, but I spot most of his "news" on the Sherdog forums around the same time he posts it.
I'm not denying that you know all of this stuff ahead of time because you've proven oretty much that you do know this stuff, but how exactly do you know all this stuff, just curious.
I was told on Sunday that Kimbo being in the house was a 50-50 shot. The guy who told me works for the UFC. I know the age old internet shit about some mark knowing someone who works in some company is heard everywhere so believe this or don't. Doesn't bother me either way. And the same guy was also my WWF/E contact for years. Obviously he doesn't work there anymore. And no, it's not Brock Lesnar :)
As for Jabba even suggesting I'd be anywhere near Sherdog.... fuck off!
:)
I wouldn't like to call him "a source" either. He is my friend who just happens to work there.
Vastardikai
06-02-2009, 07:41 PM
For some reason, I'm seeing Kimbo vs. X (Insert Random Heavyweight Here) making Kimbo vs. Petruzelli look like a legit athletic competition.
NoJabbaNoBogRoll
06-02-2009, 09:10 PM
Let's hope Kimbo has improved, since he would be a huge draw.
Although, if he hasn't improved at all, at least we'll have some comedy.
Jesus Shuttlesworth
06-02-2009, 09:14 PM
Great move by the UFC. I'm not a big MMA guy and now I'm interested. I bet a lot of other casual fans feel the same way.
Reavant
06-02-2009, 10:43 PM
god has answered my prayers :|
Stickman
06-02-2009, 11:38 PM
Reavant vs Kimbo in the finale.
I actually hope he doesn't get beat in his first fight. Other than that, it doesn't bother me.
SammyG
06-03-2009, 03:45 AM
Great move by the UFC. I'm not a big MMA guy and now I'm interested. I bet a lot of other casual fans feel the same way.
Exactly.
Impact!
06-03-2009, 04:25 AM
I've seen heaps of people stating that Aleks (Emelienko) is gonna be in this season :lol:
NoJabbaNoBogRoll
06-03-2009, 10:31 AM
http://media.ufc.tv/i.cfc?method=get&s=A3997104-1422-0E8C-9AA0835AE0FFF486.jpg
I've seen heaps of people stating that Aleks (Emelienko) is gonna be in this season :lol:
If thats the truth, he'll probably win it.
Ol Dirty Dastard
06-03-2009, 11:14 AM
lollll Aleks Emelianenko vs. Kimbo Slice would be fucking ridiculous in how short that fight would be. Kimbo would be sipping his steaks through a straw.
I hope he gets a real can for his first fight, because let's face it, he's entertaining.
Jeez, not this asshole again. I hope they'll someday book him against Fedor so he'll just already give up on the UFC/MMA.
Mr. JL
06-03-2009, 12:14 PM
Should be interesting to watch.
Reavant
06-03-2009, 12:56 PM
Aleks cant fight in it because he cant fight in america due to the fact that he has hepititus.
Theres also 4 ex NFL players on this season as well.
Reavant
06-03-2009, 12:57 PM
Alright Kimbo is almost gauranteed to fight last because they are going to want him to be alive as long as possible.
What if the opposite team has fight choice control and picks him first? You'd think the first thing they would do would be match him with a wrestler early.
Requiem
06-03-2009, 05:04 PM
I hope he wins for the sole reason of proving everyone wrong.
Reavant
06-03-2009, 07:02 PM
Its called producers Rob
Producers can't change the way the competition is worked. And Dana White is a producer and don't think for a second he wouldn't be happy if Kimbo got KO'd in 10 seconds on the first show.
HeartBreakMan2k
06-03-2009, 07:26 PM
He'd be happier if Kimbo was the last fight of the first go arounds to milk the ratings some.
Reavant
06-04-2009, 01:33 AM
Producers can't change the way the competition is worked. And Dana White is a producer and don't think for a second he wouldn't be happy if Kimbo got KO'd in 10 seconds on the first show.
ummmmmmmmmmmm literally the only thing out of control of the producers or dana white is the outcome of the fights. Thats the whole competition. And as much as dana wants kimbo to crumble, he wants $$$$$$$$ from the ratings thus keeping him on as long as possible..... why do you think they arent fighting their way on the show now?
I wouldn't be surprised if he fought last. Corey Hill took ages to get in his first fight on the show for similar reasons. I'm just saying the producers can't do shit if say Kimbo is on Rampage's team and a guy on Evans' team wants to fight him first.
Reavant
06-05-2009, 01:33 AM
yes they can.... the producers say "no" or "shut up"
I think maybe you are confusing this show with Hogan Knows Best or something.
Reavant
06-05-2009, 05:30 PM
The producers would say.... yes you can fight kimbo but you will fight him last and please talk shit to him until you fight
that gets ratings
Reavant
06-05-2009, 05:31 PM
They dont just choose the fight right there when its announced... they have to talk it over for a bit
What? I don't get what you are saying. If a fighter calls out Kimbo for the first fight of the show, how can this be avoided without actually fixing the show? And they aren't gonna fix the show.
Vastardikai
06-05-2009, 08:30 PM
Calling it now: the Kimbo TUF fight is gonna get more ratings than the Junie Browning 1st round fight.
HeartBreakMan2k
06-05-2009, 09:06 PM
Well duh :p
Reavant
06-06-2009, 05:16 AM
What? I don't get what you are saying. If a fighter calls out Kimbo for the first fight of the show, how can this be avoided without actually fixing the show? And they aren't gonna fix the show.
Please... they fix who they want to fight and when. The only thing that is not controlled is the results of the fights. Which is all that really matters anyway. Now maybe Kimbo will go first because they want to see him fight but if you want ratings you will make him fight near the end. And yes the producers and dana get what they want in terms of how the show goes. I have a source who knows first hand :p
HeartBreakMan2k
06-06-2009, 05:23 AM
To be honest, Dana doesn't have as much stroke as we'd think from what i heard. Supposedly he didn't want to do the US vs UK concept but Spike forced it through.
Not like that matters though, both Dana and Spike want money, ratings equal money and so Kimbo will probably be the last fight of the first go through.
Calling it now: the Kimbo TUF fight is gonna get more ratings than the Junie Browning 1st round fight.
Was that even the most watch TUF fight?
Stickman
06-06-2009, 01:59 PM
Yeah there's no way Kimbo fights early. The show isn't rigged in terms of results but they'll make sure Kimbo doens't fight right away. It's pretty easy to do.
Vastardikai
06-06-2009, 02:27 PM
I thought it was the most watced TUF fight of that season, up there with the one where he got humbled by Efrain.
Then again, shit I'll watch Kimbo fight for the same reason why I watch Junie fighting anyone with talent: I want to see him get his asked kicked.
Please... they fix who they want to fight and when. The only thing that is not controlled is the results of the fights. Which is all that really matters anyway. Now maybe Kimbo will go first because they want to see him fight but if you want ratings you will make him fight near the end. And yes the producers and dana get what they want in terms of how the show goes. I have a source who knows first hand :p
Nonsense.
To be honest, Dana doesn't have as much stroke as we'd think from what i heard. Supposedly he didn't want to do the US vs UK concept but Spike forced it through.
Not like that matters though, both Dana and Spike want money, ratings equal money and so Kimbo will probably be the last fight of the first go through.
Actually he very much wanted to do a US vs. UK concept.
Dana and Spike both have say on who makes the show though. This is why they now have the rule where they want you having 3 pro fights before you get on now. It's weeding out the bad fighters. Dana White also had the idea of fighting to get into the house for the same reason. UFC controlled who fought who so anyone he didn't like the look of got a hard fight with the idea they'd lose and not make the show.
Anyway, I'll be going to the Q&A this Friday with Dana White in Cologne so if anyone has questions, let me know and I'll try and get public answers.
Reavant
06-06-2009, 08:44 PM
Actually he very much wanted to do a US vs. UK concept.
Dana and Spike both have say on who makes the show though. This is why they now have the rule where they want you having 3 pro fights before you get on now. It's weeding out the bad fighters. Dana White also had the idea of fighting to get into the house for the same reason. UFC controlled who fought who so anyone he didn't like the look of got a hard fight with the idea they'd lose and not make the show.
Anyway, I'll be going to the Q&A this Friday with Dana White in Cologne so if anyone has questions, let me know and I'll try and get public answers.
Ok.... you know Rick Lamas? He tried out for this current season showing right now of TUF and a guy he beat made it further in the selection process for no othger reason than he showed up to the tryouts in a fucking Uncle Sam outfit.
Rick is real quiet and works real hard, but thats not entertaining. I am really starting to think your just playing devils advocate because if your not, you are being incredibly naive. Yes they want quality fighters, but they also want drama. A house full of goal driven no-nonsense hard workers will not get high ratings.
That's the casting calls. I know 3 guys from my gym with better records than people who made the show who didn't make it. Once you are in the house, it's a different story. Don't make out it isn't when you have no evidence of it being any different than it is. Not a single fighter who made the show in 9 seasons has ever mentioned he got screwed on fight planning. Not one.
And you know boring fighters aren't gonna make the sure. If anyone is really ignorant to believe you are going to get on to a reality show with zero personality then you are an idiot. They won't even let let boring fighters in the fucking company period!
And who is Rick Lamas? What's his record? I can't find anything on the guy.
bigdaddysuperfreak
06-07-2009, 08:05 PM
Considering the fact that Robs sources usually tend to be dead on I wold have to side with him on this.
You don't need sources. You can see it for yourself. The bottom line is there have been over 100 fighters on that show and there has never been one who came out after and complained about being fixed with a shitty fight or been deliberately held back to fight later in the show or anything. The rules have always beem the same - you get called out and you fight.
Reavant
06-08-2009, 02:20 AM
And who is Rick Lamas? What's his record? I can't find anything on the guy.
he stepped in short notice (5 days) in feb or march and beat the fuck out of Bart Palsewski or whatever his name is.... apparently you didnt look too hard.
Reavant
06-08-2009, 02:30 AM
You don't need sources. You can see it for yourself. The bottom line is there have been over 100 fighters on that show and there has never been one who came out after and complained about being fixed with a shitty fight or been deliberately held back to fight later in the show or anything. The rules have always beem the same - you get called out and you fight.
Of course the fighters wouldnt say they got deliberately held back or say they had a talking to.... because they dont get talked to. They dont make the matches, the coaches do. Havnt you watched the seasons where the coaches who get to pick all the matches in a row if they keep winning have it all planned out how they want to do it? They might take imput from the fighters, but its the coaches decision... and speaking of just watching the fucking show, did you happen to catch last weeks? Because dana almost went against what either coach wanted to set up the semifinal matches. Now he ended up not doing it but he almost did and made no secret about it. So you mean to tell me he wouldnt and hasnt controlled when a fighter would fight?
Reavant
06-08-2009, 02:35 AM
And you know boring fighters aren't gonna make the sure. If anyone is really ignorant to believe you are going to get on to a reality show with zero personality then you are an idiot. They won't even let let boring fighters in the fucking company period!
Considering this is a competition for fighting, one would generally think that the best fighters would be chosen... Now a boring personality vs a boring fighter is totally different.
he stepped in short notice (5 days) in feb or march and beat the fuck out of Bart Palsewski or whatever his name is.... apparently you didnt look too hard.
Actually I saw that. I didn't know if it was the same guy since he called Ricardo everywhere I looked.
Of course the fighters wouldnt say they got deliberately held back or say they had a talking to.... because they dont get talked to. They dont make the matches, the coaches do. Havnt you watched the seasons where the coaches who get to pick all the matches in a row if they keep winning have it all planned out how they want to do it? They might take imput from the fighters, but its the coaches decision... and speaking of just watching the fucking show, did you happen to catch last weeks? Because dana almost went against what either coach wanted to set up the semifinal matches. Now he ended up not doing it but he almost did and made no secret about it. So you mean to tell me he wouldnt and hasnt controlled when a fighter would fight?
How does this stop Kimbo being called out in the first fight of the show? That's the entire point and you ain't telling me anything to back up your arguement.
Just answer this - If Max Figher (random name) is in the team with control in the first week and his team chose him to fight Kimbo, how the fuck can this be avoided?
Considering this is a competition for fighting, one would generally think that the best fighters would be chosen... Now a boring personality vs a boring fighter is totally different.
It's also a reality show and personalities bring ratings. Nobody watches boring people. Might not be right or wrong but that's the way the show has been for 9 seasons and will continue to be until it stops.
NoJabbaNoBogRoll
06-08-2009, 02:29 PM
If the contestants are boring, nobody will watch, and therefore the show will not continue to air.
Interesting contestants = Questionable legitimacy + Ratings
Boring contestants = No show
Reavant
06-08-2009, 03:43 PM
How does this stop Kimbo being called out in the first fight of the show? That's the entire point and you ain't telling me anything to back up your arguement.
Just answer this - If Max Figher (random name) is in the team with control in the first week and his team chose him to fight Kimbo, how the fuck can this be avoided?
Because the coaches make the decisions not the fighters... how many seasons has there been with guys that have beef with eachother and they dont fight right away if at all?
It's also a reality show and personalities bring ratings. Nobody watches boring people. Might not be right or wrong but that's the way the show has been for 9 seasons and will continue to be until it stops.
Yes I get that. I was just making a point based on the comment you made about the show weeding out the bad fighters and how its rediculous to say such a thing considering they dont bring in the best fighters thay can.
Oh my god, seriously great job at avoiding the question. The coaches make the decisions eh? When what happens if Rampage is in charge of the picks in the first week and wants his guy to fight Kimbo? How they hell is that avoided?
Terra Ryzin
06-08-2009, 07:29 PM
I gotta go with Rob here. I dont think Dana would mess with the fights. Too much on the line. All it would take is one peep from somebody anybody that Dana mixes and matches what he wants for the sake of ratings and the show becomes a work. They have too much to lose right now to have that kind of thing get out.
Reavant
06-08-2009, 08:12 PM
How does dana deciding when two fighters fight make the show a work?... If he decides who kimbo fights in order to make it a good fight for kimbo, then yes its a work, but putting him the tournament later in order to get a ton of hype for the match for the show is not a work.
Its not even a dishonest thing to do... its a smart thing to do. Its a fucking show that is dependant on ratings.
And there isnt "peeps" from fighters on the show because they dont want to risk opportunities being taken away by dana. We all know how vindictive the guy is when someone does something he doesnt like, and on to of that Ive talked to gideon Ray a lot seeing as he is in the same camp as me and rick, and he has hours of stories of all the fucked up shit that goes on with that show and no one ever says anything about it. And before you start questioning me on that.... look at the old MMA sticky thread that we used to have in the sports forum and see all the stories I posted that he told me about.
Yeah, I get the feeling that if for example Kimbo was on Rashad's team and Rampage had the choice and wanted to put him in early, there'd be nothing stopping Dana from allowing the fight and Kimbo's opponent but maybe asking/telling Rampage it will happen on a later episode
Then again, I guess it would depend on how who picks the fights are determined in this season. I also know pretty much jack shit btw and could be waaaaay off
Zeeboe
06-08-2009, 08:24 PM
So when does this show air?
Yeah, I get the feeling that if for example Kimbo was on Rashad's team and Rampage had the choice and wanted to put him in early, there'd be nothing stopping Dana from allowing the fight and Kimbo's opponent but maybe asking/telling Rampage it will happen on a later episode
Exactly. And Dana isn't gonna give favours to ANY FIGHTER in that house.
Apparently there is only one person here who doesn't understand how this show works. It's only been 9 seasons.
Reavant
06-09-2009, 04:03 AM
:wtf: he just said the same exact thing ive been saying....
and having kimbo fight later isnt a favor to him its beneficial to dana. and favors? like junie browning? ur right dana doesnt give favors. :roll:
He said the same thing you've been saying? :rofl:
Reavant
06-09-2009, 03:10 PM
ummmmmmmmmmmm literally the only thing out of control of the producers or dana white is the outcome of the fights. Thats the whole competition. And as much as dana wants kimbo to crumble, he wants $$$$$$$$ from the ratings thus keeping him on as long as possible..... why do you think they arent fighting their way on the show now?
I wouldn't be surprised if he fought last. Corey Hill took ages to get in his first fight on the show for similar reasons. I'm just saying the producers can't do shit if say Kimbo is on Rampage's team and a guy on Evans' team wants to fight him first.
yes they can.... the producers say "no" or "shut up"
Yeah, I get the feeling that if for example Kimbo was on Rashad's team and Rampage had the choice and wanted to put him in early, there'd be nothing stopping Dana from allowing the fight and Kimbo's opponent but maybe asking/telling Rampage it will happen on a later episode
What? You said Dana White can control everything but the outcome of fights. I disagree simply because he can't keep Kimbo on the show for a specific time if he gets called out in the first week and then gets killed. How can he control that?
McLegend
06-09-2009, 10:47 PM
Well they could do random matches instead of how they normally do it.
Could be interesting.
McLegend
06-09-2009, 10:48 PM
Wait didn't they do random matches one season?
Reavant
06-10-2009, 12:50 AM
What? You said Dana White can control everything but the outcome of fights. I disagree simply because he can't keep Kimbo on the show for a specific time if he gets called out in the first week and then gets killed. How can he control that?
What im saying is that it doesnt matter if he gets called out. If he ltells the coaches not to put him in a match early, then the coaches will simply put off picking him. There was a lot of times where guys were saying they wanted to fight so and so and it didnt happen right away because the coaches had a differing opinion
How does it not matter if he is called out? I seriously don't get this. Someone else pipe in here and clear this up.
Roy Nelson and Wes Sims are both gonna be on this show now too. Buh bye Kimbo.
Impact!
06-11-2009, 12:40 PM
Roy has gotta be the favourite for this season
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