Kimbo Slice Blew Perfect Opportunity With UFC; Gets Released

By Joe Pietaro
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Updated: May 17, 2010

Going from a streetfighter propelled into the spotlight with YouTube clips to fighting with the top mixed martial arts organization in the world did not happen overnight for Kimbo Slice. No, the man formerly known as Kevin Ferguson spent a few years climbing the ladder in fly-by-night promotions such as EliteXC before getting a chance to go from a cage to the Octagon.

Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, had said all along that Slice would never fight for him but relented by putting the Florida native in the 10th season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Slice did not show much by dropping his only bout and then electing to sit out with a banged up knee when he had a chance to fight again later on. For some reason (even after saying that the only way he would get a contract was to win TUF 10), White decided to let Slice have another shot in the finale against Houston Alexander. Slice did not look like a champion that night but did get the win against a tough opponent.

At UFC 113 last Saturday, fellow TUF 10 contestant Matt Mitrione was Slice’s opponent and it was he who had his hand raised. White may have been looking back on his earlier assumption of the former Internet sensation when he remarked to Michael David Smith of mmafighting.com, “That’s probably Kimbo’s last ffght in the UFC. He’s done. We’re probably going to cut him.”

On the official UFC website, Slice’s name does not appear on the roster of fighters so it is more than likely true that Slice has been given his walking papers. Although the heavyweight does have a big name in the mainstream media and is a fan magnet, the truth is that he is not a skilled MMA fighter. Even training with America’s Top Team – a very well-respected MMA school in Florida – did not give Slice what he needed to become an all around fighter. Sure, he can stand toe-to-toe and bang but when taken to the ground, Slice’s game left a lot to be desired. Mitrione’s strategy was just that and doing so earned him the victory.

At 36, Slice will never have the opportunity that he did again. Being with the UFC was the culmination of his short career and he did not show he had what it takes to compete against the best in the world. Sure, he can find another payday somewhere – such as in Japan’s DREAM promotion – but Slice lost a lot more than just a fight against Mitrione.