“Street Certified”

Kimbo Slice is living proof that you can make a living via the internet. This one time backyard brawler made a name for himself on YouTube. I just did a search for “Kimbo”, it resulted in what it says is “about 3,860 videos”. I am confident that he doesn’t have that many fight videos, but the popularity alone for one man on that site is insane. If this can transfer into MMA popularity, it could mean big numbers for EliteXC. EliteXC’s new baby will have his next test this weekend against UFC legend Tank Abbott. In the professional world of Mixed Martial Arts this matchup seems more of a sideshow at the circus. Imagine this headline; Former Champ vs. Backyard Champ. The actual name of the event is “Street Certified”. If nothing else this promises to be a fight of two big men with real punching power.

Tank Abbott is a monster as he is the original street fighter. Tank’s MMA skills were developed from bar fights in Huntington Beach California. He is known for his punching power, and raw fighting talent. Throughout his fighting career is 9-13. He has fought in the UFC, Pride, and was once a professional wrestler. On the night when he made his debut as an MMA artist he knocked out a 400 pounder in 18 seconds! Unfortunately Tank’s career hasn’t gone the best. He is coming off of his third string of at least 3 losses in a row. Some of the notable fighters that Tank has fought are Frank Mir and Pedro Rizzo. Tank wasn’t scared to fight them, and he is not scared to fight Kimbo. If there is one downfall that Kimbo can exploit against Abbott, it would have to be his cardio. Tank has had problems with his cardio and it could become an issue if this fight of haymakers lasts into the later rounds. In many interviews Tank has said that he isn’t taking Kimbo lightly. He is down from 296 to 261 and according to Tank, he is ready for Kimbo! In my opinionI don’t feel that Tank has much to gain from this fight. If he loses he either rides off in the sunset to the closest bar, or is the guy that beat Kimbo. Either way, he is not on his way to the best heavy weight in the world.

Kevin Ferguson AKA Kimbo Slice is a result of camcorders, digital cameras, and the internet. His popularity exploded as his videos emerged online, as well as his pornography job. He is the huge guy with the beard. Like Tank, he is a street fighter. Kimbo could be in the same class as Tank minus one key man named Bas. Bas Rutten is one of the best MMA fighters of all time with a record of 28-4-1 and all wins since 1995. Bas sees something in Kimbo and he has taken the young fighter under his wing. Tank didn’t have such an influential fighter to mentor him and this could be a key factor in the professional development of Kimbo Slice. If Kimbo stays committed to MMA he will be able to achieve victory, but just like Tank, he wont be in anyone’s top 10 anytime soon; If ever.

Saturday night at the U, fans will get something they love at that school; a good fight. This fight could and will probably be won by one massive punch. Kimbo and Tank will both look like homerun hitters swinging for the fences early. If they both can weather the storm, we will see if either have any technique. Although this fight is not in the UFC Octagon it is drawing a good amount of popularity. I know I am planning on watching it. Neither of these two fighters will be fighting Fedor or Randy any time soon, but this should be an entertaining fight to watch.