An “Elite” Mistake?

By E. Spencer Kyte
Love of Sports Correspondent

In a desperate attempt to grab ratings and stabilize their shaky organization, EliteXC dipped into the MMA past to bring out Ken Shamrock as the next opponent for franchise poster boy and cash cow, Kimbo Slice.

They couldn’t have made a bigger mistake.

While the man born Kevin Ferguson is the biggest star in the organization, and one of the most widely known fighters in the world, the truth is it’s mostly undue attention brought on by YouTube brawls and marketing strategies.

Kimbo Slice isn’t anywhere near the top of the heap in the heavyweight world of MMA, a fact that was proven during his CBS debut over the summer when he escaped with a third round stoppage of James Thompson and lay gassed on the mat, trying desperately to catch his breath. I won’t argue the guy doesn’t have both punching and drawing power, but those two things don’t make a fight like this a wise one.

What’s to be gained from beating Shamrock?

If this was the early 1990s, perhaps a lot could be. Ten years ago, Shamrock was one of the foremost Mixed Martial Artists around, earning the label “The Most Dangerous Man in the World.”

But it’s 2008, and Shamrock hasn’t won a fight in nearly five years.

While the first four defeats in his current five-match losing streak came at the hands of notable MMA practitioners Rich Franklin, Tito Ortiz and Japanese legend Sakuraba, Shamrock’s latest loss came when he was knocked out in the first round by Robert Berry.

Has anyone heard of Robert Berry before? Since?

And that’s where the truth about this fight lies.

There’s absolutely nothing to be gained for Kimbo Slice or EliteXC in pitting its biggest star against a fallen legend.

Let’s say Kimbo wins. What does that prove?

Sure, being able to say you beat Ken Shamrock gives you name recognition amongst those not in the know, but people close to the sport will argue Shamrock’s over the hill (44 yars old) and on a five-match losing streak. So. it’s tough not to agree.

And what happens if Shamrock wins?

Then the biggest name your brand has to offer was just taken out by a guy who hasn’t won a fight since June 2004, regardless of his legendary status.

This is why boxers fight tomato cans for the first 10, 15 or 20 fights of their career – to build up wins, learn the game, get the stamina where it needs to be, then take a shot at the brass ring.

Slice has had three professional fights and is stepping into the cage Saturday night with a guy who’s in the Hall of Fame.

EliteXC is going to get the results they want on CBS.

The question is whether they’ll get the result they need inside the cage.

OTHER TOP STORIES

--Unsung Stars To Watch In MLB Playoffs

--What We’d Like To See In These Playoffs

--The Tailgate - A Big XII Spotlight

--NCAA’s Top Young Gun QBs

--Top 10 SEC Players in the NFL

--Why We Love Penn State’s Derrick Williams

--NBA’s Western Conference Under the Radar Players

--The Beer Chronicles, Part I

--Michigan Students Start Beer Club

--Happy Birthday NFL!! Pro Football Turns 88 Years Old Today!!