Blockbuster announcements (or are they?)…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@Oklahoman.com
Some people are looking at the announcements of Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock and Oscar de La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao are just business ventures.
Not me. I know I’m going to get reamed for this, but I actually like both of these fights. One definitely more than the other, but I’m intrigued by both. And it’s four recognizable names. That’s going to help with the common man.
First, Slice and Shamrock has been confirmed for the Oct. 4 edition of Elite XC on CBS. It’s the third card of the four being promised for the MMA group on CBS.
A lot of MMA experts see this as a step down for Slice. Once upon a time, the name Ken Shamrock sent chills down spines. But now, well, it’s not the case.
He’s lost five straight MMA bouts and has rarely looked like the fighter he was in the mid ’90s. So why do I still care?
It’s the same reason I still get jacked up for an Evander Holyfield fight (I don’t know any better). I hold out that hope that they can turn back the clock to their primes and shock everyone.
I’ve got nothing against Slice. I know a lot of MMA purists have real issues with the guy. I don’t, he’s just trying to make a living, and he’s found a way.
I still don’t see him as a top guy, and I won’t view him much differently if/when he demolishes Ken. But man oh man, I’m hoping Shamrock’s got one last ankle lock in him.
For the fight itself, Ken must avoid being on his feet as Slice will simply overpower him. But it will be real interesting to see if Kimbo has worked on his ground game. He’s a lot like Brock Lesnar in that regard. Can the two behemoths become all-around fighters?
Where I never worry for Holyfield’s safety, I am concerned for Shamrock. Who knows what one more devastating knockout will do to him, long term. The referee will play a pretty big role in the bout.
I’m not sure if this is what Elite XC was hoping for, but I think there are worse options than this. It’s crucial to get Kimbo back on TV.
Local MMA alert: Freestyle Cage Fighting comes to the State Fair Grandstand on Sept. 13. FCF is a fixture in Shawnee, so it will be interesting to see how the OKC crowd embraces the event. The big deal, to me, is that a father and son will be fighting on the same card as Tuttle’s Scott Landis (father) and son Garrick will compete.
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