Can ‘Slice’ cut it in the UFC?

From freak show to the big show. Almost. Kevin ‘Kimbo Slice’ Ferguson has taken an unlikely path to mixed martial arts notoriety – initially hitting the scene on YouTube, showcasing his punching power in videotaped street fights. Tonight, he will be featured in the UFC’s Ultimate Fighter 10, facing the stiffest test of his green MMA career – former IFL champion Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson. It is one of the most anticipated bouts in the the Ultimate Fighter series, which has produced former UFC champions Forrest Griffin and Rashad Evans in addition to numerous contenders in the octagon. Can Kimbo silence the critics and demonstrate the skills he has been honing under the guidance of Quentin Jackson? That’s the question MMA fans have been bickering over ever since the grizzled beast joined the game.

Slice’s journey to this point included the first MMA event to broadcast live on primetime network television in a fight under EliteXC . His opponent, James ‘Colossus’ Thompson, carried a reputation for having a suspect chin – a match up that seemed favorable for Kimbo. Thompson entered the ring sporting a cauliflower ear that resembled something out of Resident Evil – straight up mutant style. It was only a matter of time it seemed. The moment came in the third round when Kimbo landed an overhand right directly to Colossus’ left ear, bursting it like a balloon full of plasma. Instantly, blood came spewing from the flopping cartilage that was once an ear. A few more unanswered blows and it was all over – to the disbelief of Thompson, who gave ref Dan Mirogliotta an opened hand slap to the face, companied with a cock-eyed look of ‘You CANNOT be serious!’ Regardless, Kimbo exited with a hard-fought win, sending his pro record to 3-0. Yes, it was a circus – but no one can deny the sheer level of good-ole entertainment it provided. Still, Kimbo received bad press from critics, pros and MMA fans alike, describing his performance as lackluster, at best.

Next in line for Slice was Ken Shamrock – MMA veteran who was in the twilight years of his career. The old-timer, however, suffered a mysterious cut during pre-fight warm ups, leaving Elite XC scrambling to find an opponent for their main attraction. Enter Seth Petruzelli. ‘The Silverback’ had previously fought on season 2 of the Ultimate Fighter and had two bouts in the UFC, both losses, before being cut. He stepped up from light-heavyweight to fight Kimbo – a pick by EliteXC that was meant further bolster Slice’s record. Well, sometimes what’s ‘supposed to happen’ just doesn’t pan out. Of those who witnessed it, not many will forget the the 14-second TKO that was dealt to Kimbo. 14 seconds. In the worlds of Happy Gilmore – “holy sh*t – talk about your all-time backfires.” It was one of the biggest debacles in mixed martial arts history, and when Kimbo went down – so did the entire Elite XC organization. After watching the replay repeatedly, it proved to be a glancing blow – a phantom blow, it seemed – that spelled T-K-O for Kimbo. The Kimbo-haters were ecstatic – Kimbo Slice was exposed.

Although many thought the days of MMA were over for Slice, the big brute still yearned to silence the critics and prove himself in world that combines Jui Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, grappling and wrestling. UFC President Dana White had bad-mouthed Kimbo since his tenure in EliteXC, calling him a joke and a disgrace to true MMA artists around the world. White is known for his vindictive ranting, but he also has built a reputation for failing to fulfill his promises from time to time. He challenged Kimbo to join the Ultimate Fighter series as his doorway to get into the UFC, the NFL of MMA, if you will. But did he actually think Slice would take him up on his offer? Fat chance. Now, Kimbo has that chance. He’s had time to train and he has portrayed himself as focused and eager to learn. Now Kimbo has the opportunity to put a feather in his cap, err doorag, and take out a legitimate challenger in Roy Nelson. Tune into tonight at 10 pm on SpikeTV for some guaranteed fireworks and some must-see TV.