Regardless of the amount of derision the match-up drew from some circles, I think the match with Bo Cantrell, who was 10-10 going into the fight, was a pretty tall order for the relatively inexperienced Kimbo. And regardless of the odd way the fight ended (with Cantrell compulsively tapping out before Kimbo could land any apparently clean blows) it is to Kimbo's credit that he was able to triumph over a veteran of the sport.
I have been impressed with Kimbo. His respect for the intricacies of the sport and his dedication to training show that he isn't just cashing in. His seriousness combined with his notoriety and charisma could make him a real asset to any organization. The best way for this to happen is to bring Kimbo Slice along gradually, nurturing his career and building up his experience; throwing him in with a top 20 heavyweight at this stage is totally counter-productive.
With this in mind, I present to you who I feel should be the next five opponents for Kimbo Slice. Each match-up is made with the assumption that Kimbo won his previous fight, and that all fighters outside the UFC are possible contestants.
1. Tank Abbott (9-13-0)
This fight was supposed to happen months ago, so Elite XC might as well put it on to offer some closure. Abbott has a losing record, but at this point in Kimbo's career, this shouldn't be prohibitive for a prospective opponent.
Kimbo vs. Tank: Beards Collide
2. Cabbage Correira (18-13-0)
While he would prove to be Kimbo's first opponent with a record above .500, Cabbage has lost 5 of his last 6 fights since 2006. He's also a big puncher, durable, and a veteran of the big show. This combination makes him a good opponent for a promising up and comer like Kimbo.
3. Wes Sims (19-11-1)
A fight with journeyman Wes Sims would check where Kimbo's head is after a string of wins, and confirm his ability to fight consistently. Sims doesn't pose too much of a threat, but losing to him would expose any glaring weaknesses. A necessary step, I believe.
Wes Sims' first fight with Frank Mir was one of the most horrifying things I had seen as a budding MMA fan. From hopping around and grinning like some crazed baboon in his corner, to gripping the fence as he stomped Mir in the face, he set just about one of the worst examples for in-cage behavior that any fighter could. Appropriately, Sims was later matched with similar bad egg Mike Kyle who, in order to escape a guillotine hold from Sims, bit him on the chest. Here is a picture of Wes Sims looking about as much like a preternaturally strong, brain-addled Southern man-child from a William Faulkner novel as any fighter could...
4. Jonathan Wiezorek (11-2-0)
Wiezorek's record is impressive, but his method of fighting his utterly predictable. This would test Kimbo's versatility, as Wiezorek is a submission wrestler, and show us how well he can develop and follow a game plan. Wiezorek would pose a slightly different challenge than the last several opponents.
5. Travis Fulton (181-43-9)
While Fulton's record is impressive, most of his wins come against fighters with a losing average, or against similar journeyman fighters, like Wes Sims. It's practically a rite of passage--any fighter with hopes of making it out from the bottom of the barrel has used Fulton as a sounding board. Eric Pele did it, Forrest Griffin did it, Travis Wiuff, Vladimir Matyushenko, and Ian Freeman did it. So must Kimbo. Should he pass this final test, Kimbo would be ready to step up to face stronger opposition in the form of someone like Antonio Silva. Or Justin Eilers, who is the proud owner of one of the most cartoon-ish knock outs this side of Sean Salmon:
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