As we come upon what most people believe is the biggest night in MMA history - the sport's debut on mainstream TV (Saturday Night on CBS) - the industry's top drawing card is also its most controversial. Their is a big divide when it comes to Kimbo Slice. Some believe the exposure he brings to the sport will help MMA grow and reach out to a broader group of fans, insuring that companies like EliteXC will thrive in the future instead of fold due to a lack of resources. Others believe that the way EliteXC is matching up Slice against inferior opponents is bad for MMA because it goes against everything the sport stands for, which is proving yourself in the cage against the best competition.
The biggest entity in MMA, the UFC led by President Dana White, has always marketed itself different from boxing. While in boxing most fighters are brought along slowly fighting creampuffs, White's strategy is more of a put up or shut up approach. White believes that if you don't have the skills to compete against the UFC's best fighters, find something else to do. Slice doesn't fit that mold. Rather than fighting MMA's top heavyweights - who Slice would almost certainly lose to - EliteXC has gone the route opposite of White and the UFC, choosing instead to pit Slice against washed up bums like Tank Abbott, who are well past their prime in hopes of quick short-term success.
Yahoo Sports! Dan Wetzel has a column talking about this controversy. I should point out that because I'm part of the media, I've learned to detect when a particular writer appears to be in someone's pocket. It's clear to me that Wetzel has strong ties to White in the UFC here. He all but tells you not to watch the CBS broadcast this weekend. However, it's an interesting article nonetheless. I would like to get your opinion on the subject. What are your thoughts on Kimbo Slice? Is he good or bad for MMA? Also, will you be watching the EliteXC event on CBS this Saturday? Let me hear your feedback.