by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor
Anyone familiar with the Ultimate Fighting Championship knows enough to fear the name Kimbo Slice. Kimbo Slice, or Kevin Ferguson, began his career in football at Miami Palmetto High School, and later went on to compete in several underground fights that launched him into mainstream Mixed Martial Arts. This undefeated champion has shown an unprecedented and animal like level of skill that would send a grown man crying to his mother. Some believe however that Ken Shamrock, whose name is also revered in the industry, may be able to tame the beast this Saturday at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.
For the online sports betting community, this may be a tricky decision to make. Kimbo Slice is notorious for his street fights turned internet sensation, in which he lost just one of eight fights (Sean Gannon is the only man yet to defeat Slice). Since then “The King of the Web Brawlers” has gone mainstream, where he remains undefeated. He made his debut in 2007 against Ray Mercer, former WBO Heavyweight Champion boxer. This was a turning point for Slice, as he claimed a submission victory, disproving the criticism that he was a one-dimensional fighter whose only ability was to “stand and bang.”
Kimbo Slice’s odds stand at -350 to Ken Shamrock’s +250, making Slice the online sportsbook oddsmakers’ obvious favorite. And while Slice is nearly three times the size of Shamrock, if there were anyone to take this beast down, it would be the Irish bulldog. While Shamrock, 44, has not won a fight in five years, having lost five consecutive fights by first-round knockout, this is no reason to write him off. According to BetUs.com, “Shamrock will be Slice’s most dangerous opponent to date, because the former UFC champion is the purest MMA technician and most overall well-rounded fighter with endless submission skills he’ll have faced.” BetUs has featured Shamrock as an MMA Free Pick.
For internet sports betting, expect that Shamrock will make attempts to bring Slice to the ground early in the match, as a head-to-head match is not an option for him. His only hope against Slice, whose legs are like two tree trunks, is to get an early take down as to avoid any bombs. It will certainly be a match of stamina versus brawn.
Elite XC will feature a female brawl prior to the main event, which will include MMA’s most popular lady fighter, Gina Carano, oddsmakers’ favorite at -600 and Kelly Kobold at +450. This is a highly anticipated match, and is being called the biggest marquee women’s fight in history. Kobold boasts an impressive record of 16-2-1 in her career.
One year since Kobold’s last match, however, she will attempt to rob Carano of her undefeated record. Online sports bettors are worried that Kobold’s hiatus will have left her vulnerable. Kobold’s last opponent and winner of the match was defeated by Carano just six months ago.
Finally, the event card will also feature Jake Shields (12-4-1) against Paul Daley (17-6-2) and Murilo Rua (16-8-1) againsy Benji Radach (13-3-0).
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