Kimbo Slice vs. Antonio "Big Foot" Silva

In a thread a few minutes ago I read someone say that EliteXC didn't have anyone under contract that would provide a good fight to Kimbo.  I am thinking either that was an over sight or someone was speaking from complete ignorance as I believe anyone that knows MMA would think that Antonio "Big Foot" Silva would be a tough matchup for the uber-popular Slice.

So here is a Poll to ask the question who would win between the two.

Kimbo has shown himself to be an excellent boxer for MMA with significant power, and he is definitely strong guy.  He weighs 235 lbs. which is good size for a heavyweight.  I believe his strength and agility may lead to him having some decent wrestling skills, but his JJ is at best in its rudimentary stages.

Silva is as huge as any 265 lb. heavyweight could be.  He has to cut to 265 lbs.  His striking skills are solid he is agile for a man his size, and his JJ pedigree is good. 

Both fighters have a significant fan following and are trained by good people.  Slice as most know is trained by the legendary Bas Rutten, and Silva is a member of America Top Team.

I think a fight between the two would be very entertaining but I do not believe Elite is in any hurry to match them against eachother.  I especially think they need Silva to become more well known here in the States.  I am surprised he is not on the May 31 CBS show.

So what say you guys?

Kimbo has good hands but saying his stand up game might be the best in MMA is very questionable.

I don't think I have seen him throw one kick or knee.  Also I don't remember him doing anything of note from the clinch.

I think the best all around stand up game in MMA right now is by far Anderson Silva his hands, knees, feet, and clinch work are all top of the line.

CBS will have to build the hype before they can give away the only pertinent HW matchup they have to offer. They will both fight cans a few more times first. 

Silva by RNC.

Slice has good punching technique for sure. But when has anyone seen his ground game?  I think the only shot Slice would have in this matchup would be if Sliva made the mistake of trying to slug it out with him. If this fight would go to the ground I just don't see Slice having  real chance at winning.

Silva wins this match-up hands down.

Ok, i went back to watching his fights on youtube and stuff and i'm trying to figure out if he can realy be a force in the world of MMA.  And all i'm going to say is why isn't this guy boxing?  What's the deal?  He doesn't appear to have a ground game and he moves well for a big guy.  Can he not handle boxing?  I don't get it. 

I would not put money on him in a fight against Antonio Silva.  He's only shown us he can shine at one dimention of the sport.  Then again, he realy hasn't needed anything more than that so far.  Still, I just can't see him defending himself on the ground very well and against a skilled BJJ fighter or wrestler he wouldn't stand much of a chance.  However, watching his technique and power he brings to his fights, i would not be surprised if he just walks through a couple of punches and kicks or even a takedown attempt and finish Silva or whoever in the first round.  The guy is a beast.

I realy hope Kimbo can kinda stroll over to his opponents and man-handle them at his leasure every time he fights.  That would be awsome!  Reality is we won't see that in MMA.  Boxing, maybe.  Tyson had that when he was young and starting his pro career.  All i see Kimbo being in the future is a stepping stone for MMA fighters to go from a hot up and coming fighter to a contender.

I believe Kimbo has a ton of talent, if he was in his early 20's I would be really high on him as a prospect but he isn't he is in his mid 30's.  I think this is part of why they aren't moving him that fast.  I realize some would think that is backwards but let me explain.

The common approach in MMA for good young fighters is get them quality experience build their careers.  A loss isn't the end of the world in MMA alot of times its a major part of learning.  Plus as a younster you have time to work your way back from an early career defeat or two.

When you come into the sport at a much more advanced age you and with a ton of acclaim a loss can be much more damaging.  #1 you don't have as much time to develope your career after a loss.  #2  Alot of the hype surrounding someone like Kimbo is this aura of invincibility if he losses what happens to the public interest.  This is the reason Elite is being very cautious with Slice.

The main reason I do not think this fight will happen anytime soon is that Silva isn't yet a name big enough to justify the threat to Slice.  A name like Tito Ortiz is a much better reward for the risk.  I honestly think after losing to Machida that Tito will sign to fight Slice and the ratings will be huge!!!