Kimbo vs James Thompson at May 31 EliteXC-CBS - Fight Forum - MMA - UFC - Boxing - K1

Hemdoz · 03-30-2008, 02:42 PM

The very first MMA event to appear on major U.S. network television will feature a main event with Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson (2-0).

Unfortunately, EliteXC never announced his opponent at Saturday's co-promoted show with Strikeforce, which took place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. The announcement was expected to be made at the event, but instead, Ferguson was called to the cage for a general introduction.

However, according to one report, James Thompson (14-8) could be the guy to face Ferguson in May.

The May 31 EliteXC event takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. and airs in Saturday primetime on CBS.

According to fiveouncesofpain.com, a rumored bout with Ron Waterman (15-5-2) never materialized because a deal couldn't be worked out. Instead, Thompson -- a British fighter who's lost six of his past eight fights -- appears to be the leading candidate.

Ferguson, who rose to fame as underground fighter marketed on YouTube and other video-sharing sites, has since teamed up with Bas Rutten to train MMA. After an exhibition victory over Ray Mercer, Ferguson posted a 19-second TKO of Bo Cantrell and a 43-second KO of David "Tank" Abbott. Both fights took place with EliteXC, with whom Ferguson has signed a long-term contract.

Also slated to take place at the May 31 event is a EliteXC middleweight championship bout between title-holder Robbie Lawler and Scott Smith. Additionally, Phil Baroni meets Murilo "Ninja" Rua, and Tom Murphy takes on Brett Rogers. In women's action, Gina Carano is expected to meet Kaitlin Young.

Information from MMAjunkie.

Pitbull · 03-30-2008, 02:58 PM

Good find, Hem. You're really on top of the news these days.

Just don't forget to put "Rumor" in the title of your threads if a fight isn't official, please. It helps to avoid confusion.

Rumbin · 03-30-2008, 03:05 PM

ahahahahahahahahahahahahah

I also heard Ron Waterman, THE H20 MAN is a possibility. Man Kimbo vs Thompson wouldnt last a minute. Thompsons jaw might break walking to the ring

Ryduce · 03-30-2008, 03:05 PM

Thompson=The worst opponent ever.

I'd rather Goldberg himself step in,or Rowdy Roddy Piper.

One jab from Kimbo,or a cold New Jersey breeze and it's good night for Thompson.

Xenofreak · 03-30-2008, 03:07 PM

Hmm I like Thompson, but he just loses to much battles. This fight with Kimbo would probely mean a lose to. But on the other hand, If Thompson wins he gains alot off ground.

. But i'd rather see tank Thompson just to get a save win in for Thompson.

But still, with the highlights of both figters, it could be a huge advertised fight wich will be good for the event.

Rumbin · 03-30-2008, 03:08 PM

Tank Abbott would knock Thompson out cold.

Gygax · 03-30-2008, 03:13 PM

The rumor all week was that it was going to be Ron "H2O" Waterman. But negotiations broke down early yesterday when Waterman asked for more at the last minute. Gary Shaw then goes on saying he didn't announce anything so as to not take away from Cung Le's victory. What BS. They were going to announce the fight during the telecast while showing Kimbo before the Shamrock-Le fight.

I'd much rather see Waterman than Thompson at this point. Waterman has a legit submission game as well as a lot of strength. While Kimbo would still be the favorite, Waterman would pose a more legitimate threat than Thompson.

James Thompson is just going to stand in front of Kimbo and bang. Unfortunately, the Colossus has a very weak chin. So while its would be a small step up in opposition, this is yet another tailor made opponent for Kimbo's style. It would likely be the type of fight that EliteXC would want to exhibit in their initial CBS broadcast.

AikaImmortal · 03-30-2008, 03:29 PM

Called this one last night in chat prior to hearing this rumor.

Think about it. Thompson LOOKS intimidating, and the new fans watching on CBS wont know that he has a chin of balsa wood and it will make Kimbo look all the more impressive.

GSPALLTHEWAY · 03-30-2008, 05:33 PM

all i can think about is the sean gannon vs kimbo fight... he really got the best of kimbo then got KILLLED by a nobody in the UFC (BLH) whats going to happen when kimbo gets real fighters? maybe kimbo can improve a lot? but hes also not very young... i just dont see why hes so hyped when in reality he may not be great

RampageMcKellar · 03-31-2008, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AikaImmortal

Called this one last night in chat prior to hearing this rumor.

Think about it. Thompson LOOKS intimidating, and the new fans watching on CBS wont know that he has a chin of balsa wood and it will make Kimbo look all the more impressive.

I agree with you. Everyone will be saying did you see Kimbo knock out that huge guy the other night, kimbo is a beast.

FatCatMC · 03-31-2008, 06:53 AM

Thompson is a huge, in your face type of fighter. A perfect test for someone who has 2 MMA fights.

Gooner · 03-31-2008, 07:02 AM

Good points made here.
Thompson's another buid-up fight for Kimbo.
-looks "tough"
-weak chin
-weak ground game
=Kimbo via KO.

We already know he can KO brawlers goddamnit.
Them setting up fights like this makes me wish for another Houston Alexander-moment. Hopefully one day some guy who's not even close to the top 10 will step in and expose his weakness on the ground. Hype=dead.

Mouth For War · 03-31-2008, 09:43 AM

What if Kimbo did the opposite and pull out a decision or a Gogoplata lol

Gygax · 03-31-2008, 11:39 AM

People are asking for Kimbo to face Antonio Silva or Brett Rogers. And the opposing viewpoint are saying that no way should a guy with just 2 MMA fights fight someone of any stature. Its a tough situation.

I agree that a fighter with just 2 sanctioned fights should be allowed to be built up. But the problem lies in EliteXC shoving the guy down our throats. How many times Saturday night did I have to hear how Kimbo was a superstar? They are the ones making him out to be unbeatable. So its only natural that fans want to see him against better competition. If you're constantly being told what a superstar you are watching, you want to see him prove it.

I like Kimbo and still think he has a good future. But like many, as long as EliteXC continues to push him as this unbeatable monster, I want to see him prove it against better fighters.

Crashsti · 03-31-2008, 01:23 PM

What ever became of Gary Goodridge offering to fight Kimbo for free? That would be a great test for Kimbo. A tough one too. But i agree that Kimbo deserves to be given a chance to gain some experience, thats what KOTC is for, not Main Events.

T-Bone · 03-31-2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryduce

Thompson=The worst opponent ever.

Seriously.

giguer · 03-31-2008, 03:49 PM

Don't know that dude but don't look great.
If is not that great. Only thing that. That could be good to learn from Kimbo. That it.

Saskabush · 03-31-2008, 03:53 PM

I heard it was Waterman as well. At this stage in his career I think that Waterman would have an easy time with Kimbo. Thompson not so much, Kimbo would KO him inside of 2 minutes.

Gygax · 03-31-2008, 04:01 PM

Gary Shaw promised the attending media Saturday night that he'd release the opponent's name today. We shall see.

el rudo · 03-31-2008, 08:25 PM

James Thompson got K.O. on his last fight. I would think it would be an easy K.O. for Kimbo. I hope they choose a better opponent for Kimbo at least for this event, it's going to get a lot attention for being aired on CBS.