Kimbo Slice: How Likely Will He Fight in the UFC?

           Kimbo Slice will fight for the UFC, at least once.  Dana White is a genius who has found a way (let's be honest it is not all him, but he always gets all the credit so I will follow along) to garner a lot of hype for the next season of the TUF and still not go back on his word.  Dana shredded Kimbo throughout his history with EltieXC and as most MMA fans already knew, he was right.  However, by stating the only way Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson would get a UFC contract is through TUF he left a door open.  Now that Kimbo's career has fallen apart he has to prove himself on a real stage with The Ultimate Fighter.  It is hypocritical for White to offer a spot to an individual he has embarrassed and professed major disdain for (as a fighter), but he could care less.  Offering Slice a contract with the organization would have been detrimental to the sport and hurt credibility, but offering a contract to compete with other individuals who need to prove themselves is surprisingly appropriate.  However, the appropriateness of having Kimbo on TUF is not the point of this post (that has been covered enough, which the UFC is thrilled about), but rather how providing Kimbo a TUF contract almost guarantees him a real UFC contract.

               Seriously, how many fights does he have to win to get a fight on the Ultimate Fighter Finale show?  Nick Osipczak won one fight on the show this season, that is one fight and he is fighting on the finale.  Technically he won his entrance fight, but those fights are non-existent on the next season.  Therefore, Kimbo could win one fight and there is president he should get on the Finale.  If he wins that fight, which will be against another unqualified TUF contestant, then he gets another fight with organization.  Honestly, the path into the UFC for Kevin Ferguson will most likely be one or two wins at the most.  With Roy Nelson on his team I would not be shocked to see Kimbo advance at least a round on the show, even with his current regiment and his previous fights against James Thompson and Seth Petruzelli.  While I love Dave Kaplan's entrances the fact he got two UFC fights because of his popularity should make it quite easy for Kimbo to get at least one fight.

                Playing devil's advocate (with myself) Kimbo could be facing an unfair double standard.  Since there is so much scrutiny regarding him being on the show and given a chance, the UFC might be more cautious letting him have a real career with them.  He might have to do more than okay to get the UFC contract like so many fighters in the past.  In order for Dana to stay true to his word, Kimbo might have to advance far or even win the show.  I do not actually think he has to win the show as it is an easy spin to say he is an improved fighter as long as Kimbo advances a few rounds, but it will be interesting to see.

What I am most intrigued by is if Kimbo makes it into the UFC how they promote his career.  He is obviously someone not ready for the big time, but neither are many contestants on the show.  That is why they ride the undercard of fight night shows in order to prove themselves.  However, with Kimbo's marketing ability and acting history (not relevant, but I wanted to mention it because no one helps those lovely ladies out of a limo like Kimbo) will the UFC take their time with him.  Assuming Kimbo makes the finale and at least one more fight card (probably a fight night) where will he be?  My assumption is that the UFC would protect him, but also get him on the main card.  Most likely they would bump a clear undercard and throw it on the main card.  Honestly if Drew McFedries (3-4 UFC at time of fight) and Foupa-Pokam (0-1 in UFC at time) can make a main card so can Kimbo and a random TUF alum.

                I admit I have fallen for the hype and am excited for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter, but I am more excited for what happens after the show.  It will be interesting to see how many fights Kimbo needs to get a UFC contract and how the UFC will treat him if he does.  Will he be treated as a future prospect or thrown to wolves for marketing purposes?  Do you see Kimbo fighting in the UFC in the future or do you think TUF will be his last appearance?