Kimbo Slice is hoping to land a shot at a Bellator championship before hanging up his gloves and said it would be “priceless” if he were to have his chance at a title before retiring.
The former street-fighter is preparing for a bout opposite Dhafir “Dada 5000” Harris at Bellator 149 on February 19, but he told Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie he’s already looking far beyond that next clash:
The ultimate goal would be to fight for a title. How else would I want to end my career? When I think about not fighting or retiring, I would want the last fight to be for me to fight for a title. I want to shoot for it. To end up with a title or just in the realm of that would be amazing in itself. It would be priceless.
Slice currently boasts a mixed martial arts record that stands at 5-2, with his most recent defeat coming at the hands of Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight Matt Mitrione all the way back in 2010.
Time isn’t on the veteran’s side, though, considering Slice will turn 42 just days before his meeting with Harris in what will be just his second fight under the Bellator banner.
His only other fight for the promotion was a knockout victory over 51-year-old Ken Shamrock in June of this year, taking just two minutes and 22 seconds to mark a successful debut for Bellator.
Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Snowden voiced his concerns with Slice’s credentials after it was announced he’d be taking on Harris in February:
As far as his future mixed martial arts prospects go, Bellator will undoubtedly want to examine his next fight before considering his future, never mind offering him a shot at any title.
Confidence has never been an issue for a man who made his reputation via YouTube videos of his street brawls, and he went on to outline his professional demeanour when it comes to fight season:
When my mind is locked on something it’s locked on it. Everybody that knows me about me personally knows that about me. I don’t (expletive) around. When my mind is set, it’s set. I don’t play games. I’m disciplined and I have commitment. I put it all in. That’s what makes professionals, is knowing when to turn on and turn off.
Slice overcame the aged Shamrock in close to no time, but the encounter with Harris should offer fans a more accurate assessment of his ability and whether it matches up to the Bellator standard.
There’s no doubting Slice’s rise from street-fighter to televised mixed martial artist is an encouraging tale, but a chance at the title may be a wish too far for a man with such limited time left at the peak of the sport.
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