Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson (5-2) is not a champion, challenger, prospect or any other label we put on the average fighter under the spotlight. No, Kimbo is an attraction. And as such, booking options are more vast.
In an atrocious display, Kimbo outlasted Dada 5000 for the win at Bellator 149 on Friday. By simply not falling down first, he managed to win as the two ill-prepared fighters quickly gassed and spent two of the fight’s three rounds merely surviving. Regardless of how it played out, Kimbo won and is still a name folks will tune in to see.
After his latest win, what comes next? Here are three names that jump off the page for Bellator.
Rampage Jackson
Quinton Jackson is probably the most appealing name to fans. Rampage is back in Bellator after coming to a mutual agreement with the promotion in mid-February, and a fight against Kimbo would likely do good ratings.
The two outspoken fighters would give Bellator plenty to work with following media appearances. Neither man is shy, and both know how to sell a fight with their mouths. The actual in-cage product could be more competitive, but the stylistic matchup should be fan-pleasing at the least.
Kimbo wouldn’t have to worry too much about Rampage’s wrestling as it’s just something he doesn’t prefer to do. Thus, the fight would be the stand-up battle most would like to see, with Kimbo and Rampage throwing haymakers.
A Kimbo-Rampage bout could be one of Bellator’s biggest drawing possibilities moving forward.
James Thompson
Kimbo has a win over James Thompson, but a rematch could be in order should he choose to accept.
There isn’t a lot of payoff for Kimbo other than avoiding some of the better fighters under Bellator’s umbrella. He’s already beaten Thompson, which could be reason to take the fight. He knows what he is preparing for, and has already proved victorious. He could protect himself by taking this contest.
It’s a matchup that doesn’t have too much risk, and following their bloody affair in 2008, there could be a little something to build upon.
Fedor Emelianenko
This would not be a smart fight to take in a competitive environment, but if Bellator (or Rizin Fighting Federation) wanted to pony up the cash, it would be a great business decision.
Kimbo vs. Fedor Emelianenko sells itself, and fans would flock to watch it.
Would Fedor win? Yes. Would Fedor win without issue? Yes. But this fight would just be about what’s on the marquee. Kimbo has value in that regard, and he could be worth the investment for both Bellator and Rizin. Kimbo would take a loss, but this is prizefighting, and if a lot of prize money were offered for this fight, he’d be smart to pad his bank account.
There are a few other options for Kimbo, but these three are the most enticing while still being realistic. Other fights don’t tickle our fancy as much despite for a variety of reasons (such as name value and competitiveness). If Bellator made any of these fights, we would all be sitting around the television set when they air.
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