The Bellator 138 main event between Kimbo Slice and Ken Shamrock delivered, there’s no doubt about that. What, exactly, did it deliver? Well, that’s up for debate.
Check out the full fight video highlights here, courtesy of ESPN.com:
Shamrock was more than aware that his best chance of defeating Slice lied in exploiting his lack of grappling experience, and he did his best to capitalize. As soon as the bell rang, Shamrock shot for a double-leg takedown. While Slice would defend, Shamrock continued to apply pressure with his wrestling, eventually upending him with a strong single.
The Baddest Man on the Planet immediately took advantage, advancing position, taking Slice’s back and sinking in a deep, deep rear-naked choke. While a tap seemed imminent, Shamrock just couldn’t seal the deal and was forced to let go.
Slice would muscle his way back to his feat, and landed a hard uppercut during the scramble. The punch staggered Shamrock, and Slice would follow up with a hellacious series of right hands. A devastating straight landed hard to Shamrock’s eye and dropped him into the corner of the cage. When Slice moved in for some ground-and-pound, referee John McCarthy would wave the fight to a close.
It is a disappointing turn for fans of the MMA legend. Shamrock’s rear-naked choke looked airtight to the point where it felt strange that Slice was able to escape, and more than a few folks (some famous) on Twitter questioned the legitimacy of the fight.
Kimbo emphatic with his feelings on facing Petruzelli again – NO #Bellator138
— Combat Press (@CombatPress) June 20, 2015
Where Shamrock goes from here is tough to call and will likely hinge on Bellator 138’s ratings and the availability of worthwhile opponents. Slice, however, stated at the post-fight press conference that he intends to return to the cage, and there are a slew of interesting options for him in Bellator.
So what say you, fans? Do you want to see either man return to the cage? Who would you like to see them face?
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