Ray Mercer vs. Kimbo Slice – Both fighters make their MMA (mixed martial arts) debut
By now, most sports fans are very familiar with the UFC and the sport of mixed martial arts. In fact, the sport is rapidly growing to be more popular than boxing. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has become a household name in many countries around the world. The Cage Fury Fighting Championship isn’t as well known as the UFC, but they’re doing a good job of turning heads, because hardcore MMA fans around the world are eagerly awaiting this weekend’s show, and the main event in particular. One topic that is often debated is whether or not a world-class boxer could successfully compete in mixed martial arts. Maybe on Saturday June 23, 2007, we’ll at least know how former world heavyweight boxing champion Ray Mercer fares in his MMA debut against an internet legend and fighter named Kimbo Slice.
Ray Mercer has a very impressive boxing record, which includes a WBO world heavyweight championship as well as an Olympic gold medal. During his boxing career, Ray Mercer has fought some of the best heavyweights of our generation, including Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Larry Holmes and Wladimir Klitschko. Since he retired from professional boxing, “Merciless” Ray Mercer has decided that he wants to try mixed martial arts (MMA), the fastest growing sport in the world.
Mercer’s opponent will be another big name making his professional MMA debut. Kimbo Slice is a big, scary-looking heavyweight who developed a cult following on the internet due to his famous bare-knuckle fight videos being posted on various internet sites. Kimbo has appeared very impressive in these fights, but I’m not sure about the quality of his opponents. However, Kimbo’s power seems unquestionable. Also, in 2003, Kimbo Slice faced Sean Gannon, an MMA practitioner who later fought (and lost) in the UFC. Sean Gannon won his fight against Kimbo, leaving Kimbo lying on the ground unable to continue. However, most of Kimbo’s opponents were not that skilled. If you watch their videos online, you’ll see overweight, untrained wrestlers going by names like “Afro Puff” or “Big Mac” and inevitably getting beaten up by Kimbo.
Both Ray Mercer and Kimbo Slice are primarily stand-up fighters, preferring to fight with their fists. Most MMA fans don’t believe either fighter has ground skills, but Kimbo has been seen working on him fighting Bas Rutten, an MMA legend. Ideally, the fans would like to see a fight, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Kimbo tries to take this fight to the ground, considering Ray Mercer is a former world boxing champion with ferocious punching power.
Age could also be a determining factor in this match. Kimbo is 31 and Ray Mercer is 46, but that extra experience could work in Mercer’s favor. I definitely give Ray Mercer the upper hand if this turns out to be a standing battle. Ray Mercer hits like a truck and he is known to have an iron chin. Kimbo should try to get this fight to the mat as fast as he can, unless he feels confident that he can take Mercer’s punches. Also, Kimbo shouldn’t make the mistake of underestimating Ray Mercer on the ground, as he has reportedly been training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and also has a background in wrestling.
My heart wants Ray Mercer to win this fight, but if you’re going to guess who’s going to win, you have to consider which fighter wants to win the most. Kimbo is young and can still feel that he has something to prove, while Ray Mercer has been a champion and has already established himself in the world of fight sports. In 2005, Ray Mercer fought a K1 kickboxing match against Remy Bonjasky and dropped out after being kicked in the head. I may be wrong, but I’m still going to say Mercer wins this. Regardless of the outcome, I just hope it lives up to the hype and is a legit standout fight.