TUF10 Prelude (History of a Star)

Part 2 - History of a Star:
For the TUF10 show to come.... there's a known star who appears to be given the green light.... Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson. "Slice" is known for his brutal street fights on the internet and a couple of fights on Shotime's EliteXC promotion. To some, they're thinking:
A) Why would Kimbo go to be on a reality show
B) Why would the Zuffa/UFC put Kimbo on TUF

The answer is easy.... it's great TV. Ferguson needs time and needs to train. He can take a beating and can give one. Ultimately, he needs time. Kimbo Slice was trained by Bas Rutten who in my eyes is genius as well as a legend, you can truly tell there was just a matter of time for everything Bas was teaching Ferguson to sink in. As many know Kimbo Slice isn't afraid of anyone and got no problems with hyping something up. Kimbo is not likely to be your Junie Browning type for the show, but his star status could have a lot of folks wanting to test and push his buttons, again, GREAT TV.

So how did we get here with Kimbo Slice? I thought Dana White hated him and talked badly about him? If you thought that you're not in the wrong one bit. White's initial response was what you expected if you know how Dana White is. The initial response of Kimbo Slice being a joke and couldn't last in the UFC was changed in time. The first transition from the "we don't want you or anything to do with you" to an cracked door of opportunity came when EliteXC turned belly up.

Many fighters had issues with contracts and fighting in another organization. If there was anyone who took the best opportunity it was Ferguson. He waited patiently for his legal battles to clear and Dana White cracked the door open. I vividly remember something along the lines of "If Kimbo was to fight on the Ultimate Fighter I would give him that shot to be in the UFC."

Most think that TUF (The Ultimate Fighter) is for the unknowns and people who want to be famous. Which makes Kimbo Slice's appearance for Season 10 awkward. Truly speaking, it's what makes TV better. The season of the ultimate fighter which had "The Comeback" had many fighters who have been in the fight game for a while was a great season. They either were famous at one time, or were almost famous. That mix of people caused the house to have the fighters inside knowing of each other. Knowing who got knocked out, knowing weaknesses and no one having to act crazy (chris leben/junie browning) to earn shine.

Back to the cracked door of opportunity.... with Dana White speaking on Kimbo having a chance at the UFC and what it was, it's only perfect for him just getting through the EliteXC drama and TUF has not had a heavyweight cast for the show since Season 2. Oh yeah, Season 2 is the one that Rashad Evans won as a heavyweight. A "slice" of irony anyone?