(All photos credit: Bellator)
Kimbo Slice has been a street legend for over a decade, coming up in the underground fight scene in Miami and eventually making his MMA debut with Cage Fury Fighting Championship in 2007.
Eight years later Kimbo announced his return to the cage, and last night he topped that return with a victory over the man he was supposed to fight 7 years ago, Ken Shamrock.
At Bellator 138, “Unfinished Business”, the highly anticipated match-up between MMA legend Ken Shamrock (28-16-2) and bare-knuckled brawler Kimbo Slice (5-2) was exciting and ended with a bang, with Slice earning the victory by TKO at 2:22 in round one.
At the opening bell, Shamrock looked to shoot for the takedown on Slice, eventually getting into position for a rear-naked choke and a submission victory.
But Kimbo had made a promise not to tap, a promise that he kept to the delight of the crowd.
In the next few seconds, the fighters were up off the mat and exchanging blows. Slice landed a devastating right hook that stunned Shamrock and sent him reeling to the canvas immediately. As Kimbo moved in finish Shamrock off, referee John McCarthy quickly stepped in and stopped the fight.
After the fight, Slice stated Ive been in this position before I trained my ground game very well. Tapping was not an option.
Shamrock was in great shape, especially for his age (51), and was full of respect after his defeat. When you come into a fight and you get beat you have to show respect, said Shamrock. Im frustrated, I had the submission but I didnt take my time with it. I lost my position. I tried to scramble, but I wasnt that fast and I got caught.
Kimbo’s unfinished business is now complete and the 41 year old, former underground fighting star will look for his next challenge in the MMA ranks.
