Everything will be at stake for MMA promoter ProElite, Inc., when Kimbo Slice steps into the cage to face faded legend Ken Shamrock on October 4th.  The cash strapped company is putting all its eggs into this basket in hopes people will tune into the event in droves when it is televised prime time on CBS.  Should high ratings not materialize, ProElite runs a considerable risk that CBS will not renew its network television deal through 2009….a potentially big blow for a company that needs to continuously raise capital from investors to finance its operations.

The attraction of this event is all name recognition, as Kimbo Slice and Ken Shamrock certainly bring that.  Other than two names, the match-up is very similar to what you see in boxing all the time, with a much less experienced up-and-comer facing off against the long in the tooth veteran.  The script usually plays out with the younger man using the older man as a stepping stone to bigger and better things, but every once and a while the cagey veteran scores the big upset. 

Honestly, based on their last performances, one has to struggle as far as predicting a winner in this contest.  Shamrock showed absolutely nothing in a one round blowout KO defeat, while Kimbo struggled mightily in barely beating a C level opponent.  Ken Shamrock’s experience alone makes him a big risk for the Kimbo Slice hype machine, so I must say I’m a bit puzzled ProElite decided to go this route rather than simply throwing their star some red meat to devour.  Ken Shamrock may be that red meat, but then again he may not.  Maybe on this night he will turn back the clock against his younger and much less experienced foe, and that makes the event worth watching.

But let’s be clear about expectations.  If Kimbo Slice is half the fighter he is promoted to be, he will not only defeat Ken Shamrock but dominate him.  Anything less should be considered a defeat in the minds of the viewers and CBS, which would be a terrible development for ProElite due to the fact this organization has built its entire brand around the Kimbo phenomenon. 

Of Shamrock’s twenty-four victories during the course of his career, twenty-two have come way of submission for the self-described boxer and submission wrestler.  That spells very bad news for Kimbo Slice should he wind up on his back during this match – a high possibility considering he fought mostly from the ground in his last match against a lesser opponent. 

On the flipside, Ken Shamrock is 44 years old and has been knocked out in his last five fights by strikes and punches.  In fact, upon reviewing his last ten fights, eight resulted in his defeat.  Being a devastating puncher with both hands, Shamrock’s recent history of being susceptible to strikes should bode well for Kimbo Slice.  Another factor in Kimbo’s advantage is he will be facing Shamrock in front of a home crowd that will be hyped and on his side throughout. 

Ken Shamrock’s only chance to win this fight will be to work his way close enough to where he will have a chance for initiating a takedown.  Kimbo, of course, should look to maintain some distance, work his jab and counter with power shots and foot movement when pressured by Shamrock.  If Kimbo Slice does not use movement and decides to simply stand stationary and throw punches, he will run a big risk of being taken down and losing this fight.  It’s Kimbo’s fight to lose and should that happen, ProElite may not have much of a future.