Kimbo vs. Mitrione
One of the featured bouts of UFC 113:
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This fight is considered even according to online sports book BroburySports.com as each fighter has a money line of -115. Here is a closer look at both fighters heading into this bout, which will take place from the Bell Centre in
Kimbo Slice (4-1):
Strengths: Slice came to the world of MMA after becoming a famous street fighter. Slice packs a lot of power in his hands and he isn’t afraid to trade blows. Slice is in good shape, as he is a light weight heavyweight at just 225 pounds. He also has been taking a serious stance into becoming an all-around fighter by training with American Top Team.
Weaknesses: Slice has been hyped up his whole career despite obvious flaws in his game. His ground skills are beyond amateur, which have caused him to nearly lose to low-level opponents. He also leaves his hands down when he punches, which led to his embarrassing loss to Seth Petruzelli on national television. Still, Slice is trying and you have to give him credit for that, but his is a fighter more worthy of an undercard spot in terms of talent than an advertised main card bout.
Last Five Fights:
Unanimous decision win over Houston Alexander at Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale on Dec. 5, 2009
First round TKO loss to Seth Petruzelli at EliteXC-Heat on Oct. 4, 2008
Third round TKO win over James Thompson at EliteXC-Primetime on May 31, 2008
First round KO win over Tank Abbott at EliteXC-Street Certified on Feb. 16, 2008
First round KO win over Bo Cantrell at EliteXC-Renegade on Nov. 10, 2007
Matt Mitrione (1-0):
Strengths: Mitrione is a big guy that weighs near the 265-pound limit. A former NFL player, Mitrione has some natural toughness to work with as he develops his MMA career. His one professional fight saw him knockout fellow former NFL star Marcus Jones and his has the potential to knock out Slice if he lands a clean punch.
Weaknesses: Mitrione has little MMA experience or fighting experience of any kind. His one win was impressive, but it doesn’t make him a main-card fighter. During his time on the Ultimate Fighter, Mitrione showed poor cardio and decided to have a slug fest with his hands down, which won’t turn out well in this fight.
Last Fight:
Second round KO win over Marcus Jones at Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale on Dec. 5, 2009
Who will win: Again, don’t expect this fight to be a technical masterpiece. Much like the UFC criticized EliteXC for doing, they are trying to give Slice some inexperienced opponents to help hype him up and sell pay-per-views. If Mitrione has improved greatly since leaving the show, he can win, but our gut says that he will get into a slugfest and wind up getting knocked out in round two.
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Posted: 5/7/10 7:32PM ET