The MMA Digest

Photos: EliteXC/Tom Casino

Before a sellout crowd of 6,187 that produced the single largest gate in the history of the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami, Kimbo Slice registered a spectacular 43-second, first-round knockout over David “Tank” Abbott Saturday on SHOWTIME.

The exciting event, which was presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s EliteXC, aired on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). It will be replayed a few times in the next several days, including Wednesday on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (full replay schedule below).

As far as homecomings go, it doesn’t get better than this, as the incredibly popular Pride of Perrine, Fla, gave the raucous but well-behaved fans what they came to see: a devastating knockout win.

A YouTube legend and legitimate Mixed Martial Arts superstar, Kimbo’s performance put an exclamation point on what was an excellent night of MMA action.

“We promised the fans a good, classy show and we delivered a great one,’’ said “EliteXC Live Events President and University of Miami alum, Gary Shaw. “EliteXC showed tonight, once again, what MMA is all about. There were great fights with dramatic finishes, a little bit of everything for everybody.

“As a promoter, you want the fans to leave with a good taste, and I truly believe that each and every person in attendance here tonight left the venue happy and completely satisfied.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the athletes, who acted like world champions before, during and afterward, or the fans, who turned out in record numbers. We look forward to returning to Miami again.

“This was just a tremendously exciting night from start to finish. Honestly, I don’t think any organization puts on better, more competitive fights that we do.’’

Kimbo (2-0), who may indeed be more popular than sliced bread, wowed the crowd en route to demolishing Abbott, an MMA icon who entered the cage to win. But Tank spent more time on the ground than on his feet, going down three times from legitimate punches and a couple other times from slips.

“I wanted him to get up, I wanted to bang,’’ Kimbo (http://kimboslice.proelite.com) said. “I had to push him off because we were too close. Then I just knocked him down. It was great fighting in front of the hometown fans. I’d be lying if I told you they didn’t jack me up. Miami, you are my home.

“I have a lot of respect for Tank. This was one of my dream fights, along with Mike Tyson. But I am ready to fight anybody and ready to fight again really soon.

“I want to thank SHOWTIME and EliteXC for making this night possible for me and my family.”

Abbott (9-14), of Huntington Beach, Calif., gave it his all, as expected. “I tried to take it to him at the start and take him to the ground, but then I just said, the heck with that and started to fight,’’ Tank (http://tankabbott.proelite.com) said. “But I ran into one and that was it. I was just getting started.

“It is still too early to know how good or great Kimbo will be. But what I do know is that I absolutely want to keep fighting. Maybe I will go after Ken Shamrock.’’

In other SHOWTIME fights Saturday, Antonio “Big Foot” Silva (10-1), a highly touted Brazilian who lives in Coconut Creek, Fla., recorded a hard-fought three-round split decision over former champion Ricco Rodriguez (27-8), of Staten Island, N.Y., unbeaten Brett Rogers (8-0), of St. Paul, Minn., blasted out England’s James “The Colossus” Thompson (16-8) in the first round, Scott “Hands Of Steel’’ Smith (15-4), of Sacramento, Calif., knocked out Australian Kyle “The Ozzie” Noke (14-4-1), the bodyguard of the late Steve “Crocodile Hunter’’ Irwin, in the second round and Yves Edwards (33-13-1), of Conroe, Tex., stopped Edson “Little Tiger” Berto (14-5-1), of Tampa, Fla., in the opening session.

In non-televised undercard fights that aired for free on the leading MMA internet site, ProElite.com: Moyses Gabin (2-0), of Miami, registered a 2:32, first-round knockout over Jirka Hlavaty (1-2), of Miami, Lorenzo Borgameo (3-0), of Miami, won by submission (triangle) at 4:11 of the second round over Mike Bernhard (3-1), of Miami; Eric Bradley (3-1), of Las Vegas, Nev., took a unanimous decision over Mikey Gomez (6-4), of Orlando, Fla.; Dave Herman (10-0), of Indiana, scored a third-round TKO over Mario Rinaldi (6-3), of Miami, Yosmany Cabezas (5-0), of Tampa, Fla., won by second-round submission (rear naked choke) over Jon Kirk (10-3), of Houston, and Rafael Feijao (4-1), of Brazil, knocked out John Doyle (6-2), of Allentown, Pa., at 2:17 of the first round. (Fighter pages below).

All the fights were scheduled for three, 5-minute rounds.

Silva (http://antoniosilva.proelite.com), whose initial nine victories had come in the first round, got the nod on two of the judges’ cards by the scores of 30-27 and 29-28. The third judge had it for Rodriguez, 29-28.

“Ricco is a dangerous fighter,’’ said Silva, who was making his second start since dropping down after competing as a 300-pound super heavyweight. “I knew it was going to be a tough fight. I fought hard and came out with a victory, but it was a difficult fight for me.

“I want that belt. I am sorry that this was not the best night of fighting for me, but I promise I will deliver in my next bout. I want that heavyweight title.”

Rodriguez (http://riccorodriguez.proelite.com) entered the cage with a vast advantage in experience, having fought and defeated some of the biggest names in MMA, including Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria, Tim Sylvia, Jeff Monson, Andrei Arlovski, Pete Wilson and Randy Couture.

“The reality is, I didn’t train as long for this fight as I needed to, but I think I showed that I am still dedicated and can fight,’’ Rodriguez said. “I am in this for the long haul and appreciate the opportunity EliteXC is giving me. I wouldn’t be surprised if we fought a rematch. I would love to fight Silva again.’’

Smith (http://scottmith.proelite.com), who has won all 16 of his fights inside the distance, knocked out Noke in devastating fashion. After losing the first round, he came out blazing in the second. Two brutal right hands did all the damage. The referee halted matters at 0:07 of the round.

“I’m sorry for that first round, that’s not the way I fight,” Smith said. “I didn’t start to get comfortable until toward the end of the round.

“When I got to my corner between rounds, I told my trainer that I had found my range. I came out pumped and made up for it. I was fighting way too much on the outside, but once I got inside — bam, I knocked him down.”

Noke (http://kyle-noke.proelite.com) had a four-fight unbeaten streak (3-0-1) end. “This is a different feeling for me,’’ he said. “I’ve never been knocked out by a punch before. I felt good after the first round, but I got caught in the second. Scott is a good, strong fighter.”

Edwards (http://yvesedwards.proelite.com) earned his fourth consecutive victory by knocking out Berto with a knee and punch combination at 4:56 of the first round. Berto (http://edsonberto.proelite.com) had a three-fight winning streak snapped.

“I am back and ready to fight anybody,’’ Edwards said. “I’d love to fight (EliteXC lightweight champion KJ) Noons. He’s the guy with the gold. If you’re not doing this to be a world champion, you better do something else.’’

In an upset in the first SHOWTIME fight, the hard-hitting Rogers (http://brettrogers.proelite.com) spoiled the United States debut of Thompson, bringing “Colossus” down to size with a flurry of powerful combinations at 2:24 of the first round.

“I don’t think I have to say anything; it showed for itself,” Rogers said. “He’s got a weak chin and I knew it was going to happen.

“All he kept trying to do was wrestle me to the ground. I got back up and I knocked him out. When I touch him, he’s going down. There’s going to be more of Brett Rogers on EliteXC.”

Thompson (http://jamesthompson.proelite.com) offered no excuses. “He caught me with good punches,” he said. “He hits a lot harder than I thought. I’m very disappointed. My confidence isn’t where it should be or where I would like it to be since after my last fight. I would fight him again in a rematch.’’

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Photos: Tom Casino/Elite XC

Kimbo Slice (left), EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw, and Tank Abbott pose after Friday’s weigh-in at the Holiday Inn at Coral Gables, Fla. Kimbo takes on Tank in EliteXC’s eagerly anticipated main event Saturday at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami.

Antonio “Big Foot” Silva (left), Shaw and Ricco Rodriguez pose after the weigh-in.

Scott Smith (left) and Kyle Noke square off Friday.

With Shaw the man in the middle, Edson Berto (left) squares off with Yves Edwards after the weigh-in on Friday.

James Thompson (left) and Brett Rogers face off after the weigh-in.

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Elite XC Bout Sheet

Ferbuary 16, Miami, FL EliteXC

RED CORNER

VS

BLUE CORNER

All Photos: TOM CASINO/EliteXC

In what will be a thrilling and entertaining heavyweight fight for as long as it lasts, the incredibly popular Pride of Perrine, Fla., Kimbo Slice (1-0), will face hard-hitting Mixed Martial Arts icon, David “Tank’’ Abbott (9-13), of Huntington Beach, Calif., in a must-see showdown this Saturday, Feb. 16, at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami.

Tickets for this 11-bout event, presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s EliteXC, start at $35 and are available at Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the BankUnited Box Office at the University of Miami. Doors open at 7 p.m. The first fight is 7:30.

SHOWTIME will televise five fights including the long-awaited, eagerly anticipated Kimbo-Tank confrontation live at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), while six non-televised undercard bouts will be streamed live on the leading MMA internet site, ProElite.com.

In addition to Kimbo-Tank, the SHOWTIME telecast will include: Antonio “Big Foot” Silva (9-1), a highly touted Brazilian who lives in Coconut Creek, Fla., and is considered one of the world’s top heavyweights, versus former champion Ricco Rodriguez (27-7), of Staten Island, N.Y., England’s James “The Colossus” Thompson (16-7) battles unbeaten Brett Rogers (7-0) of St. Paul, Minn., in a heavyweight match, Australian Kyle “The Ozzie” Noke (14-3-1), the bodyguard of the late Steve “Crocodile Hunter’’ Irwin, meets Scott “Hands Of Steel’’ Smith (14-4), of Sacramento, Calif., in a terrific scrap at 185 pounds; and Edson “Little Tiger” Berto (14-4-1), of Tampa, Fla., faces Yves Edwards (32-13-1) of Conroe, Tex., in a fight at 160 pounds.

A non-televised undercard streamed live at ProElite.com will include: Rafael Feijao (4-1), of Brazil, vs. John Doyle (6-2), of Allentown, Pa., at 205; Mike Bernhard (3-0), of Miami, vs. Lorenzo Borgameo (2-0), of Miami, at 170; Eric Bradley (2-1), of Las Vegas, Nev., vs. Mikey Gomez (6-3), of Orlando, Fla., at 170; Mario Rinaldi (6-2), of Miami, vs. Dave Herman (9-0) of Indiana at 265; Jon Kirk (10-2), of Houston, vs. Yosmany Cabezas (4-0), of Tampa, Fla., at 185 pounds, and Moyses Gabin (1-0), of Miami, vs. Jirka Hlavaty (1-1), of Miami, at 265.

In addition to the fights being streamed live, fans can watch pre- and post-fight interviews on ProElite.com. The 11 contests are scheduled for three, 5-minute rounds. Note: Fighter pages for televised and non-televised bouts are below.

KIMBO SLICE

“Tank is full of (poop) if he thinks I can’t take his punches. I’m bringing the whole thing to the cage. I am bringing the hood with me to this cage.

“This fight means a lot to not only me but the entire city. This is big time. That is why I am going to break his rib, break his nose, break his arm.

“Mentally, I’m going to have to bring some extra earmuffs to try and stay focused. The crowd is going to go crazy, but I am going to have to stay focused.

“There are a lot of things in my arsenal I am going to try to use. If he’s a tad bit slow, I’m going to hurt him. I’ve trained with the best. It is going to be a long fight for him, or a short night.

“There is no extra pressure to get the KO. Nothing concerns me with Tank. I’m not overly concerned at all. I am prepared for whatever he is going to do.

“My family drives me to succeed. As long as I have all my limbs there is going to be a way. The right hand is for his top lip, the left hand is for his bottom lip.

“Bas (Rutten) is a mentor of mine. Anything Tank has to say about Bas, I am going to take it personal. I am going to make him pay for his words.

“Tank has a very big mouth. He needs to be careful about what he says. We take a lot of things personal. I just hope I don’t run into him before the fight starts. I want to settle this in the cage.

Kimbo (left) and Tank Abbott eye each other after Thursday’s final press conference at Bernie Kosar’s Steakhouse in Miami, Fla.

TANK ABBOTT

“Training has just evolved for this fight more than for any of my other opponents. I have taken it very seriously.

“Kimbo is tough streetwise, but he is behind the times as far as putting it all together. The only thing he has done that is only remotely close to me is he has been in a few street fights. And I don’t even consider those fights.

“Kimbo is going to get hurt, that’s for sure. The way I am and the shape I’m in right now I can’t fathom a human being who can take five minutes of my shots. I am on fire right now.

“I think it is funny that he’s got Bas Rutten to train him. This is a real fight, not a slap-fest. He should have gotten a real fighter to train him. Training with Bas is better than nothing. But you either have it or you don’t. Technique doesn’t make you tough.

“I think the guy has guts and heart. But as far as toughness, you either have it or you don’t. You can’t teach toughness.

“I think Kimbo’s motivation is to be on TV or on the Internet. I think that is why he fights. Me? I have been in over 200 street fights to various degrees, ranging from knocking a guy out at a stop light to sending someone to the ICU for a week. I fight because I love it.

“There’s nothing he can do, barring a lucky punch, to beat me. I’ve been wrestling, grappling, fighting — you name it — for 20 years. What’s he going to do? There’s nothing about his game that worries me. This is what I love to do. I like to fight. I like it because I can’t go to jail for it.

“If you make a strategy to fight someone you are developing little crutches for yourself. I don’t have a plan.

“It’s just going to be a beating, unless something bizarre happens. Where I am right now there is no man alive who can take five minutes of my punches.

“Everybody gives me (poop) about my shape. I can do 15 minutes on my head holding my breath.

ANTONIO SILVA

“My opponent is a talented fighter. I am very excited and really anticipating the fight. Saturday night is going to be a great stepping stone for my career.

“I have prepared for Ricco at his best and I expect him to be in his best physical shape. I watch his last fight against Ben Rothwell every night. I think I have better mat work than Rothwell.

“I would like to show the public what some may consider impossible, and that is to beat a ground fighter on the ground. If I have an opportunity to submit him, I will. I know he has a good ground game, but if I need to use my ground skills, I will.

“I have practiced a lot on the bottom and on the top. I will take what Ricco gives me. I think that Ricco has improved a lot since his last fight, but I have come to knock him out.

“I found it very unprofessional when he spit on Rothwell, but I have respect for him. I hope he doesn’t try to do that to me, but if he does try that they will need three referees instead of one to take me off him.

“I have a long path to run in the heavyweight division. The goal is to be the No. 1 in the world. I am working toward that now.

“I feel great fighting at 265 pounds. I’m comfortable. I am well prepared. I want to give a good fight to the fans.”

Antonio Silva (left) and Ricco Rodriguez square off after the press conference.

RICCO RODRIGUEZ

“I don’t know about Antonio’s system, but I know about my system. Training is going well. I am right at 265 pounds.

“Win or lose, six months from now Antonio and I will be fighting again, probably for a title. We are the two best fighters in this organization right now. Tank and Kimbo are just tomato cans. We are the two real fighters.

“I don’t see this fight going the distance, but if it does I will be very impressed.

“This guy is amazing. He does everything. I’m going to bang and I’ll just start swinging. I don’t know how the fight is going to go, but I am going to come out like I always do.

“The truth is the guy is a stud. He can fight anyone in the world.

“This fight is a mirror match. There is nothing in his arsenal that I don’t use or have. He is a better fighter than Rothwell all around. (But) No one has brought the heat to him yet.

“Setting the tempo first is going to be huge in this fight. Whoever takes the center of the cage is going to be calling the shots.

“I don’t care if I get clobbered or if I go 15 minutes. I just don’t want to get knocked out. Kicks, punches, everything is going to hurt. He’s capable of doing some damage and he’s going to be bringing it.

“It’s one of those fights you might win, but you will still be walking away from that cage hurt.

“I am confident in my striking. This is going to be the most technical fight of the night. I’m just hoping it doesn’t end in the first minute. The only way I am going to win is by a knockout. I’m banging. This is ground and pound. The key to this fight is position over submission.

“I’m just happy to be working for a big time show.”

EDSON BERTO

“It doesn’t matter how the fight goes, I can take it all. We’re going to stand up and bang. I probably have better hands than him. He may try to take it to the ground, but I’m ready.

“This is a tough fight. I respect him a lot. I looked up to him, but once we get in the ring I am trying to win.

“When I get in the ring I don’t see Yves Edwards. I see someone who is standing in my way, someone I have to beat.

Yves Edwards (left) and Edson Berto pose after the press conference.

YVES EDWARDS

“Training with American Top Team is great for me.

“I am motivated to leave this sport with a legacy. Twenty years from now I want people to look back at the sport and remember me. I want kids to look at me like they looked at Sonny Liston.

“I want the title to say Yves Edwards, champion of the world. I want to fight everyone, and of course, I want to fight the best. Those are the guys that motivate me.

“You can’t judge any fighter by a grouping of fights. It is unprecedented for me to lose three fights in a row, but I am doing everything it takes to come back on top.

“Six months from now, I want to be on a five fight winning streak. About a year from now, I want to be back in the top 10. A year after that I want to be the man that everyone wants to beat.

“I’m expecting to see the best out of Berto. I want to get to the top of the world and he’s standing in my way. I can’t see past him, so I’ll have to beat him on Saturday to get to where I need to be.

“I don’t think you have seen the best of me yet. In the past I have given fans the best of me, but that was my best back then. There are still a lot more surprises in my bag of tricks and I feel I have gotten a lot better. Don’t blink or you are going to miss something amazing.

“It doesn’t matter where the fight goes. I feel that I am more skilled than he is. He is going to fail at a lot of his takedown attempts. I am a better stand up fighter than him and if it goes to the ground, I will prove that I am better at Jiu-Jitsu than him.

JAMES THOMPSON

“Brett Rogers is a big guy, a strong guy. He has quick hands, but I’m not sure if he has been challenged yet. He has only fought seven fights, and I am the biggest of his career.

“I have been training hard with Randy Couture. I am more than ready for Saturday night.

“I am more well-rounded than I have ever been. Being able to spar and train with people who are actually my weight class is a huge advantage.

“Rogers is dangerous, but he’s someone I should beat. I am looking forward to it. I’ve moved base, I’ve moved teams. I’ve accepted responsibility for my losses. Now I need to move forward.

“I am more refined as a fighter now, but I will still keep the basic instinct that I have in the cage. I am aggressive, that is just my nature.

“This is a new start, a new promotion and a new team. I am very excited about fighting on EliteXC. I will not disappoint.”

James Thompson (left) and Brett Rogers square off.

BRETT ROGERS

“I’ve seen tape on him. He doesn’t have a chance. He has the experience. He may have had a couple of bad nights, but I’m not thinking he’s a pushover.

“But at the same time, I know I have skills and I know I will win. Everybody wants to see the KOs, and I want to be the guy who can deliver them.

“This fight seems like a natural progression. This is my opportunity to put myself on the map.

“I am a pretty good shot blocker and I’ll dance in circles until he slows down. I will dictate the pace. If I fall on the ground I am going to be comfortable. I use the groundwork as a defense to get back to standing up.

KYLE NOKE

“There are no easy fights. This is a long way to come for a fight from Australia , so I want to be tested every time I come here. I think this is going to be a great test for me.

“My wrestling has improved since my last fight. My takedowns and takedown defense has improved so I am more well-rounded. I don’t expect to be taken to the ground in this fight though. I expect him to keep it standing up.

“It is going to be a good, hard fight. I’m just going to go in there and fight.

“I try and improve myself for each fight. I want to put in a good show for the crowd.

“I don’t know where I stand in the division in EliteXC. It is stacked all the way through. After this fight, it will be a good judge for me to see where I am in this division. If my training team tells me I’m ready for a fight, I’m ready for a fight. I’ll fight whoever they tell me to.”

Scott Smith (left) and Kyle Noke face off Thursday.

SCOTT SMITH
“I’m very excited about the fight and want to thank everyone involved. I am looking forward to this opportunity. I’m facing a very tough opponent but I’m confident I can come out with a win.

“EliteXC is loaded in the middleweight division, and I am making my debut against one of their best. If I can get past Noke, I have a chance to compete with the best in the business.

“Training has been going great. I am prepared to fight in whatever way my opponent wants to go. My stand up skills are strong, but I am always prepared to take the fight to the ground.’’

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