Kimbo Slice and Roy 'Big Country' Nelson duke it out during their fight on episode three of 'The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights" (Photo: UFC)
Viewing Date: 9-30-2009
Show Title: Ultimate Fighter: HEAVYWEIGHTS Week 3
Network: SpikeHD
Reviewed By: Mike WilkersonMike Wilkerson collects his thoughts and engages the power of his electrified pencil to give you a breakdown of what is clearly one of the most anticipated Mixed Martial Arts events of this young fall season. Tonight, we'll witness Kimbo Slice and Roy Nelson take center cage and show us a much anticipated event. Will it stack up to the hype? Will we finally see the spawning of skill set in the corner of Kimbo Slice? Will the veteran of the IFL put that bell of his squarely on Kimbo's shoulders and win? We'll find out more this week as we launch into our SavageScience.Com Review of Week Three of SPIKE's The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights!
As with many of my online reviews, I'll be reviewing this episode in a "stream of consciousness" format, giving you essentially what I'm thinking as the show airs. This is the perfect opportunity for you to chime in and tell us what you think about this season of Spike's The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights and be sure to listen to our TUF Tally - a quick, no-holds-barred call of this episodes fight via the Savage Style Podcast!
-- Strange Vibe and Pace to this Episode: I'm not sure how to collect my thoughts here, but there's something amiss in this episode. Is it that we're just wanting to get to the fight and - CAN'T instantly? Is it just that there's a TON of focus on Kimbo during the entirety of this episode? It's hard to put an electrified pencil on but there is a very strange vibe in process here.
-- "Found Myself Doing One-on-One Connecting with God": Kimbo here provides us with some very rare perspective on his own thoughts about his life, his situation and his "enemy" his "inner me" which "was his enemy." I'm sorry, is there something wrong with having a bad disposition and fighting? While I understand that "hate and ill will" can only feed you so long, how about we have a Kimbo that walks in, opens can of whoop ass, soaks up some needed skill sets like a biscuit, and waits until the next time pain needs to be unleashed? I'm all for people finding their best path, but is anyone watching REALLY interested in what Kimbo Slice is going to offer HIMSELF? I'm not. I'm eager to know more about him, but is the period of short weeks he'll be on The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights the proper time to investigate introspection? Not really. How about a whole reality series that focuses on the plight of Kimbo Slice? You could call it "A Slice of Kimbo" - note: Mike Wilkerson will take a meager 5% of the kitty, and autographed hairnet and a photo with he who is Kimbo.
-- Shave the Beard = Kimbo at Rest: I am a man who has a nice head of hair, (currently) a beard, and I guess I've just never had the focus on my hair or the "power and attitude" it gives me like Kimbo does. Is it a "mask" for him? Does he seem to somehow derive power from it? Here Kimbo reiterates that when the games over the beard will come off and "Kimbo will be at rest." Okay. Something tells me we might want to get some sheers and a razor ready for about 8 weeks from now.
-- Nelson's Reasonable Consideration for Kimbo: I love that we see true consideration and respect for the powers that Kimbo possesses from Roy Nelson. It would be SOOoooo easy to have both sides devolve into the usual "threat reels" that we see pre-fight on this and other programs that are based on Mixed Martial Arts. I'm really appreciative that they took the time to focus on realistic expectations and "doubts" that I don't think they showcase enough.
-- Admitting Roy Has a "ton of experience": I love that Rashad and company - while they were on Roy originally about not taking instruction and guidance originally, now understand that Roy has done almost everything on his own - hence the trouble with trust of other people. That's relationship is starting to be established and I'm eager to see what Roy, Rashad and everyone else included can learn and share with us in regard to perspective.
-- When In Doubt Go for Personal Attacks: Breath and Speaking American: I'm going to take the high road - well no I’m not. What in the HELL is wrong with Rampage - wait a second? I'm talking about a guy whose nickname is Rampage. That explains it. When discussion and pointed facts don't work, Rampage Jackson, he who is always misunderstood, gets up on his high horse and lets the personal attacks fly. Is it any wonder that he's recently quit the "fight game?" Perhaps after he's pissed in all personnel pots in Hollywood he'll be back to the fight game to learn some general respect for his peers. Doubtful.
-- More than One Coaches Voice: Kimbo is constructively rolling with the most "rotund" fighter on Rampage's team and rather than taking in the coaching techniques of one of his assistant coaches and asking him to alter it privately, Rampage decides to take the reigns in process - completely dissing the assistant coaches input that clearly Kimbo is getting something from and is following. What a shame.
-- Roy is Crafty: Another nod to someone that falls into a strange category especially here in Mixed Martial Arts. In one of the old IFL reels, I can remember seeing Roy do agility training that made my eyes widen significantly. The man has skills and even affirms that he wants to get this gig going, ride the UFC wave for several years and then be done. The man has skills, drive and zeal and it's great to see him add those characteristics to a visage that is not your typical Ultimate Fighter.
-- Marcus is Injured and Sensitive: Is this the SAME Marcus that we saw last week? I see someone complaining a LOT, who is apparently injured and then complaining when the coach tells him that he's not going to fight soon to devote time to healing his injury? Huh? Is Marcus going to make it in the show? Let us know what you think in the commentary section below. I am sadly going to bet NO.
-- "Well-Rounded Fighter": Ha! Again, it's great to see some of the team’s acknowledgment of Roy's skill set and experience. I laugh at this comment because of course, not only does Roy have "well rounded skills", he's easily the most rounded fighter on this 10th season of The Ultimate Fighter: HEAVYWEIGHTS.
-- "I'm the Bull": Yes, you are. While I know that they're having a little bit of fun here inside the episode, Roy Nelson isn't a charging bull, but he's got plenty of sharp, horn-like skills that he can tear you up with for sure. While It's always hard for me to stay "in the middle" when Kimbo is concerned, I really do feel that Nelson is going to dominate the fight with the skills of a Mixed Martial Artist - that Kimbo Slice doesn't have nor do I see how he can possibly learn enough fast enough to combat the onslaught. Episode time will tell.
== General Fight Prediction Vibe: - I love the game that Roy Nelson brings to his fights. He is ready, he's game, and he gets in there and mixes it up. He wears down his opponent and I think that's what's going to happen this time, tonight.
- Kimbo Slice has jackhammers attached to his shoulders. Now imagine if he actually DID have Jackhammers to his shoulders. Who do YOU think is going to win this Mixed Martial Arts fight?
Tonight’s fight will follow the same format as previous seasons, with 2 5-minute rounds, and should it be tied at the end of those 2 rounds, there's a "sudden victory" round that will decide the match.
FIGHT BEGINS
== Kimbo Slice Vs. Roy Nelson Round 1The atmosphere is completely filled with electricity as what is easily the most anticipated fight so far, possibly of this 10th season of The Ultimate fighter prepares to launch!
As the bell rings both fighters are cautiously circling tossing an occasional jab and shuffling feet to begin to pick apart the potential holes available in each others defenses. Roy Nelson tries to shoot and Kimbo slice is able to dodge and tosses a solid low kick to the chubby but somehow fit left shin of Nelson. The jab dance continues to the center of the ring and Kimbo's head movement is excellent his eyes seem to be wider than usual, as if looking for something special that could help to pry away the hands and arms of Nelson to get to his head for the knock down and out blow. Finally Kimbo begins throwing haymakers and Nelson gets hit once - but is able to dodge the rest appropriately. The two go against the cage and it’s a marvel of human engineering that the cage is able to hold these two goliaths up.
As the round progresses, Nelson grinds Kimbo Slice against the cage like a large piece of dark brown aged cheddar for a series of seconds. Both are now twisting at the waist trying to take the other off balance to provide the advantage - but there's nothing doing. Suddenly Roy Nelson begins tossing strange chopping Big Country Big Toe toe kicks at Kimbo Slices right calf. Kimbo recoils! Roy Nelson is able to pull off a trip maneuver and takes Kimbo Slice to the ground, landing in essentially full guard! Nelson wriggles in the big hooks and he is all over Kimbo slice like large fleshy blobs of luscious cholesterol-ridden gravy over potatoes.
Kimbo slice locks his hands together as screams are coming from each corner urging for both fighters to do something, and quick. Roy Nelson creeps almost effortlessly forward to a higher mount on Kimbo Slice and begins to isolate the left arm. Will it be an armbar that takes Kimbo Slice into TUF oblivion tonight? No!
Nelson steps easily to side control and vaults over Kimbo's left arm and initiates a very solid, against-the-cage crucifix and begins tossing leather at the wide open bald head of Kimbo slice.
Kimbo attempts a glorious vault maneuver using the side of the cage as a vaulting platform, but Big Country is simply - too big. Nelson is able to flop back into total side control and again, initiates the crucifix, isolating Kimbo's arms with his arms and legs and pinning him with his large bulbous but some how fit torso.
At this point, 28 seconds go by and no less than 45 light, but completely unanswered punches land on the crown of Kimbo's head. Referee Herb Dean has clearly been replaced by some evil demon doppelganger and doesn't stop the fight and we reach the first of 2 potential horns for this evening’s bout, ending the countrified beating.
Round Two: Both fighters come to the center of the cage, and Kimbo Slice unleashes a powerful left jab that misses Nelson. Kimbo loads up a right straight and pushes the leather torpedo down the shaft and Boom into the left chin goes Kimbo’s thunder mop! Nelson's head snaps back but he takes the punch and tries to clinch. He does and they head back to the center of the cage and >Whack!< Kimbo Slice unleashes another right hand uppercut that dazes not only Roy Nelson but all viewers of this evenings bout. Once again Roy Nelson absorbs the blow and selects "clinch" mode.
Kimbo Slice lets loose a right knee to Nelson's balloon-like midsection and - Nelson's gut seems to absorb it! Somehow Nelson lands again on top of Kimbo Slice, instantly once more in side control!
Nelson is once again moving up the left "wall" of Kimbo Slice's non-existent ground defense game. Kimbo slice has absolutely no hip movement, or offense to keep Roy from doing whatever he wants and sure enough: Kimbo is again the Jesus of the cage as Roy has him in yet another crushing crucifix! This time 20 light-but-unanswered punches and after apparently escaping the clutches his evil doppelganger overlords, the real Herb Dean steps in and the fight is over!
Winner: Roy Big Country Nelson wins by (albeit lightly pattered) TKO
-- "Did just enough to win and not get hit": Dana White has the balls to say that "Roy did just enough to win and not get hit." Please, Dana. How about you suit up/down, get on some gloves and "let" Kimbo hit you like he hit Roy this evening and see if you've got something different to say with a mouthful of loose teeth. It's a "W", Dana. When the unskilled, unprepared Godzilla that you wanted to see enters the ring, throws bombs, gets put on his back and he DOES NOTHING - why on Earth would anyone "stand" with someone like Kimbo, other than to secure a paycheck that you didn't give? Several of the fighters said, as did Roy, that were this some "other fight" (read, STRIKEFORCE) that four and five years that Roy wants to provide his allegiance to you for would have been provided in one evening. When you need a glide path from your vaulted position on high, please let us know and we'll get you directions to come back down to the planet. Eeek.
-- The Savage Science Review Moral: As much as we'd like to tell you "we told you so" on this episode, the fact is it wasn't that great an episode. What it IS is a perfect showcase of how ugly the 'game' of mixed martial arts can become. This episode alone had more commercials for a variety of things than any other episode - ever. Was this to take advantage of the people watching because of Kimbo's insertion this year and his early fight call? Of COURSE it was. Why else would they choose this episode to have MORE commercials appear? Duh. What's also clear is that assumptions are clearly what all movies claim. They will take you to the wrong side of decisions, thought and commentary.
-- Quote of the Episode: "Roy Nelson did just enough to win and not get hit" Dana White - Again, I'll add in the same commentary as previously because this is a clear case of Dana doesn't understand what he's telling us. Roy got the "W", Dana. If you wanted to see someone "stand up" with someone as raucous as Kimbo, you should have picked different fighters to pit against him.
-- Overall Show Rating: There was a lot of solid detail in this episode that made for something different, but we're going to give this episode only 7 of 10 Savage Skullies. The fight and - specifically - more than 65-seconds of lay on top and beat a man's head was simply - at best - GOONEY. Herb Dean - get thee to a nunnery to dispel those doppelganger, non-common-sensical demons.
I'm still wondering what YOU thought of this episode and hope that you'll take just a moment to fill out the comment section below to tell us what YOU think, or send me your details to
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Look for more here as THE SAVAGE SCIENCE continues to review this season of The Ultimate Fighter: HEAVYWEIGHTS!
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