Props: Los Angeles Times
Quoteworthy:
"Are you going to see Kimbo Slice fight again in the UFC? Yes.... The ratings do not influence our decision. The guy can either fight or not."
UFC President Dana White assures fans that Spike TV ratings monger, Kimbo Slice, will have to prove that he can compete inside the Octagon if he wants to remain on the company payroll. White raised more than a few eyebrows when he invited the former Elite XC poster boy and YouTube sensation to participate on this season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 ... especially after he spent more than a year bashing his credibility. It appears that Slice will not be given any preferential treatment despite his star power -- Spike TV recently scored some if its best ratings ever with its TUF 10 debut. And those ratings will likely soar once again when Slice takes on mixed martial arts veteran Roy Nelson -- perhaps the favorite to win the entire season -- in a preliminary match next Wednesday in the tournament-style show. Whether or not Slice makes it to the finals remains to be seen, but even if he doesn't, the report indicates that super trainer Greg Jackson is interested in seeing what he can do to help Slice, and possibly White and Co., remain on the promotion's roster. Does Slice, possibly under the tutelage of Jackson, have what it takes to compete at the highest level? Perhaps more important, do you want to see it unfold under the UFC banner?