Kimbo Slice received just a 90 day suspension from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for his failed drug test for steroids in February, and Bellator is now all too happy to put him right back in the cage.
Bellator President Scott Coker announced on ESPN’s Sportscenter Sunday night that Slice will face James Thompson on July 16 in a rematch of the first Elite XC main event on CBS. Coker downplayed Slice’s steroid test failure by saying they follow the commission, and since Texas suspended him just 90 days they weren’t going to keep him out longer.
In addition to that rematch, the July 16 event event – the organization’s debut event in London, England – will feature a rematch between Paul Daley and Josh Koscheck in what will be Koscheck’s Bellator debut. The event will air on Spike, though it’s not yet been announced whether that will be live or on tape delay.
Penick’s Analysis: Coker’s response to concerns about booking someone less than six months after a steroid test failure was asinine, but the booking’s not the least bit surprising. They haven’t drawn massively significant numbers without names like Kimbo’s bringing in a significant casual viewing audience. Nevermind the fact that he tested positive for steroids. Nevermind the fact that his fight with Dhafir “Dada 5000” Harris was the single worst major MMA fight in years, if not ever. Nevermind the fact that Harris technically died in that ridiculous fight. It’s a predictable travesty that Slice is back in this spot just four months after all of it.
Attention iPhone/iPad and Android users, if you’ve enjoyed our app in the past and followed us there, or if you’ve never checked it out, make sure to update to the latest version in the Apple store and/or Google Play store. We’ve launched a new look for the app, in line with our recent desktop overhaul. Make sure to check it out!
For current App users, swipe right to view next article, swipe left to view previous article.
Leave a Reply