The Ultimate Fighter 10: Kimbo Slice vs Roy Nelson Preview

Kimbo Slice and Roy "Big Country" Nelson will face off on Episode 3 of TUF 10 on September 30th

After a fantastic start to The Ultimate Fighter: Season 10, the upcoming Episode 3 could quite possibly be the most watched episode in series history. Kimbo Slice vs. Roy “Big Country” Nelson is the focus of next Wednesday’s episode 3, sure to be filled with drama. Fans are prepping themselves for what could easily be a pay-per-view event, but instead can be seen on cable television without the $50-$60 price tag.

UFC fans will have their chance to finally witness Kimbo inside the octagon next week, as he prepares to fight “Big Country,” Roy Nelson, a former IFL heavyweight champion. Many predict that it will not only be the number one rated episode in the history of the series but may be one of the most watched MMA bouts ever.

The match was announced at the conclusion of episode 2, by Team Rashad, who had just won control of matchmaking duties when James McSweeney defeated Wes Shivers via decision. This weeks’ historic bout pits an accomplished mixed martial artist with considerable experience versus an internet fighting sensation, who is trying to figure out whether he has a future in MMA or the UFC.

Even though the fight has already taken place, it takes nothing away from the significance it holds nor does it take anything away from how many people are expected to tune in. The UFC and this season's cast has done an excellent job of hiding the result of this bout, adding to the intrigue behind it.

Nelson is a feared striker who is more than capable of handling himself if the fight hits the canvas. His 13-4 record is solid and considering he has 10 stoppages, he knows how to finish fights. After winning five straight, Nelson was defeated in back-to-back fights by Andrei Arlovski and Jeff Monson before agreeing to appear on TUF 10. His opponent is no doubt a “fighter,” but the question remains “Is he a mixed martial artist?” While one of the best marketed fighters in history, many doubt whether Kimbo Slice can be taken seriously in the Octagon. His 3-1 MMA record includes victories over a diving Bo Cantrell, an aging Tank Abbott and James Thompson. His strength is definitely his powerful punching ability but his weaknesses are everything else including a non-existing ground game.

Why is this fight so big? When you take into consideration that when Kimbo knocked out James Thompson, more than 7 million people watched in what was the most viewed mixed martial arts bout in history. Even in his most recent bout, a TKO loss to Seth Petruzelli, more than 6 million watched in dismay as Kimbo crumbled from a hard right hand. Let’s not also forget the importance that Roy Nelson plays. The former Elite XC, Affliction, IFL and Bodog fighter is well- known to many hardcore fans as well as a good number of casual fans, mainly due to his rolly-polly figure. Throw in the personality and the time that has already been devoted to Nelson’s character and all signs point to a successful episode 3.

If you were taking a poll as to who you think was going to win the bout between Kimbo and Roy Nelson, it would almost surely favor Nelson. However, if you poll viewers and fans as to who they will be cheering for, I think that it would favor “the bearded one.” Not taking anything away from Nelson, but even I myself, a Nelson fan, have had my interest piqued with this seasons focus on Kimbo and find it hard to root against the hard-working fan favorite. No matter the result, the UFC and its fans are benefiting from Season 10 and Kimbo is largely to thank for it, get ready for the one of the biggest fights in TUF history.