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 Don't call it a comeback, because Kimbo Slice's popularity among MMA fans didn't die with his surprising loss last year. He's still able to draw in fans, and with his recent appearance on Spike's "The Ultimate Fighter: The Heavyweights," he's made that apparent.
According to the LATimes.com, his presence in the new season of the UFC reality show drew in more viewers than ever before -- 4.1 million viewers tuned in for the debut and another million watched the show's replay. That number is double what the series usually draws, compared with all its previous seasons.
It's evident, Kimbo is this season's draw.
His involvement in the new season is the famous street fighter's second chance at MMA glory, following a hiccup last October, when he was KO'd by the unknown Seth Petruzelli in just 14 seconds.
Next Wednesday (September 30), Kimbo will finally step back into the octagon, taking on former IFL heavyweight champion Roy Nelson in his first match of the new "Ultimate Fighter" season. It will probably one of the most-watched fights of the reality series' history, and Kimbo's biggest tests to date.
Even Dana White thinks so, as he states at the end of "The Ultimate Fighter" episode 2.
Filming for the season is already complete. The show's winner is slated to earn a six-figure contract and membership into the UFC. So now, all fans can do is watch as things unfold for Kimbo Slice. However, Dana White let a little info out the bag recently, when he revealed that Kimbo will fight for the UFC again, outside the show.
"Are you going to see Kimbo Slice fight again in the UFC? Yes," he said, according to the paper. When asked if the ratings he drew was a deciding factor, he responded: "No, never. The ratings do not influence our decision. The guy can either fight or not."
He also gave a little insight into the former YouTube fighter's future in the sport. White said Rashad Evans, who serves as a coach in the new season of "The Ultimate Fighter", expressed interest in continuing to work with Kimbo at his elite MMA training compound in New Mexico with respected trainer Greg Jackson.
UFC owner, Lorenzo Fertitta, also said he's impressed with the fighter's performance.
What do you think Kimbo's chances of making the UFC are? Will he win "The Ultimate Fighter"?
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