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From Luke Thomas at Sherdog...
All of this posturing begs the obvious question: Probability of the outcome aside, what happens if Kimbo loses to Shamrock this Saturday on CBS? In fairness to Slice and this new territory his popularity has created, nothing is certain. Slice, like Chuck Liddell following his devastating loss to Rashad Evans at UFC 88, could be forgiven by fans and pundits alike. Many could extend to Slice the common MMA courtesy: Losing is part of the game and happens to the best of them; Slice is no different.
All things being equal, however, that isn’t likely to happen. Unlike Slice, Liddell’s popularity and image is partly tied to the healthy organizational juggernaut that is the Ultimate Fighting Championship. More importantly, Liddell’s reputation is based not just on stellar knockouts but on knockout wins over a Who’s Who list of the sport’s preeminent stars in its marquee division. Liddell has built up positive equity in the bank of image and prestige by scoring major victories over some of the toughest opponents on planet Earth year after year. Slice has yet to achieve such a victory even once.
What is more likely to happen is the unthinkable for EliteXC: Slice’s popularity and true prowess -- a ticket sales and television draw powerhouse -- could be deflated overnight.
All things being equal, however, that isn’t likely to happen. Unlike Slice, Liddell’s popularity and image is partly tied to the healthy organizational juggernaut that is the Ultimate Fighting Championship. More importantly, Liddell’s reputation is based not just on stellar knockouts but on knockout wins over a Who’s Who list of the sport’s preeminent stars in its marquee division. Liddell has built up positive equity in the bank of image and prestige by scoring major victories over some of the toughest opponents on planet Earth year after year. Slice has yet to achieve such a victory even once.
What is more likely to happen is the unthinkable for EliteXC: Slice’s popularity and true prowess -- a ticket sales and television draw powerhouse -- could be deflated overnight.
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