Carmichael Dave got an exclusive interview with Dana White and most notably, White claims Slice isn't financially getting his palms greased because he's Kimbo Slice:
There are so many ways to unpack this situation that we can't possibly get to them in a single post. However, it's worth contextualizing the matter. At every strange or notable interval, one should remind themselves of why matters have unfolded the way they have and what it tells us about the various players. For me, I cannot help but marvel at the UFC muscle and allure. Think about this: the one fighter who has been a part of "the No. 1 and No. 3 most-watched fights in U.S. history, topping off at 7.3 million viewers" is now living in bunk beds in a group home on a reality television show with other up-and-coming fighters for a chance at a UFC contract. That is the power of the UFC brand.
This is by no means a long-term fix for the ailing TUF format, but it's a more than suitable shot of adrenailne that will only bolster the ranks of the already committed audience for this season and perhaps the next two or even three. I also suspect the mainstream media will be closely watching, so while everyone is toasting champagne glasses on the unequivocally intelligent move by Zuffa, we must also be mindful the "Lord of the Flies" antics so common on TUF could be more closely scrutinized with Slice's inclusion on the program.
So much more to come.
