It's been a week since news broke that EliteXC was closing up shop for good. Since then, not many questions have been answered as to what the future holds for its fighters.
One of the biggest questions is what becomes of Kimbo Slice. The former street fighter now turned mixed martial artist was the most hyped and promoted fighter on EliteXC's roster but seems to have little options when it comes to a future in MMA.
UFC president Dana White has often said that he is no fan of all things Kimbo, he did manage to raise some eyebrows this weekend when he cooly offered Slice a spot on an upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.
"He can be on The Ultimate Fighter," White said at the UFC 90 post-fight press conference. "What's he done other than get 10 million hits on YouTube, what's he done to deserve to be in the UFC? Nothing. I don't consider him a real athlete. He won't win The Ultimate Fighter. The offer's out there if he wants to take it, but he won't win it."
However, not-so-surprisingly, Kimbo Slice's manager, Icey Mike, tells MMARated.com that no formal offer has been made to Slice just yet.
"We still need to go through our shit with EliteXC," Mike said. "Until that is all finalized it's kind of hard to even think about that (but) we are open to anything.
I think more people would watch it if he was on it, (but), honestly, I don't even know what they pay."
So, while it's safe to say that the chances of Slice showing up on TUF are pretty slim, Mike maintains that despite the demise of EliteXC, the 3-1 fighter is still very interested in continuing a career in MMA.
"By no means is he done," Mike said. "He is in the gym training now."
Some have attributed Slice's loss to Seth Petruzelli on October 4th and all the subsequent "Standgate" drama that ensued as a major factor in the demise of EliteXC.
"If he would have won against Shamrock, I think (EliteXC) would be still around," Mike said. "I don't think him winning against Seth would have made a difference in the long run."
Mike mentioned that he has been in contact with former EliteXC staff members but, as of right now, has no idea as to when Slice will be cleared to negotiate with other fight promotions.
"I hope it's not too long," Mike said. "We really don't know what is happening right now. It's in the hands of the lawyers."
And what about our old friend Jared "$kala" Shaw? Surely, Mike has been in constant contact with the former EliteXC vice president, right?
"We talked once after the news came out but not since then," Mike said. "Honestly, I really don't think he is in the loop anymore. Everything is kind of in disarray."
On the topic of disarray, Mike doesn't believe Petruzelli was ever offered more money to stand with Slice.
"I think (Seth) was offerd a KO bonus and misconstrued his words," Mike said. "I think he was in shock from his win (but) it's a good thing the Florida commission cleared (EliteXC) from any wrongdoing."
