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The rise of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) throughout the sports world can be attributed to several factors, but the idea that blue collar types that spend their weekends in the gym can aspire to greatness in the sport ala Rocky is maybe the most compelling. One of the earlier success stories to help bring MMA into the forefront was that of Tank Abbott, a regular guy from Southern California who decided that he was better suited in the cage than engaging in brutal street fights. Abbott is set to face off against internet fighting star Kimbo Slice in just his second professional MMA fight.

Abbott found himself back in MMA after a brief absence participating in roughly two fights a year since 2005. At the age of 42 Abbott is reported to actually be in maybe the best shape he has ever been in, about thirty pounds lighter than his last match in 2007. Kimbo Slice can only be described as an internet phenomenon, and can be seen on youtube destroying hapless opponents in backyards, alleyways, and just about anywhere else he can find someone willing to get in there with him and throw punches. It was only a matter of time before he got involved with mixed martial arts.

Seeming to come from similar street fighting backgrounds, a fight between the two would be inevitable, and in late 2007 the fight almost took place. After his first official MMA bout Slice spotted Abbott in attendance and called him out on the spot. Abbott agreed verbally, and from then on, it was all a matter of promotions, logistics, and technical issues. Funding ended up being the biggest hurdle and the fight was cancelled. In 2008 Elite XC stepped up to make the fight a reality, and the match is set for Saturday, February 16th, in Florida as part of EliteXC airing live on Showtime at 10pm E/P.

Critics have stated that Tank Abbott’s downfall is his lack of seriousness concerning his personal training, but the slimmer Abbott might show up in Florida with something to prove. On the other hand Kimbo Slice still has some work to do himself as far as converts since he’s considered by many to be untested in the ring against a real challenge. Both men have something to prove, Abbott can go out with a bang by defeating a truly menacing brawler, and Kimbo has the opportunity to raise his stock exponentially with a decisive victory. Both men have a lot riding on this match.