Kimbo moves to boxing

Former UFC heavyweight Kimbo Slice will commence a boxing career under the guidance of Gary Shaw, the controversial president of the now-defunct EliteXC. The 36-year-old Slice said he “felt like a baby again” by having a boxing career ahead of him. “I’m thinking about this at night. I’m gonna be a problem in the heavyweight division. I’m going to be coming in with a bad demeanor. I want to see what it’s like to break some ribs, break a jaw with one punch.” Boxing promoter Gary Shaw, famous for wearing garish tracksuits, incurred the ire of many MMA fans during his time heading EliteXC due to repeatedly setting up Slice with under-matched opponents. Kimbo was cut from his UFC contract after a loss to Matt Mitrione at UFC 113 in May this year, even though the Bahamian slugger won his previous bout with the company in 2009.

Belcher may never fight again

An eye injury might force middleweight fighter Alan Belcher to stop fighting forever. The UFC stand-up scrapper bowed out of his September clash with Demian Maia with a detached retina. If his right eye doesn’t heal fully from the consequent surgeries, Belcher’s reduced vision may mean involuntary retirement. “I’ll be back in there if my health allows me to,” said Belcher. Further surgery in September was necessary after ‘The Talent’ suffered blurred vision, and was reportedly in a great deal of pain after the procedure.

GSP-Koscheck set for Montreal

The UFC welterweight title clash between Georges St Pierre and Josh Koscheck is set for December 11, at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The UFC 124 bout will be the culmination of their stints as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 12. Koscheck will likely be heavily booed for the bout as, in addition to fighting the hometown favorite, he taunted the Canadian crowd after his last Quebec fight. “Pittsburgh Penguins are going to kick your ass next week, baby,” screamed Koscheck. “Then I’m going to beat St Pierre, so you guys are going to lose twice. How about that?”

Canadian Medical Association wants MMA ban

A Canada-wide ban on MMA is being pushed by the Canadian Medical Association. The group recently voted to lobby the national government to stop MMA. They claim that unlike sports such as hockey the intent of MMA is to incapacitate one’s opponent. However, the province of Ontario has recently voted to sanction the sport beginning 2011, suggesting they had none of the same concerns. As a result of the legalization the UFC is expected to visit Toronto’s 60,000-seater Roger’s Centre in the spring.

Couture to host World MMA Awards

Multi-time UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Randy Couture will be the primary host of this year’s Fighters Only World MMA Awards. Couture, who will present the star-studded event at The Pearl at The Palms, Las Vegas, on December 1st, said: “It’s going to be a great honor to host the awards. It’s another kind of ‘pinch me’ moment. I’ve had an amazing year already, and to be able to add hosting the awards as one of the things that’s happened this year is pretty cool.” Fighters Only president and CEO Rob Hewitt said he was “honored” to have ‘The Natural’ as this year’s host.

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