Elite XC Predictions

By Gary Herman

The big EliteXC show headlined by YouTube sensation Kimbo Slice and former UFC star Tank Abbott is only a few days away. The fight should be a spectacle for as long as it lasts (which may not be very). Here are my predictions on what may be EliteXC’s most widely viewed live televised card to date:

Kimbo Slice vs. Tank Abbott
The way I see it, Kimbo Slice has two ways and Tank has zero ways. Advtange: Kimbo. Kimbo wins if it goes longer than two minutes or by submission. Really, unless Abbott connects with a wild punch very early in the fight, I don't see how Tank wins. Abbott won't come to the fight in shape, and Kimbo will. Kimbo by first round submission.

Antonio Silva vs. Ricco Rodriguez
Big Foot Silva is really going to get the monster push with EliteXC. They love the idea that they can bill Silva as the "best heavyweight in the world" because unlike a lot of guys, he has no losses to top UFC guys. Rodriguez is a great name to put Silva in the cage with. His popularity will be up based on his UFC pedigree and VH1 appearance. However, in the cage, Rodriguez hasn't looked good in a while. I believe Silva leaves a footprint on Rodriguez in the first round. Antonio Silva by first round TKO.

Scott Smith vs. Kyle Noke
Smith is a giant enigma. He wants to put on good fights. He has great stand-up and toughness. His fight against Pete Sell was a classic. Unfortunately, his fights with Patrick Cote and Ed Herman were not. Smith will look to keep the fight standing to deliver the big knockout in his EliteXC debut. Meanwhile, Noke wants to get the fight to the ground quickly. Smith is not very adept if it hits the mat. Noke won't be strong enough to keep Smith on the ground. Therefore, I like Smith to win. Scott Smith by second round TKO.

Yves Edwards vs. Edson Berto
This is a good fight. Edson Berto is a great up and comer. Hopefully, he worked on his stamina since his last EliteXC fight vs. KJ Noons. Edwards is a very tough match-up for a young fighter as he is experienced and always looking for the knockout. Maybe Edson can substitute in his brother Andre if things get tough like the Killer B's used to do. Without that, I don't think Berto can win. Edwards is just a class above right now. Edwards by decision.

James Thompson vs. Brett Rogers
James Thompson is coming for the knockout quickly and definitively. Rogers is taking a big step up here. I don't think he's ready. Thompson wins and then challenges Big Foot Silva. Thompson by KO in round one.