A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article concerning mixed martial arts fighter Kimbo Slice and, more importantly, the company he works for, EliteXC. The article was entitled “Where does EliteXC go from here?” On Oct. 20, the world got its answer as EliteXC’s parent company, ProElite, ceased operation. EliteXC now plans to file for bankruptcy.

So what happened?

Surely Slice’s loss couldn’t have killed the company that rapidly. That may very well be, but the revelation by Slice’s opponent, Seth Petruzelli, that he was told by EliteXC promoters not to use any submission holds on Slice, and to simply stand in and throw punches seemed to cast a huge shadow over the legitimacy of Slice’s prowess, as punching power is what his bread and butter talents are. The comments caused such a stir that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation in Florida began an investigation into the matter. However, Petruzelli clarified his position hours later when he stated that it was essentially his idea to go punch-for-punch with Slice because he felt that was what fans and promoters wanted to see. Critics around the world screamed “cover-up.”

So now that EliteXC has gone under, what happens to Kimbo?

Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White has stated that he has absolutely no interest in bringing him into the company, so that leaves Slice with only a few options, entertainment wise at least.

In my opinion, there are two options that the burly brawler will have.

One, he could go back to his life as a bodyguard, where any stupid guy who thinks he’s tough will try to take a run at him. Or two, and this seems a much better option for Slice, he could enter the professional wrestling business. Trust me, the World Wrestling Entertainment’s Vince McMahon is always looking to fatten his wallet, and bringing in Slice, even short term, would do just that. The only issue with that scenario is that some wrestlers may not want to get in the ring with Slice, who has now had his reputation dragged through the mud by every writer, including yours truly, that covers the sport of mixed martial arts. He will have something to prove, and he always has the ability to legitimately hurt someone if he sees fit. Kimbo is a hard worker, according to his camp. If his cardiovascular training for his fight against James Thompson, in which he was breathing like a grizzly bear that was shot with a tranquilizer dart, was any indication of his level of commitment, Slice would be looking for that easy payday and McMahon might just be willing to give it to him.

Next comes female fighter and media darling Gina Carano.

The beautiful fighter, who moonlights as an American Gladiator, has had only one issue in mixed martial arts, and that has been making weight for her fights. Granted her tough schedule as a Gladiator forces her to bulk up for her duties, but once the season ends, she has had a lot of trouble shedding the pounds. Opponents have been wary of this and have asked for increased shares of the purse in agreeing to fight her. Once in the cage though, Carano makes everyone forget, and normally destroys her opponents.

So where does EliteXC’s folding leave her?

It’s hard to say. White has said on several occasions that he will not and does not want to institute a women’s division in the company. However much like McMahon, White is a businessman, and he is always looking to increase his company’s popularity and profits. Adding a women’s division, with Carano and Brazilian martial artist Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos at the forefront, would certainly be an intriguing move for the UFC.

Other fighters, including EliteXC welterweight champion Jake Shields, will probably be welcomed into the UFC with open arms. Shields, who in an interview once stated, “I would kick the crap out of [former two-time UFC welterweight champion] Matt Hughes,” is a young (29 years old) but seasoned fighter who could truly go toe-to-toe with the UFC’s best. He’d be a welcome addition to that company.

In addition, middleweight champion Robbie Lawler would certainly cause some havoc in the UFC’s rank, boasting an 18-4-1 record and recording huge wins over UFC fighters Frank Trigg, Chris Lytle and UFC great, the late Evan Tanner. The man who vanquished Slice, Petruzelli, may get a shot in the UFC, but only time will tell on that one.

Either way, he can always refer to himself as “the Man Who Killed the Legend of Kimbo Slice.”