Vice TV’s new series “Dark Side of the Cage” debuts with an episode on Kimbo Slice, exploring his rise from backyard brawling to mixed martial arts fame and his complex legacy, including insights from notable figures like Bas Rutten and Ken Shamrock.
Kimbo Slice kicks off Vice TV’s newest series, Dark Side of the Cage. The show dives into ten gripping topics, with Slice being the first.
Dark Side of the Cage premieres Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET on Vice TV. It starts with Kimbo Slice: Rise of a Backyard Brawler, featuring insights from Bas Rutten, Ken Shamrock, and others.
Tim Healy, an executive producer, explains the show’s origin. His company previously explored the early days of the UFC.
“We produced Dark Side of the 90’s for Vice,” Healy shared with MMA Fighting. “While brainstorming, we decided to tell the story of the UFC’s beginnings.”
The UFC has gained massive popularity over the past decade. Many viewers are unaware of its early struggles.
Other season one topics include Diego Sanchez, Ronda Rousey, Nate Diaz, Matt Hughes, and Pride FC’s rise and fall.
Healy noted that selecting the first ten topics was straightforward. Starting with Kimbo Slice seemed fitting as he’s often misunderstood.
“It’s hard to find anyone saying bad things about Kimbo,” Healy mentioned. “He was a formidable force yet known as a genuinely nice guy.”
Slice’s journey spans from backyard brawls to MMA fame. His story ends tragically in 2016 at just 42 years old.
Slice had undeniable star quality. Even as MMA grew, he played his part through highs and lows.
Despite no ground game or submissions, Slice was willing to learn. He even appeared on The Ultimate Fighter.
“It’s tragic what happened to him,” Healy reflected.
One infamous fight occurred at Bellator 149 against “Dada 5000.” It ended in a knockout win overturned due to a steroid test.
The deeper you delve into this fight, the sadder it seems in hindsight.
“That Dada 5000 fight was tragic,” Healy said. “Big John McCarthy felt guilty urging Kimbo to move, unaware of his heart condition.”
Watching that fight reveals nothing about Kimbo’s internal struggles or sickness.
Catch an exclusive clip from Wednesday’s premiere episode below.