Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva was one of the most entertaining battles that we saw last year in the UFC. The toe-to-toe exchanges were spectacular, and the surprising chin and cardio of Silva proved to make the fight even more exciting. There were also the years and years of hype and hope that fueled the excitement for that fight to happen, and the UFC made the play to get Silva and create that fight to not only please the hardcore fans, but produce a fantastic bout between MMA legends. Now, a new matchup that pits a legend in Liddell against an Internet street brawler in Kimbo Slice could very well be the next Silva vs. Liddell.

The long road to producing this fight has already begun. Chuck Liddell had these words to say regarding Kimbo’s supposed star status:

"Kimbo's one of those guys who doesn't have any ground game," Liddell said. "He's training and he's learning but he's been built up as such a big star, and that's the thing that bothers me.

"People talk about him like he's the next great thing when he really hasn't done anything. He's been built up because of the Internet and him beating a bunch of guys on the street... I could make some impressive knockout videos too if you let me walk outside and just punch people and knock them out."

Kimbo has since replied with his own comments:

Ferguson says that Liddell and other fighters are "only creating a monster" by calling him out and that they should come see him directly if they have a problem.

"We can always take it back to old-school; that'll work for me," Ferguson said. "But I still got love for all the MMA fighters, but if you keep on rapping man, I'm going to have to zip it close, baby, because I'm getting tired of the talk.

"The next one that has something to say, just see me [directly]. I'll come to your camp, and that's real talk."

Talk may be cheap, but it’s all that MMA fans need to get the gums flapping about this matchup. Is Kimbo the real deal? Can Liddell actually use a ground game against him? Will he even try? A lot of questions are being asked, and it’s very interesting to hear Chuck talk about how nobody should care about Kimbo, yet he continues to comment on him.

Regardless of all the talk, both fighters are beginning their campaigns to make this fight happen down the line, and make this fight become something much bigger than it initially was thought to be. Dana White confirmed on TSN Canada's sports talk show "Off the Record" that they would be looking at Kimbo if he beats some legitimate competition. That would give fans the signal that the fight is a definite possibility down the line if Kimbo's skills can continue to improve.

Add in the potential for Kimbo to become a true MMA star if EliteXC’s venture into network television ends up being a huge success, and we could see the makings of some record breaking numbers for a UFC PPV. Kimbo’s internet presence alongside his newfound presence on network television could boost his drawing power through the roof. Kimbo could very well be the dream draw for casual fans, while Liddell is one of the UFC’s highest draws in their history. Put both these guys together on one card, and it could be one of the most successful events ever for the UFC.

Right now however, this is all speculation until Kimbo proves that he can continue beating competition in devastating fashion. A few legitimate opponents in the future would definitely up his stake to hardcore fans while some successful battles on CBS would excite the casual fanbase. Once he’s successfully been put through the hoops, I’m sure the personality of Kimbo Slice will begin to rear its head in the media and the “smack” talk will be heard throughout the industry. Chuck Liddell can’t resist shutting down Kimbo’s claims, so it should provide the perfect background to hype Liddell vs. Kimbo.

Is this fight inevitable? Two powerful strikers with heavy hands and knockout power squaring off against each other is always a great battle, but Kimbo still must prove himself to the fanbase and to the UFC. I believe Kimbo will face Liddell eventually. It could take some time though, and Kimbo isn't exactly young. Hopefully, he takes on some better competition after Thompson and legitimizes his skills, but don't leave out the possibility of Kimbo being slapped down the ladder he's climbing.