Katie Nolan is a rising star in the sports world. The host of Fox Sports 1's “Garbage Time” offers a humorous look at sports on a weekly basis, and has one of the best Twitter profiles in all of sports. Bellator 138 hit her radar with the main event of Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock.
The under-the-big-top style main event had wide appeal because of its circus nature, and the potential comedy surrounding the outcomes most certainly grabbed Nolan's attention.
Before the fight even started she was on top of her game. Nolan called Shamrock “Sean Penn”, and suggested Bellator was being filmed as a local VFW. Her pre-fight tweets showcase her comedic talents even with an event with little to no consequence.
Can't believe Sean Penn is about to fight Kimbo Slice this is crazy
— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) June 20, 2015
This is being filmed at a VFW hall I'm like 92% sure. #Bellator138
— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) June 20, 2015
I shave my chest hair into that exact same pattern. Eyes up here, guys. Eyes up here. #Bellator138
— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) June 20, 2015
Slice would defeat Shamrock by TKO in just 2:22. This quick result most certainly caught Nolan's eye and it was reflected in her instant commentary.
Nolan initially called it a UFC fight, but promptly corrected herself. She noted Bellator was a “weird creepy uncle” of the UFC. Honestly, it is not really that bad of an analogy if you are seeking one to explain Bellator to a friend. Nolan's comedic touch only sharpened the edge for her opinion that this fight was a little fishy.
Sorry. Not UFC. UFC's weird creepy "uncle" that isn't actually related. You know what I meant.
— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) June 20, 2015
The “Garbage Time” host continued on post-fight to take a jab at Shamrock, and both fighter's recent records.
Congrats, Ken Shamrock. I imagine the money you won with that dive was enough to buy you running water for your trailer.
— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) June 20, 2015
In Kimbo Slice's last 10 fights, he.... Oh wait. https://t.co/MGveRWsqaq
— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) June 20, 2015
To add to the comedy, the Twitter reactions of some Bellator fans in response to Nolan offered even more comedy surrounding the strange night of MMA action. Nolan was quick to respond to the criticism. The Fox Sports 1 host is continually a winner in the realm of social media, and Saturday night was no exception.
Yoooo bellator fans are MAD at me. And also, they exist (who knew)
— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) June 20, 2015
@BVandDietPepsi you should chill I think. That was a shitty MMA fight. Sorry if that hurts your feelings?
— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) June 20, 2015
@Hof23 UFC isn't scummy. Staying in to watch a free fight between two 90 year olds is.
— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) June 20, 2015
Given the fighters involved, their respective ages and recent results it is difficult to suggest that the fight was actual a work. However, I don't believe it is that big of a leap for anyone to make – especially from an outside perspective. It was not a high-level bout in the slightest, and was most likely disappointing for a lot of viewers who tuned into the freakshow.
Nolan's tweets were in good fun, but probably echo the thoughts of quite a few out in the sports world. It is what adds to the weight of her comedic tweets. There may be a sliver of truth behind it. The 140-character musing struck a chord with some fans, and made others chortle with pleasure. If anything can be taken away from the night it is that her tweets show that Bellator's circus booking of Shamrock-Slice worked in generating widespread interest.
