In a matchup that is sure to have many hardcore fans up in arms but possibly intrigue the masses, Kimbo Slice's next opponent has been decided, and it will be MMA legend Ken Shamrock.

EliteXC vice president Jared Shaw confirmed the bout on ESPN Radio 1100 Las Vegas with Steve Cofield and Dave Cokin on Monday.

The bout will take place at the Oct. 4 EliteXC on CBS show from BankAtlantic Center in Fort Lauderale, Fla.

Slice (3-0) defeated James Thompson in EliteXC's first outing on CBS back in May, in a fight that drew over 6.5 million viewers. The win, however, was not without controversy, as Slice was in trouble in the second round after taking a series of elbows from Thompson in the late part of the round. Slice landed several hard blows early in the third to end the fight with a TKO.

While many thought the performance took the luster off the 33-year-old Slice, he has continued an active presence in the mainstream, recently signing a movie deal and also shooting a Nike commercial with NFL All-Pro LaDainian Tomlinson.

Shamrock is one of the biggest names in the sport, and has been fighting professionally since 1993, but the 44-year-old is winless in his last five bouts and has won only two matches this decade (a June 2004 win over Kimo Leopoldo is his last victory).

Shaw defended the fight on Cofield and Cokin's show, saying, "This is big for the sport and people need to get past whether this is an easy fight for Kimbo or a tough fight. They have to think about what it does for the sport."

The names are arguably the biggest EliteXC could put together, but many had hoped Slice would face a top contender to justify his payscale.

Shamrock has been knocked out in the first round of five straight fights dating back to April 2005, but he also possesses an expertise in submissions unlike any opponent that Slice has faced. He is also currently the commentator on the Saturday late night "Strikeforce on NBC"

MMA program.

If Slice wins, he reportedly would face Brett Rogers early next year, while a win for Shamrock could set him up with his long-awaited grudge match with his brother Frank Shamrock.