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In an email sent today by IFL Senior Vice President of Communications Joe Favorito, he confirmed that the IFL is shutting down. While nothing has been officially announced, it is widely believed that Zuffa, parent company of the UFC, has already or is in the process of acquiring the IFL’s assets.

The message from Favorito:

The IFL has been in trouble for awhile. It was no more evident than earlier this week when the IFL cancelled its August 15 show to buy time to sell the company or form a strategic partnership before they are forced to go bankrupt. Jay Larkin, IFL CEO, has been candid about the IFL’s intentions to sell as of late, but the asking price was not known until now.

FiveOuncesOfPain.com is reporting that IFL Heavyweight Champion, Roy Nelson, may be next in line to face Kimbo Slice, providing Kimbo Slice is able to get past James Thompson tomorrow night. It appears IFL CEO Jay Larkin has confirmed that “casual talks” have already taken place between EliteXC and the IFL.

According to Larkin, formal talks about a Nelson vs. Slice fight have yet to take place but discussions could intensify Monday morning, depending on the outcome of Slice’s heavyweight bout during EliteXC’s debut on CBS this Saturday night.

“If Kimbo wins, we’ll make that match (Nelson vs. Slice) without hesitation,” Larkin said during an exclusive interview with Five Ounces of Pain. “We’ll do in on an IFL card or an Elite card — we don’t care. Promotions working together is the only way for this business to grow.”

Nelson would certainly serve as a step up in competition for Kimbo Slice. While he isn’t a top ten heavyweight, few would argue that Nelson is a “can.” Roy is a big round heavyweight, yet surprisingly moves well for his size. He has decent hands with power behind them. His wrestling and ground-and-pound are also good.

This matchup would be an appropriate test for Kimbo at this point in his career, assuming James Thompson doesn’t shock everyone tomorrow.

Its a fight I would definitely find interesting, and one that should silence the Kimbo detractors who say he will just be fed cans for the rest of his career.

If you’re unfamiliar with Nelson, you can check out video of his latest fight against TUF alum, Brad Imes, after the jump.

Excuse me while I lift my head out of my hands.

Ok…so the IFL, on its last leg, has come up with yet another gimmick—since the whole team concept for an individual sport didn’t work—called ‘The Hex.’ What is ‘The Hex’ you ask? It is a six-sided ring being developed by Throwdown Industries, which is supposed maintain the viewer-friendly aspects of the ring while providing more space as typically found in a cage.