Mike Chiappetta • E-mail

When Elite XC presents the first primetime MMA show on network history on CBS on May 31, Kimbo Slice will be the man headlining the action, but his opponent hasn't been known until now.

NBCSports.com has learned that Slice will take on James "Megapunk" Thompson.

A source close to one of the fighters confirmed that EliteXC would officially announce the matchup later this week.

The hulking 6-foot-5, 264-pound Thompson was a former debt collector who is 14-8 in his MMA career, most recently suffering a KO loss at the hands of Brett Rogers at EliteXC: Street Certified in February.

Thompson has lost six of his last eight fights, but is a dangerous opponent due to his aggressiveness and punching power.

The massive Thompson cuts an imposing figure.

He is known for his "Gong and Dash," rushing out to attack his opponent right at the opening bell, which became his trademark while fighting overseas, mostly in the Japanese-based PRIDE promotion. The hard-charging style made him a fan favorite.

Slice made himself an internet legend with his streetfighting videos and parlayed it into a legitimate MMA career, having seemingly captured the imagination of millions.

Since making the decision to train full-time, Slice has learned under MMA pioneer Bas Rutten. Slice has just two pro fights under his belt. Both bouts -- wins over Bo Cantrell and Tank Abbott -- ended in TKOs and lasted a combined 62 seconds. Despite the short resume, CBS is banking on Slice's name value to bring ratings for the primetime, Saturday night card, to be held at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

Both fighters strongly favor the striking style, which makes it likely that the fight will end in a crowd-satisfying KO.

A middleweight championship fight between Robbie Lawler and Scott Smith will be the co-main event on the show.

MORE FROM MMA

MMA Section Front

UFC 90 tickets fly as card begins to take shape   UFC rookie Jones makes big impression Couture's next time in the cage is set ... sort of   Gilbert Melendez: 'I am a Fighter' Fletcher happy for shot in the limelight Babalu to face Southworth at Strikeforce show B.J. Penn sets GSP in his crosshairs UFC 87: Seek & Destroy photo gallery St. Pierre routs Fitch in title match at UFC 87 UFC 87 Round-by-round results MMA Section Front   Add MMA headlines to your news reader: