Kimbo Slice went from Lord of the YouTubes to MMA’s first potential mainstream attraction, until a flamboyant, pink-haired little fighter showed that the emperor had no clothes. So complete was his collapse that EliteXC was pulled into his wake and sank.

But no fighter quits after one loss, and Slice wants to work his way back to the top. In the sport right now, that’s UFC. But given UFC President Dana White’s outspoken stance on Slice, he’s not exactly welcome there. So he’s going to literally have to work his way up from the bottom. So Slice is going on a reality show to earn a spot in UFC.

YAHOO SPORTS reports that Slice will appear on the upcoming 10th season of Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter”, and compete with 15 other hopefuls for a UFC contract. He’ll have to live in a house with the other contestants, go through the same basic training, and advance through the same tournament in order to win. Basically, he’ll be treated like a nobody. And that’s just the way Dana White likes it.

White has called him a “joke,” a “bum” and “not a real fighter,” among other less than kind descriptions. He said that Slice would “get murdered if he fought in the UFC” and suggested that his lightweight champion, 155-pound B.J. Penn, would “annihilate” the 230-pound Slice.

The UFC president has repeatedly insisted he would not allow Slice to compete in the UFC unless he won his way onto the show by competing on “The Ultimate Fighter,” which beings taping Wednesday and is scheduled to air in September.

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“It should be interesting, given some of the things I’ve said about him,” White said.

White is nothing if not a misogynist. And a homophobe. But also a shrewd businessman. While he may not be too keen on giving Slice the spotlight again, he knows the ratings boost his presence will give the show. If Slice loses, White’s trash-talking is validated. If he wins, then it’s a ton of cash for UFC.