Kimbo has come a long way and his skill is improving a lot. Gotta give him credit, he has been working hard and it shows.
However, I think I am on your side of the fence. He was some Miami backyard scrapper that fucked up untrained fighters. First competition in the pro ring and he was getting fucked up. He himself claims he is not a martial artist, but a streetfighter. There's no respect to be earned from me for that.
When it comes to martial arts, I am traditional, so when a big tough ape comes in the ring I don't respect him, even if he would kick my ass.
Guys like Machida, who show respect and the "lifestyle" that is martial arts, by bowing to competitiors etc, that shit is where it's at for me. Not loudmouth shit talkers like Tito Ortiz, fucking fag, not unathletic douches like Tim Sylvia, big dumb oaf, and certainly not backyard apes with heavy hands.
To me, Kimbo has yet to gain my respect as a high level competitior. Once he beats several big name competitors, then I may reconsider him as worthy of his current mantle. Til then, fuck'im.