Jimmy Kimmel Hearts New Rival Letterman, Has Hate-Hate Relation With Leno

In the battle of the late-night TV hosts, Jimmy Kimmel has made little secret of his disdain for Jay Leno. But even as "Jimmy Kimmel Live" goes toe-to-toe with "The Late Show With David Letterman" in the same timeslot as he moves to 11:35 p.m. next week, Kimmel has only praise for his new rival — and even more derision for Leno.

Kimmel slammed Leno in a lengthy interview in the new issue of Rolling Stone. The 45-year-old comedian is the latest issue's cover boy.

"As a comedian, you can't not have disdain for what he's done: He totally sold out," Kimmel said of Leno in the glossy mag, according to The New York Daily News which obtained an advance issue. "He was a master chef who opened a Burger King."

Kimmel's rivals are lined up against him, but he still reveres Letterman.

"If I beat David Letterman in the ratings, does that mean I'm better than Letterman?" Kimmel asks aloud in the article. "No f***ing way."

If Kimmel had to pick, he'd like to be considered the next Letterman.

As for the fourth contender in late-night basic-cable TV shows, Jimmy Fallon, Kimmel says he's ready for the next round.

"People are going to compare me and him for years to come," Kimmel said. "We're being positioned as the Leno and Letterman of the next round. I like it because he's a very worthy competitor.'

Over the last few years, Kimmel has consistently talked trash about Leno. In response to the controversy surrounding Conan O'Brien's "Tonight Show" bid in 2010, Kimmel did a scathing impression of Leno on his own show. Kimmel even appeared on Leno's primetime program and chastised him for his plans to return to late night after the ordeal.

Last year, Kimmel was asked about Leno at a New York City event. His response?

"F*** him."