5 Ken Shamrock fights that never happened in the UFC

#2. UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture

Ken Shamrock vs. Randy Couture is another interesting UFC bout that never happened. ‘The Natural’ made a statement in 1997, when he debuted and won the promotion's heavyweight tournament. Following a TKO win over Vitor Belfort, he defeated Maurice Smith to become heavyweight champion. The title reign would be short-lived as a contract dispute caused him to leave the promotion.

In retrospect, a heavyweight championship bout between ‘The Natural’ and ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man’ would have been very intriguing. Shamrock was with WWE in 1998, but the idea of him possibly becoming champion could’ve been beneficial for all involved.

‘The Natural’ was 4-0 and wouldn’t hit his stride until the 2000s, while 'The World's Most Dangerous Man' was more experienced. Couture would’ve been a heavy favorite in 2003, but the bout could’ve gone either way in 1998.

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#1. UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman

Shamrock vs. Mark Coleman is a UFC fight that could’ve been entertaining both in the leadup and the fight itself.

The best opportunity for the promotion to book the fight was 2000. ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man’ had left the WWE in favor of a return to MMA. Coleman on the other hand, won the Pride openweight Grand Prix. Coincidentally enough, Shamrock’s return took place on the same Pride event as the Grand Prix. Instead of the two remaining in Pride, they could’ve been pursuaded with a lucrative offer to fight in the octagon.

There was history between 'The Hammer' and Shamrock’s ‘Lion’s Den'. In 1997, Coleman was knocked out by Pete Williams, who trained at 'Lion's Den', so that loss could’ve motivated him to defeat their leader. ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man’s path to victory would’ve been his submissions as 'The Hammer' had high-level wrestling.