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When looking back at the history of both the UFC and MMA as a whole, it's hard to overlook Ken Shamrock's contributions. 'The World's Most Dangerous Man' not only contributed inside the cage, but made a significant contribution outside of it as well.
Shamrock made his UFC debut at the promotion's first event. He entered the tournament and made quick work of Patrick Smith, defeating him by submission. In the next round, Shamrock lost to eventual tournament winner Royce Gracie, whose submission skills were far superior.
In 2003, Shamrock made history when he, along with Gracie, were inaugural inductees into the UFC Hall of Fame. Shamrock's career began in the Japanese-based promotion Pancrase in 1993 and ended in Bellator MMA.
During the early years of the sport, Shamrock was one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. In addition, Shamrock had a lasting impact on the UFC and MMA as a whole. This list will look at 5 ways UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock impacted MMA.
#5. Ken Shamrock established the first MMA team
Kicking off this list is Ken Shamrock's establishment of The Lion's Den which became the first MMA team. Long before teams like American Top Team, AKA, and Jackson Wink burst on the scene, there weren't any true MMA teams. Instead, there were gyms that focused on one discipline such as kickboxing, boxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. That all changed when Shamrock created The Lion's Den and set a blueprint for success.
Shamrock created The Lion's Den as a way to train with like-minded fighters to best prepare for upcoming fights. After testing the will power of each hopeful, the remaining fighters were officially made members of The Lion's Den. The tryouts consisted of a series of workouts and a fighting portion that forced all of the athletes involved to be resilient.
The Lion's Den demanded nothing less than one hundred percent in every training session. The mentality was that if somebody could make it through a rigorous tryout, they possess the ability to become champions.
#4. Ken Shamrock's training methods helped produce multiple champions
Another way Ken Shamrock impacted MMA is through his training methods at The Lion's Den. The training regiment done at The Lion's Den ended up producing UFC tournament winners during the early years of the promotion.
Lion's Den fighters that won UFC tournaments include Oleg Taktarov, Jerry Bohlander and Guy Mezger. This was an incredible accomplishment for the fighters as well as The Lion's Den as a whole. Shamrock's training methods helped produce UFC champions and Hall of Famers. Maurice Smith was the first to capture gold as he defeated Mark Coleman at UFC 14 to become the UFC heavyweight champion.
The greatest fighter to come out of Shamrock's training methods at The Lion's Den was his adopted brother Frank Shamrock. Frank Shamrock won the inaugural UFC light heavyweight championship and successfully defended it on four occasions.
Following his UFC tenure, Frank continued to have success in other major promotions. With the success his training methods had for the careers of his fighters, The Lion's Den quickly earned a reputation for its high-quality MMA training.
#3. Ken Shamrock headlined many events and was a proven draw
Another way Ken Shamrock impacted MMA was by headlining many events. Throughout his career, Shamrock's fights served as the main event or co-main event on multiple occasions. He proved to be a hot commodity and a big draw.
While in the UFC, Shamrock's rematch with rival Royce Gracie at UFC 5 generated 260,000 pay-per-view buys. That was an outstanding number for the UFC at the time considering the availability was nowhere near what it is today. Shamrock followed that up a bout against Dan Severn for the UFC superfight championship at UFC 6, which generated 240,000 pay-per-view buys.
In addition, one of the most important events Shamrock headlined was The Ultimate Fighter 1 finale on Spike TV. The event was significant for the UFC because it was the first time an MMA event aired live on cable in the United States. The event was a success as it was viewed by 2.6 million viewers.
Shamrock's bouts with Tito Ortiz would shatter those numbers as their rematch at UFC 61 generated 775,000 pay-per-view buys and their trilogy bout on a Spike TV event was seen by 5.7 million viewers.
#2. Ken Shamrock made it possible for MMA fighters to successfuly transition to pro wrestling
Another way Shamrock impacted MMA was that he made it possible for MMA fighters to successfully transition to pro wrestling. In 1997, Shamrock decided to take a break from MMA in hopes of a more lucrative deal in pro wrestling.
'The World's Most Dangerous Man' signed with WWE, then known as WWF, and became a solid in-ring performer. Shamrock was involved in programs with many top superstars including Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, and The Rock.
Shamrock was no stranger to pro wrestling as he had experience wrestling on the independent scene from 1988 to 1993. However, it was under different circumstances in 1997 as Shamrock joined WWE when they were going head-to-head with rivals WCW.
Although it's understandable why Shamrock would accept a lucrative offer to join WWE at age 33, it was still a massive risk. Shamrock risked the reputation of MMA fighters because WWE may've turned other fighters away had he not been successful. The former UFC superfight champion thrived in the WWE. Some of his accomplishments include being King of the Ring winner, WWE Tag Team Champion, and WWE Intercontinental Champion.
Since Shamrock's successful transition to pro wrestling, many other MMA fighters have made the move as well. Ronda Rousey, Shayna Baszler and Matt Riddle have been recent examples of UFC fighters who've had successful WWE careers.
#1. Ken Shamrock brought mainstream attention to the UFC
Topping this list of ways Ken Shamrock impacted MMA is that he brought mainstream attention to the UFC. After 6 years since he last competed in the UFC, Shamrock agreed to return to the promotion. Shamrock returned to MMA in 2000, and racked up a 2-2 record since making his comeback.
It was clear Shamrock helped turn things around as both he and Tito Ortiz received mainstream attention for UFC 40. The two were guests on The Best Damn Sports Show, where it was clear they disliked one another. There was also the pre-fight press conference where things got heated between the two. Shamrock told Ortiz that he was going to beat him into a living death. Ortiz burst out laughing, which enraged Shamrock.
Looking back, UFC 40 is one of the promotion's most significant events. Prior to the show, the UFC had been struggling. That all changed when Shamrock was back in the fold. The event generated 150,000 pay-per-view buys and was considered a turning point for the promotion. With Shamrock being such a recognizable figure in MMA and a former WWE superstar, his popularity was at an all-time high.
In a past interview, referee 'Big' John McCarthy spoke on the importance of UFC 40. McCarthy noted that the event changed his opinion on the direction the sport was heading in:
"Before that there were many times when I thought it was going to die. This sport is going to die, it's not catching on. At UFC 40 I remember standing in the ring and looking around feeling the electricity that I thought it was going to make it," John McCarthy told Bleacher Report.
