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#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.
