Report Last Updated - 3/02
Birthdate - 2/11/64
6' 225 lbs. - Lockeford, CA
Team - Lion's Den
Style - Submission Fighting
Career Highlights
- Beats Don Nakaya Nielson at Pro Wrestling Fujiwara-Gumi's biggest show
- Makes his UFC debut beating Pat Smith by submission
- Wins the 2-day King of Pancrase tournament defeating the likes of Manabu Yamada, Masa Funaki, and Maurice Smith
- Defeats Dan Severn to become the first UFC Superfight Champion
- Beats Alexander Otsuka at the Pride Grand Prix Finals show
Striking - Ken Shamrock was one of the UFC's first grapplers, who could strike well. He has respectable punching power and uses his fists well on the ground. Shamrock likes to use headbutts when he can, but won't win any fights with them. Unfortunately, striking has cost Shamrock a lot as he is highly prone to injuries.
Wrestling - Though he's not a top notch wrestler, Shamrock is confident with his grappling skills. He has a lot of upperbody power and uses it manuever opponents and dominate clinches. Shamrock does not usually choose to shoot, but he is certainly able.
Hooking - Shamrock is a world class finisher, he can put away just about anyone with hard strikes or crippling holds. Though the former is not his speciality, submissions certainly are and his track record shows this.
Strengthes - Ken Shamrock was one of the UFC's first greats for several reasons. He was the best at what he did (submission fighting), he had other areas of strength (striking and grappling), and was always in superior condition. Shamrock had many things going for him in the early 90s, which made him a admirable fighter.
Weaknesses - One of the factors that prevented Shamrock from becoming as success in the UFC as Royce Gracie is injuries. Shamrock never won a full tournament as he always went down with an injury. Now that he's returned to the sport, he has a bad neck to deal with and a whole new breed of fighter. Perhaps Ken Shamrock's greatness is best viewed through his past accomplishments.
Outlook - Ken Shamrock's career in NHB has been a rollercoater ride. He was the very best in Pancrase when he came to America to compete in the UFC. Though he established himself as one of the best, he never could quite make it to that top spot. After leaving it to spend two years in pro wrestling. Upon returning, he found the Mixed Martial Arts world was vastly different and struggled to adapt. Shamrock may have a few good fights left in him, but he like rivals Royce Gracie and Dan Severn are no longer able to dominate as they could several years ago.