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Though Royce Gracie may have been the first great champion of the UFC, there has not been any other MMA figure who has inspired a more rabid following for a more sustained period than Ken Shamrock. A one-time pro wrestler and toughman competitor, Shamrock became one of the early stars of the style that later came to be known as “mixed martial arts.” Enormously popular in Japan in the early ’90s, Shamrock won the first “King of Pancrase” tournament, then lent a considerable amount of credibility to the first UFC card in Denver. His bout with Royce Gracie in that event, though a losing effort, was nonetheless a thriller.

He hooked up with Gracie again in April 1995 at UFC 5; the two battled to a 36-minute draw that was the first blemish on Gracie’s record. Shamrock later won UFC “superfights” against Dan Severn and Kimo Leopoldo and beat Brian Johnston at Ultimate Ultimate ‘96. His trio of fights with Tito Ortiz was very memorable, providing some of the UFC’s largest television audiences ever. Shamrock also served as coach of the Nevada Lions in the initial season of International Fight League action.

A great headline performer who is recognized throughout the globe, Shamrock’s contributions go well beyond his accomplishments in actual competition. His “Lion’s Den” training center has produced one MMA standout after another, and its reputation is so well-established that it is likely to continue its influence over the art well into the future, thus further cementing Ken Shamrock as one of the truly important figures the MMA world has seen.