2010-07-24 18:18:28 +0000 #1
FRANK SHAMROCK NOT EXPECTING UFC HALL OF FAME
Friday, July 16, 2010 - by Damon Martin - MMAWeekly.com
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When Frank Shamrock first announced his retirement from the sport of MMA a few weeks back, one of the major questions from fans and critics alike was, Would the former UFC champion ever be inducted into their Hall of Fame?
During his time with the UFC, Shamrock went 5-0, and was undefeated through several title defenses as the promotion's middleweight (now light heavyweight) champion.
Despite those accolades, Shamrock doesn't believe that the UFC will ever induct him into its Hall of Fame.
"I don't think it will ever happen personally," Shamrock told MMAWeekly Radio. "I'm the competition, why would they put me in there? They're unique that they can write their own history and future."
While competing in the UFC, Shamrock defeated several top fighters at the time. He had the most memorable match of his career when he defeated Tito Ortiz in September 1999. Following the fight, Shamrock decided to retire from active competition. He stuck around the UFC for a little while after that, but soon left the company altogether to pursue other interests.
After winning the UFC championship by defeating Kevin Jackson, Shamrock defended the belt four times, finishing every opponent within time limits. He believes those credentials should land him in the UFC Hall of Fame.
"I think so, but it's not my company, so they do what they want to do," Shamrock stated.
What it comes down to for Shamrock is doing what the fans want to see, and he believes that his accomplishments were enough inside the Octagon that he deserves to be listed with fighters like Royce Gracie, Randy Couture, and his brother, Ken.
"I think it's the right thing to do for the fans, but like I said, it ain't my show. So I don't worry too much about it," said Shamrock. "I think it's a disservice to the sport personally cause you can't change history, and you can't omit people because you don't like them or they didn't sign a contract. It is what it is."
History will ultimately tell the tale on Frank Shamrock in the UFC. A 5-0 record, all fights won by submission or knockout, and four successful title defenses. He may not make the UFC Hall of Fame, but Shamrock will always be remembered as a great in the Octagon.
Friday, July 16, 2010 - by Damon Martin - MMAWeekly.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When Frank Shamrock first announced his retirement from the sport of MMA a few weeks back, one of the major questions from fans and critics alike was, Would the former UFC champion ever be inducted into their Hall of Fame?
During his time with the UFC, Shamrock went 5-0, and was undefeated through several title defenses as the promotion's middleweight (now light heavyweight) champion.
Despite those accolades, Shamrock doesn't believe that the UFC will ever induct him into its Hall of Fame.
"I don't think it will ever happen personally," Shamrock told MMAWeekly Radio. "I'm the competition, why would they put me in there? They're unique that they can write their own history and future."
While competing in the UFC, Shamrock defeated several top fighters at the time. He had the most memorable match of his career when he defeated Tito Ortiz in September 1999. Following the fight, Shamrock decided to retire from active competition. He stuck around the UFC for a little while after that, but soon left the company altogether to pursue other interests.
After winning the UFC championship by defeating Kevin Jackson, Shamrock defended the belt four times, finishing every opponent within time limits. He believes those credentials should land him in the UFC Hall of Fame.
"I think so, but it's not my company, so they do what they want to do," Shamrock stated.
What it comes down to for Shamrock is doing what the fans want to see, and he believes that his accomplishments were enough inside the Octagon that he deserves to be listed with fighters like Royce Gracie, Randy Couture, and his brother, Ken.
"I think it's the right thing to do for the fans, but like I said, it ain't my show. So I don't worry too much about it," said Shamrock. "I think it's a disservice to the sport personally cause you can't change history, and you can't omit people because you don't like them or they didn't sign a contract. It is what it is."
History will ultimately tell the tale on Frank Shamrock in the UFC. A 5-0 record, all fights won by submission or knockout, and four successful title defenses. He may not make the UFC Hall of Fame, but Shamrock will always be remembered as a great in the Octagon.
