MightyGloves.com

Make Up-Put Up-Shut Up An Interview with Ken Shamrock

posted by mightygloves.com on September 25, 2008, in Punch Lines By Judi Abate

Having the honor to speak with Ken Shamrock one of the pioneers of the sport and who will forever be a part of it's history before this momentous fight gave me a complete and better understanding of the man inside the persona. I was apprehensive about what side of the bed Ken would wake up on the day I phoned him. Would he be in a good mood willing to share his thoughts and feelings or would he be introspective and agitated? Luckily for me Ken was gracious, incisive and very sweet.( Shhh don't tell anyone I said that out loud.)

We talked over numerous topics dealing with MMA but what struck me as absolutely genuine was Ken's desire to make up for his less than stellar past performances. He admits he wasn't at his best and now with this fight against Kimbo he has a chance to prove himself once and for all to his fans, his critics and most of all to himself.

Ken is very serious about setting the record straight on his ability to fight in MMA. He is not washed up. He is not showboating for attention. He isn't claiming to be superman. He is a fighter and because of that he fights. he loves what he does, he loves the competition and he will keep on keeping on until he alone decides it is time for him to hang up the gloves.

Ken Shamrock, one of the first true pioneers of MMA is a remarkable athlete and within that well-conditioned muscular body beats the heart of a lion which he surprisingly wears upon his sleeve. Here is what Ken had to say:

JA Ken are you excited or nervous about your upcoming fight?
KS I'm very excited.

JA Are you at all nervous?
KS No. If you train properly everything will go well.

JA How are you doing health wise?
KS I feel good. No injuries.

JA How is your overall conditioning?
KS Great.

JA How is training going?
KS Very well. Working on alot of different things. Picking up on things that need to be done. It's a very good training experience.

JA Are you doing anything special this time around in training?
KS Nope.

JA Are you prepared to go the distance?
KS Without a doubt but it won't go the distance.

JA What is your opinion of Kimbo Slice as a fighter?
KS He skill level is lacking. He's one dimensional but he is also dangerous.

JA Are you confident you can expose Kimbo's weaknesses?
KS I will expose them.

JA What worries you about Kimbo?
KS No worries.

JA What do you think that Kimbo is most concerned about fighting you?
KS I don't know I'm not Kimbo.

JA How do you mentally prepare for a fight?
KS Do good training. Have a game plan. I'm very comfortable in the gym. There's no tension.

JA How is your middle game?
KS I'm a fighter. I'll find a way to win.

JA What type of opponent poses the most danger to you?
KS Someone with very good defense,good take down skills and good hands.

JA Are you 110 percent sure you'll win?
KS (Laughs) If you have to put a number on it. Yes. I'm really confident I will win.

JA What drives you internally?
KS Desire to compete. I love fighting. I'm very very angry over my last few fights and I want to make up for things.

JA What is your best attribute as a fighter?
KS I've had alot of adversities during my life and career. I won't walk away just because people want me to retire. I'm not going to stop.

JA Is your age a factor at all in this fight?
KS No not in this fight. The fight will be over in the first or second round. I don't know about fights in the future.

JA What do you see as the main purpose of this fight?
KS Making up for my last few fights. Prove to myself that I was not the same person as my losses.

JA What are your ultimate goals in MMA?
KS I've achieved it all. Now I do it because I love it.

JA Do you consider yourself a role model?
KS Absolutely. When your a fighter and in public it is tour responsibility to be a role model.

JA Prefer to be the underdog or favorite?
KS For this one I'm the underdog. I need this for people to understand I'm ok.

JA Your work ethic in one word?
KS Intense.

JA How do you vent your anger?
KS Normally I don't have that issue at home. Maybe I will yell 1-2 times a year at home.
JA You have a heart under it all.
KS Yes.

Ja What do you think about the critics out there?
KS Their definitely right on about my last few fights. I have not performed well. I accept that. However, in return if I win this fight I want them to give me the credit I deserve.

JA What happens if you should not win?
KS I don't believe I'm going to lose.

JA How is your relationship with Frank?
KS It's rocky. We're not buddies.

Ja Will there be a fight between you and Frank?
KS I have said yes to it.

JA What's it like in the cage when your opponent is trying to stomp a hole in your head?
KS It's part of the compition. I'll be the one stomping on his head.

JA What is your favorite technique/discipline?
KS Leg submissions.

Ja Which do you like better the cage or the ring?
KS It depends on my opponent.

JA Favorite MMA fighters of today?
KS I respect them all.

JA Everything you have done in your career so far has it been worth it?
KS Oh yeah. I've accomplished so many things. It's a privledge to be in this sport.

JA Your proudest accomplishment?
KS Being the very 1st champion over in Japan. ( The first ever King of Pancrase) and the rest of my championships.

JA The lowest moment of your career?
KS Last couple of years. I've had injuries. My performances haven't gone well. It's upseting not to perform like I know I am capable of performing.

JA How can we improve MMA?
KS More clinics for refs. Not allowing any punches at all behind the ears.

JA Your toughest opponent?
KS Masakatsu

JA The easiest opponent?
KS I don't know.

Ja What makes you Special?
KS The ability I have. I move well, I'm flexible, I learn submission fast and I'm very strong.

JA What are you afraid of?
KS Flying.

JA The best part of your body?
KS Wow. I have a soft spot for troubled kids. I'm good with them.

JA One thing people would be surprised to find out about you?
KS I'm a family man. I don't go out alot and when I do my wife is always with me.

JA 3 words to describe you as a person?
KS I don't know. You should ask people who know me.
Ja Some people would say your angry and mean.
KS When I'm fighting I'm completely different.

JA Hobbies?
KS I play golf.
JA Are you any good?
KS I'm ok. High 80's low 90's.

JA What runs through your mind whe you make your way to the cage?
KS Looking for my opponent. I'm sizing him up.

JA Does MMA define you as an athlete and a person?
KS In some ways yes as an athelete but absolutely not as a person.

JA What amazes you about MMA?
KS For a combative sport the character of guys who join it. College grads, business people. Good people. Genuine good people from different walks of life.

JA Closing words for your fans?
KS I'm going to put it on him. Erase all the bad things and go out and get the win.

JA It was an honor to speak to you. I have follwed your MMA career as well as your pro wrestling career. Good Luck in the upcoming fight.
KS Thank you for the great interview.
JA Thank you.

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