Celebrate life! Don’t get caught up on the fact that Ken Shamrock is 52 – he looks great! And don’t worry that Royce Gracie hasn’t fought MMA in nearly a decade, that 49-year-old chokes someone for breakfast every day.
Why focus on the negative? Instead I chose to contact a couple of the guys with whom I experienced UFC 1, and reconvene to watch Bellator 149.
To make it more enjoyable we first decided to dress like we might have in 1993 – I even started to let my sideburns grow out like Dylan McKay’s from 90210 – but John had a better idea: costume party. I’m going as David Koresh.
This may not be the most entertaining fight, but who cares? Indulge your reminiscent tendencies and be thankful that the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation allowed this.
These warriors’ dedication should inspire you. It isn’t easy for anyone to get into a cage, be in shape and fight in three 5-minute rounds. With both fighters near the half-century mark, my own fitness goals appear pathetic in comparison.
While Gracie has 12 finishes in his 14 wins, they have all come by way of submission. Since 2000, Shamrock is 5-11, with ten of those losses by way of KO/TKO. In this fight he’ll need to protect his neck more than his chin.
Also in Ken’s favour will be the lack of a Gi. Royce wore the traditional Martial Arts uniform in both former matches. UFC 1 saw Gracie lock in a rear-naked choke in just 0:57, but in the UFC’s first superfight, at UFC 5, Gracie utilised the Gi to hold Ken in his guard and control position from the bottom.
In the early days of the UFC, stand-ups were rare and Shamrock, after taking Gracie down in the opening minute, mounted little offence, proving unable to advance position. By using the Gi to control Ken’s posture, Gracie neutralised possible ground and pound from ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man’ in the top position.
The entire 36-minute draw was fought in Gracie’s guard, with the Brazilian landing more strikes from the bottom, and Shamrock avoiding sweeps and submissions, but little more.
With over 20 years to better familiarise himself with Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and the frequent stand-ups and numerous rule changes of modern MMA, Shamrock enters Bellator 149 better poised to win than the previous two fights.
So why not embrace the throwback and party like it’s 1993? You don’t have to go all out with a costume party, just dust off that old John Paxson Bulls jersey, grab your Magic cards and that Shai compact disc, and reminisce about how the world was before the Internet was such a big deal.
Let’s get ready to rumble! Pick a fighter and place your bets with PlayUp for great odds. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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