kimbo only has like what years, not even, MONTHS in MMA. kimbo's popularity was all based on some ol youtube fights. man hes in MMA. he was no right to be stepping in the ring with Shamrock in the first place. dude was only what.. 5-0 in MMA. 5 and 0.. at that rate, he should be still be training with rookies, not contenders.
BLAME ELITE XC. Kimbo is not a match maker, he doesnt chose who he fights.
BUT HE DOES NOT BACK DOWN TO FIGHTS PRESENTED TO HIM.
If Kimbo was Omoplata'n dudes on the street, different story.
Kimbo was street fighting to make money. Not to be an MMA star. But since he is in MMA now, he's been trying to expand his game.
Another part of the equation is his Trainer. Bas is well sought after and is one of the most knowledgeable trainers in the game.
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On top of that, because he is being PUSHED into the Limelight, he has not choice but to step it up. I'm pretty sure he wants to get some experience first. Only reason why they wanted Shamrock to fight him is because they think Shamrock isnt a contender anymore. Yes he is a Legend, Yes he is a pioneer in MMA, but people feel he is not a good fighter anymore. His victories in Pancrase were with heel hooks that were accompanied by people wearing boots or shoes.
I feel bad for Ken because people are writing him off as an easy win from a recognized name.
Just like Sakuraba as well. Promoters are trying to get the new fighters name and records up by fighting older fighters, which also builds hype.
Thing is, if these older fighters still want to be in the game, they have to fight the big names to ensure the legacy. If Shamrock was reduced to fighting guys with only a couple fights on their debut into Pro MMA, he'll be looked at as a welcoming mat for anyone new... thus tarnishing his Image and Legacy. So they have to fight big names or fighters with hype in order to keep their selling power.
Sad thing is that these Older Fighters are not what they used to be and are usually slaughtered. Ken on many occasions, Saku against Manhoef, Royce Gracie against Matt Hughes...
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If you train MMA, you know it takes alot to step up in cage. Pro or amatuer.
So I respect anyone that goes in there and puts up a fight.
I respect Kimbo for putting all his time and effort into becoming an MMA fighter.
I respect Ken Shamrock kuz dude became one of the original fighters to be more of a hybrid in styles (mma).