The things you do for money.
After being brutalized by the kicks of one Pedro Rizzo this past July at Impact FC, Ken Shamrock is hopping right back in the cage this fall against Johnathan Ivey on October 16 for the USA MMA promotion in Lafayette, Louisiana.
MMA Fighting confirmed this unfortunate news earlier today.
Prior to the aforementioned drubbing he suffered at the feet of Rizzo, Shamrock (27-13-2) hadn't been heard from since failing the world's most dangerous drug test back in early 2009. The UFC pioneer was popped for anabolic steroids — Norandrosterone, Noretiocholanolone and Stanozolol following his first round armbar submission win over the late Ross Clifton at War Gods: "Valentine’s Eve Massacre" last February.
Shammy was fined $2,500 and suspended one year for the transgression.
During that time, his Mexican bout with Seth Petruzelli was canceled, he was forced to endure the death of his father and slapped with a bill for $175,000 in legal fees after he was unsuccessful in suing Zuffa for breach of contract.
Tough year for Shams. A victory here would help.
Ken's opponent, Johnathan Ivey, will be carrying a record of 29-42 into their bout. Yes, you read that right. 13 fights under .500.
Ivey has been in the cage with, and loss to, the following formidable foes; Ricco Rodriguez, Jake O'Brien, Dan Severn, Ben Rothwell and Jeremy Horn.
Check out a "highlight" video of Johnathan here where he drops the infamous "People's Elbow" at the 6:55 mark.
Will Shamrock join that semi-elite list of guys who have taken joy in defeating Ivey? Or, will Ivey hand Ken his seventh loss in his last eight contests?