Ken Shamrock (26-12-2) will return to mixed martial arts (MMA) competition tonight against Robert "Buzz" Berry (11-7) at 10:30 p.m. on the Showtime premium cable network.
"Bring It On" is being put on by Cage Rage and EliteXC from the Webley Arena in London, England.
The 44-year-old's last fight was an overwhelming third straight loss to ex-UFC champion, Tito Ortiz, in 2006. Ortiz made the "World's Most Dangerous Man" look over the hill and forced the UFC Hall of Famer into retirement.
Or so we thought.
Here's his thoughts on tonight's fight:
"Competition. The minute you stop, your whole life changes and it's the thrill of competition that has kept me going. When you're done as an athlete, you have to know it, and I don't know it yet."
Shamrock apparently hasn't lost his desire to compete and now gets the opportunity with EliteXC to accomplish things he wasn't able to earlier in his career.
He'll be able to fight along side his son, Ryan, who is an up-and-coming 135 pounder and will also make his EliteXC debut tonight in a fight against Girogio Andrews.
And he'll also have the possibility to fight his brother Frank. That is a fight both Shamrocks have wanted for some time and a fight that has already been talked about since Ken's return.
In addition, a fight against Kimbo Slice has also been discussed and is one that would be a big opportunity for Shamrock at this point.
In short, there's a lot of buzz (no pun intended) surrounding his return, but Shamrock will have to prove he's still capable of competing at a professional level if he wants to be taken seriously.
If his last few fights are any indication to what's left in his tank, it could prove to be a long road for Shamrock -- one that starts tonight as he enters a hostile English crowd that will no doubt be supporting the hometown fighter.
Heres Buzz's thoughts:
"I have a lot of respect for Ken Shamrock, but when it is fight time and the first bell rings, it's time to explode. I have to stay within myself; my strength is that I am an all around fighter and my power is my (main) strength."
Prediction: Buzz Berry 2nd round TKO (strikes)
There are several other bouts slated for the main card tonight on Showtime that are worth a mention. Let's go through them real quick one-by-one.
Masakazu Imanari (13-5-1) vs. Jean Silva (15-7-3)
Silva is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter who trains with the Chute Boxe camp. He's taken Taknori Gomi to a decision and has a win over Paul Daley.
Imanari also has a very good ground game and has been in the there with some decent competition himself. He lost a split decision to Marcus Aurelio and submitted jiu jitsu black belt Jorge Gurgel in the first round. He's won seven of his last eight fights. This should be a high paced ground war.
Prediction: Silva in a razor close decision. (Should be fight of the night)
Gary Turner (4-0-1) vs. Mustapha Al Turk (4-3)
Both are English fighters and like to bang. They'll be looking to put on a show for the home crowd.
Prediction: Turner 1st round TKO (strikes)
Tom Watson (4-3) vs. Pierre Guillet (10-7)
Two more English fighters. Guillet should be a little bigger and is well versed on the ground. He is coming off two losses and Watson is a tough guy, but I think size will be a factor and he'll get caught with some kind of submission.
Prediction: Guillet 2nd round rear naked choke.
There's not really any huge names on the card unless you count Shamrock as one, but it's still always fun to watch guys trying to make a name for themselves.
It should be an interesting night and we know the English fans are always loud. Hopefully, that will feed the fighters some extra adrenaline and we'll see some highlights.
For more details and the complete fight card click here.
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