(One feud down, so, so many feuds to go. Via Shamrock’s Twitter.)
Dana White’s list of beefs, rivalries, personal vendettas and blood feuds is a long and storied one, one that includes (but is not limited to): former employees, sardonic journalists/websites, and of course, all major competitors of the UFC*. Easily in the top five of that list is UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock, who in addition to owing White/the UFC a shitton of money, has been using every possible media appearance over the years to bash his former promotion on everything from its fighter pay policies to its rumored uniforms. Toss in a failed lawsuit back in 2006 and it appeared as if Shamrock would forever be on the outside looking in.
However, now that Shammy has achieved financial security as a bodyguard to the stars, it appears as if he has entered the “making amends” phase of his 12-step recovery, so to speak. TMZ Sports is reporting that, following a 45-minute phone conversation, White and Shamrock have finally ended their long-standing feud:
Dana tells us, “Ken Shamrock and I spoke and we have squashed our beef.”
As for Shamrock … he says the call wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows — they addressed some tough issues — but in the end, were able to come to an understanding and decided to bury the hatchet.
“It’s bigger than us. It’s good for the UFC. It’s good for the fans.”
You hear that, guys? This means Shamrock can finally get that UFC fight he is owed! I am on pins and needles waiting for the UFC to announce UFC 180: Shamrock vs. Liddell — sponsored by Enzyte, Activia, and the Committee to Stop Those Punk Kids From Skateboarding on the Sidewalks. WHO YOU GOT?
Perhaps the hardest thing to believe about this, the end of the most bitter UFC feud of them all, is the idea that both White and Shamrock were (presumably) willing to admit some wrongdoing in the matter. Neither have exactly developed a reputation for being rational, empathetic thinkers over the years, so the idea that a near decade-long mutual hatred could be cleared up via a simple phone call is surprising to say the least. Something tells me that White’s eventual chat with Tito Ortiz won’t go as smoothly.
I guess all we can do now is wait and see whether Shamrock or White cracks first, unleashing a fury-filled tirade against the other through a celebrity gossip column of their choice. Until then, let’s just enjoy the dance…
*I like to think that The Baldfather keeps this list in his basement and, after crossing off each of his triumphs, puts on some nice rouge lipstick and takes a nap.