(Marco Ruas and Paul Varelans: When men were men, knuckles were bare, and wearing a singlet was totally acceptable.)
As thrilling as the UFC can be in the 21st century — with its well-rounded, well-conditioned fighters and deep talent pools — there’s something special about the Wild West days of the 1990s. Back then, the UFC featured a motley crew of martial artists of varying skill levels, some of whom didn’t really look like professional athletes. This was the era of single-night tournaments, non-existent weight classes, and burping into microphones. It’s hard not to miss those days.
Today we pay tribute to the old-school with some of our favorite rare and classic UFC photos from the ’90s. Check ’em out in the gallery after the jump, and if we’ve left out any of your favorites, let us know in the comments section or on twitter.
As thrilling as the UFC can be in the 21st century — with its well-rounded, well-conditioned fighters and deep talent pools — there’s something special about the Wild West days of the 1990s. Back then, the UFC featured a motley crew of martial artists of varying skill levels, some of whom didn’t really look like professional athletes. This was the era of single-night tournaments, non-existent weight classes, and burping into microphones. It’s hard not to miss those days.
Today we pay tribute to the old-school with some of our favorite rare and classic UFC photos from the ’90s. Check ‘em out in the gallery above, and if we’ve left out any of your favorites, let us know in the comments section or on twitter.
We here at CagePotato.com aren’t the types to say “We told you so,” which is convenient, because we couldn’t even gather enough interest in BJ Penn vs. Frankie Edgar III to mock it beforehand. The fight ended predictably; Penn continued to be no match for Edgar, and “The Prodigy” hinted at yet another retirement from MMA after it was over. Given the trilogy’s one-sided nature and predictable ending, we’re tempted to call it the most pointless trilogy in our sport’s history. But doing so would do the following trilogies a grave injustice:
Bryan Robinson vs. Andrew Reinard
Third Fight: Tuesday Night Fights, 01/24/2002. Scoreboard: Robinson, 3-0.
A quick glance at the record of every ironman in MMA will reveal multiple victories over fighters who can best be described as “victims” and “warm bodies.” Reinard is Exhibit A: You can watch his entire three-fight career in only forty-eight seconds.
[Author Note: Robinson vs. Reinard is a stand-in for every pointless trilogy that other MMA ironmen have been involved in. Coincidentally, Robinson himself accounts for seven (?!?) of Travis Fulton’s career victories.]
(Okay, but can he beat a motivated, featherweight Penn? Photo Courtesy of Getty Images.)
We here at CagePotato.com aren’t the types to say “We told you so,” which is convenient, because we couldn’t even gather enough interest in BJ Penn vs. Frankie Edgar III to mock it beforehand. The fight ended predictably; Penn continued to be no match for Edgar, and “The Prodigy” hinted at yet another retirement from MMA after it was over. Given the trilogy’s one-sided nature and predictable ending, we’re tempted to call it the most pointless trilogy in our sport’s history. But doing so would do the following trilogies a grave injustice:
Bryan Robinson vs. Andrew Reinard
Third Fight: Tuesday Night Fights, 01/24/2002. Scoreboard: Robinson, 3-0.
A quick glance at the record of every ironman in MMA will reveal multiple victories over fighters who can best be described as “victims” and “warm bodies.” Reinard is Exhibit A: You can watch his entire three-fight career in only forty-eight seconds.
[Author Note: Robinson vs. Reinard is a stand-in for every pointless trilogy that other MMA ironmen have been involved in. Coincidentally, Robinson himself accounts for seven (?!?) of Travis Fulton’s career victories.]
Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Wanderlei Silva
Third Fight: Pride: Total Elimination 2003, 08/10/2003. Scoreboard: Silva, 3-0.
Move along. We don’t need to re-open this wound.
Jeremy Horn vs. Chael Sonnen
Third Fight: UFC 60: Hughes vs. Gracie, 05/27/2006. Scoreboard: Horn, 3-0.
Three fights. Two submissions. Zero interest. It’s hard to believe that the UFC once had such humble plans for Chael Sonnen.
Ken Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz
Third Fight: UFC: The Final Chapter, 10/10/2006. Scoreboard: Ortiz, 3-0.
A trilogy that saw a slightly disinterested relic from a bygone era get mercilessly picked apart by a hungrier fighter in his prime. In other words, it was the Penn vs. Edgar of its era.
Olaf Alfonso vs. John Polakowski
Third Fight: WEC 24, 10/12/2006. Scoreboard: Polakowski, 2-1.
These two guys easily engaged in the most competitive, entertaining trilogy that made this list. If Polakowski didn’t waste the first three years of his career fighting Alfonso, he may be known to MMA fans for more than this.
Depending on how you view TUF exhibitions, Diaz vs. Maynard may simply be a “pointlessly marketed as a trilogy” rematch. That the UFC wanted us to view their fight at The TUF 18 Finale as a trilogy made it eligible for this list. The “TUF exhibition + Unwatchable ‘second’ fight” formula sealed its fate as an inclusion.
Did we omit an especially pointless grudge match? Are you dying to make the case for Sylvia vs. Arlovski, even though it was technically a quadrilogy? Leave your thoughts in the comments section, or hit us up at our official Twitter account.
It might be hard to believe when looking at him now, but there was a time not too long ago when Tim Sylvia was paid money to compete in physical activities. I know right? I’m seriously. It was the mid-2000’s, and “The Maine-iac” weighed in at a svelte 265 pounds. He was also the UFC Heavyweight champion, but looking back, I think the former accomplishment is arguably more impressive than the latter.
Regardless, after testing positive for stanozolol in his second title defense over Gan McGee at UFC 44, Sylvia would voluntarily relinquish his belt in disgrace*…and wind up receiving an immediate fight against Frank Mir for the belt he had just vacated at UFC 48 on June 19th, 2004 — ten years ago today.
It did not end well.
It might be hard to believe when looking at him now, but there was a time not too long ago when Tim Sylvia was paid money to compete in physical activities. I know right? I’m seriously. It was the mid-2000′s, and ”The Maine-iac” weighed in at a svelte 265 pounds. He was also the UFC Heavyweight champion, but looking back, I think the former accomplishment is arguably more impressive than the latter.
Regardless, after testing positive for stanozolol in his second title defense over Gan McGee at UFC 44, Sylvia would voluntarily relinquish his belt in disgrace*…and wind up receiving an immediate fight against Frank Mir for the belt he had just vacated at UFC 48 on June 19th, 2004 — ten years ago today.
It did not end well.
Not unlike a monster mash, Sylvia’s arm-breaking loss to Mir got on in a flash (again, my sincerest apologies). After a brief exchange on the feet, Sylvia latched onto Mir and drove him to the canvas, likely thinking that a ground and pound TKO over a fighter of Mir’s caliber would make for a nice addition to his already impressive resume. Problem was, Sylvia could barely get settled before Mir locked up a tight armbar that had “The Maine-iac” suddenly trying to slam his way out of trouble.
It was too late, and Mir proceeded to fracture Sylvia’s right radius bone in half. Herb Dean would lose his goddamn mind while witnessing this and wave off the fight, emitting a chorus boos from the audience so overwhelming that Bruce Buffer even forgot to announce Mir as champion.
The damndest thing is, Sylvia didn’t seem to care or even realize what kind of damage had been done to his arm — Herb Dean had to convince *him* that his arm had been broken. And even after seeing the footage of his arm doing just that, Sylvia would still not accept the stoppage.
“We’ll fight again,” said Mir in his post-fight interview. “We’ll fight right now,” Sylvia angrily replied.
I don’t know what was more impressive in that exchange, Sylvia’s toughness or his stupidity. Let’s go with toughness.
Unfortunately, Mir and Sylvia never would meet again. Mir would be forced to vacate his title after breaking his leg in a motorcycle accident and would not compete again for nearly two years. Sylvia, however, would eventually go on to reclaim his heavyweight championship and defend it two more times before running into some guy named Randy Couture at UFC 68. He would get axed from the UFC a couple fights later, get wrecked by Fedor in under a minute at Affliction: Banned, and then put on approximately 415 pounds while eating (heh) even quicker losses to Abe Wagnerand Ray Mercer. Sylvia has since been rallying for another fight in the UFC ever since, but are you fucking kidding me?
Just moments prior to Sylvia’s bone-shattering loss, Ken Shamrock picked up his last UFC win (and last notable win) over Kimo Leopoldo via KO (knee). It was quite an impressive accomplishment for the 40 year-old to say the least. The years that followed, however, would be filled with heartache. Heartache and defeat and lawsuits and more defeat. Also, heartache. But hey, Shamrock seems to be enjoying life as a bodyguard to the stars these days, and has even repaired his relationship with the UFC. So hooray for happyish endings.
We’ve thrown a video of Shamrock vs. Kimo below for your enjoyment. Drink in the nostalgia, you buncha bitches.
*Say what you want about Timmeh, you gotta give the man credit for owning up to his mistake and accepting his punishment like a man (looking at you, Vitor).
(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, and one that includes (but is not limited to): former employees, 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?
(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…
Mixed martial arts is a sport built upon rivalries and Dana White certainly knows a thing or two about the topic.
In the 13 years the UFC President has been at the helm of the organization, he has publicly clashed and verbally sparred with a lengthy li…
Mixed martial arts is a sport built upon rivalries and Dana White certainly knows a thing or two about the topic.
In the 13 years the UFC President has been at the helm of the organization, he has publicly clashed and verbally sparred with a lengthy list of opponents that range from fighters (current and former) to executives in a variety other MMA promotions. Of those who have been the target of White’s scorn, MMA legend Ken Shamrock has been on the receiving end of the UFC front man’s vitriol on several occasions.
The feud between the two men has been raging for nearly a decade, but it appears the battle has finally come to an end. On Monday TMZ.com reported the beef between White and Shamrock had been squashed as the result of a 45-minute phone call between the two parties. The site received confirmation from both the UFC head honcho and the UFC Hall of Fame fighter that their long-standing grudge had been settled.
“Ken Shamrock and I spoke and we have squashed our beef,” White told the news outlet.
The MMA legend and pioneer echoed White’s sentiment in his response and stated the end of their discourse was a good thing for the sport itself.
“It’s bigger than us,” Shamrock said. “It’s good for the UFC. It’s good for the fans.”
The war of words between White and Shamrock brings to an end a disagreement that has played out in public view with varying degrees of severity for the better part of the past decade. That said, the situation returned to the forefront of MMA media with force last September when White and Shamrock exchanged barbs over the former Lion’s Den fighter’s failed lawsuit against Zuffa in 2006.
Tension between the two men seemed to have quieted a bit in recent months, and with Monday’s call for truce between White and Shamrock, one of MMA’s longest and most heated rivalries has come to a close.
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.
UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock has recently traded in his gloves in favor of some tailored suits, but he still has the option to get physical in his new profession: a bodyguard.
Once known as “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” inside the pro wrestl…
UFC Hall of FamerKen Shamrock has recently traded in his gloves in favor of some tailored suits, but he still has the option to get physical in his new profession: a bodyguard.
Once known as “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” inside the pro wrestling ring, Shamrock shared his thoughts on the now infamous elevator scuffle between rap mogul Jay-Z and his sister-in-law, Solange Knowles, per TMZ.
It’s pretty clear that something went off [between Jay Z and Solange] before the fight. The bodyguard should never have put them on the elevator together. You’re waiting for a time bomb to go off. And when it does, you’re stuck … Rather than getting in between Jay and Solange, he was pressing the elevator buttons. It seemed to me he didn’t know what his job was.
As TMZ also reported, Solange Knowles, while her sister, Beyonce Knowles, was present, began attacking Jay-Z in an elevator at a Met Gala party at the Standard Hotel in New York City last week.
Shamrock, 50, has been working for the security company Pro-tect Global for a little over a year now, working for star clients such as 50 Cent.
A UFC Superfight champion who competed inside the Octagon at UFC 1 back in November 1993, Shamrock finally decided to call it a fight career after going 2-7 between April 2005 and November 2010.
The Lion’s Den gym founder was going to give it one last go in the cage as recently as July, but a contract dispute between Shamrock and the Ultimate Cage Fighting championship prevented his bout with Ian Freeman from ever taking place, per Sherdog.
Does Shamrock bring about a valid point about a lax job by Jay-Z’s bodyguard here or was he just taking advantage of some free press?
JohnHeinis is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA editor for eDraft.com.
Mixed martial arts is a sport built upon rivalries and 
