Part II of an article outlining Ken Shamrock not only as a world recognized name in Mixed Martial Arts but also becoming MMA's marketing pioneer. Walking in similar footsteps as legendary rock band Kiss founder, Gene Simmons, Ken is showing signs of looking to his future when the fights are over.
Shamrock also formed the Lion's Den training house where he produced fighters such as Guy Mezger, Jerry Bollander, and his brother Frank Shamrock. Today there are franchises of the Lion's Den in Nevada, Arizona, and Connecticut, with waiting lists of potential cage fighters wanting in to learn from the best. He then returned to the UFC, solidifying himself as a feared and respected fighter.
While the purses in the UFC were shrinking Ken decided to take his new found fame to the world of WWE for more consistent paychecks. Ken did a short stint in the World Wrestling Entertainment where he was dubbed "The World's Most Dangerous Man." He then returned to his passion and where it began back to Mixed Martial Arts. I am sure that Ken Shamrock, now approaching his 45th birthday, is asking himself "how many fights do I have left in me?" While he is in better shape now than I was at 18, he has to be feeling the age and the physical limitations on the abuse that is inflicted on the body while in the cage.
He has done his due diligence by being passionate about his craft and promoting himself over the years as a household name in the MMA world. Now it looks as though he is positioned to use his brand to fly into new ventures. Again, he is ensuring a long term income when the fights are over. Some of his other ventures include Ken shamrock promotions, a fight promotion company, The Lion's Den, his flagship fighter house, and according to mmanews.com he is currently opening a new fighter house in Reno NV. His website has a page for merchandise which now says coming soon. These are all of the traits of a great entrepreneur and self marketer.
Successful marketing as we all know, comes with a story. I believe that when Ken Shamrock does hang up the gloves and calls it quits in the fighting cage his last fight will be a highly anticipated match up with his brother Frank Shamrock. This would be a great exit plan with the last battle being one probably recreated from his earlier fights with little brother from years ago only this time getting paid for it.
Now that Ken has gained his fame and become a hall of fame member in mixed martial arts this is a perfect opportunity for an explosive revenue generating fight that has been requested by the fans for a long time. The hype has been building for this one for years and years. For his endeavors in and out of the ring I applaud Ken Shamrock for being not only a knowledgeable fighter but also a savvy businessman outside of the ring. If he has half of the know-how that Gene Simmons has in his business models Ken will have an abundance of wealth for him and his family. Good for him.
The Best Place to Watch the UFC For Free
Every month the Ultimate Fighting Championships are touting the biggest Main Event showing on Pay Per View or Live at the event (If you live in that city). Either of these choices can be costly. Most cable and satellite companies are charging $80 to 100 dollars, depending on the market you live, and attending the live event could cost anywhere from $300-3000 dollars for one ticket. So what is the alternative to seeing these great fights on a slim budget?
Ken Shamrock Could be the
In a world where mixed martial arts fighters are punished fight after fight. What would a big named fighter like Ken Shamrock do after the fights are over and injury and age start to influence the body.
