Shamrock: I’ve earned the right to fight for fun

When Ken Shamrock vs. Kimbo Slice was announced, some fans sharply questioned the match up. The fighters had a combined age of 92. Neither had competed in mixed martial arts since 2010. Kimbo was 1-2 his last three fights, while Shamrock was 2-7 his last nine fights.

ome stats: Kimbo is 41 and 1-2 in his last 3 MMA bouts. Ken Shamrock is 51, 2-7 in his last 9. Both guys haven’t fought since 2010.

However, at a Friday media conference, Shamrock explained why he wants to fight.

I think that over the years I’ve been training to keep myself in shape and stay fit. I’ve earned the right to be able to fight for fun, said Shamrock as transcribed by Tristen Critchfield  for Sherdog. I think a lot of people have a hard time understanding that I don’t want to go fishing. I don’t want to go hunting. I like being in the room with a bunch of dudes, getting ready for a fight, training, building camaraderie, patting each other on the shoulders.

To me, that’s the best thing in life. I love that. Besides my family and my wife, those are the things that I enjoy.

I hear people saying he’s doing it for the money. Of course I am. That’s what we do. I’m a professional. fight for money. I have my whole life. But that’s not the only reason I’m fighting – 51 years old, I’m enjoying life.

I’m not fighting a 27-year-old No. 1-ranked opponent in the world. I’m taking fights that are interesting to me – ones that I think the fans will enjoy, that I definitely enjoy. I believe that I’m marketable business-wise. If these things all line up … I’m in.

Right now – and I’ve been doing this my whole life – I have to focus on one thing. I’m a very, very determined individual, and I’ve been that way through all my training. There is no tomorrow. And so I’m focused on Kimbo and I’m focused on doing my job and I’m focused on having fun doing it.

Ken Shamrock and Kimbo Slice headline a Bellator eventon June 20 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO.