MMA
The First-Ever UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion
This article talks about the first-ever UFC light-heavyweight champion, Frank Shamrock, and his journey to becoming the first man to lift the 205-pound belt.
Frank Shamrock battles Nick Diaz//Getty Images
Frank Shamrock was the first-ever light-heavyweight champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, after winning the belt at Ultimate Japan, over Kevin Jackson, in 1997.
For those of you who are die hard fans of mixed martial arts, you will probably know the surname “Shamrock” very well. Indeed, Frank is the brother of Ken Shamrock, both of whom had legendary careers in the sport.
Frank was trained in a multitude of disciplines, which was quite uncommon in the 90's, and he mixed his grappling and striking together well. What made Frank effective is that he wasn't particularly known for a specific striking technique or submission, so this kept his opponents guessing, especially on the ground.
“The Legend” had 14 submission victories out of his 23 career wins, and he showcased various ways to end a fight on the mat. He used rear naked chokes, toe holds, knee bars, arm bars and even heel hooks.
But, how did he get to become the first-ever light-heavyweight champion in the UFC?
Frank Shamrock holds the record for the fastest submission victory in UFC light-heavyweight history (16 seconds), coming against Kevin Jackson in his UFC debut where he also won the inaugural 205-pound UFC title.
Frank Shamrock's Path to UFC Glory
Making his debut in 1994 against another MMA legend, Bas Rutten, Shamrock would begin his career with a majority decision win. However, he would have a very mixed couple of years where suffered some losses and draws, as well as claiming victories in between.
What made MMA fighters such monsters back in those days was the fact they were fighting a lot more frequently than they do these days, partly because of the money involved now so they don't have to fight as often, but also the medical and fighter safety side of things has drastically improved.
In his first year as an MMA professional, Frank Shamrock had 11 fights in that single year, which is absolutely ridiculous considering most fighters in the elite companies fight once a year. But, Shamrock was a true warrior.
Between September 1995 and July 1996, Shamrock would win seven out of his eight fights before suffering three straight defeats. And this is where Frank really reinvented himself as a fighter; after losing a split decision to John Lober in 1997, he would win four consecutive fights, and eventually the UFC signed him.
At the time, the UFC thought Shamrock was that talented that they put him in with Kevin Jackson in his UFC debut in Japan, for a chance to be the first-ever UFC light-heavyweight champion. Shamrock put an exclamation mark on his debut as he secured an arm bar inside 20 seconds of the very first round to become the inaugural 205-pound champ.
Four months later, Shamrock successfully defended his title by slamming his opponent, Igor Zinoviev, out cold inside 30 seconds of the fight. He would have another successful title defence in America before headlining the first-ever UFC card in Brazil, in 1998, against John Lober, and he got the job done in that one too.
Frank Shamrock's final fight in the UFC came at UFC 22, against the familiar face that is Tito Ortiz. Of course, hardcore MMA fans will remember that Ortiz had a feud with Frank's brother, Ken. Frank would successfully defend his UFC light-heavyweight belt for the fourth time before exiting the company.
The Evolution of the UFC's Light-Heavyweight Division
The UFC's light-heavyweight division was once upon a time the middleweight division, but after restructuring the weight-classes they decided to rename the 205-pound division light-heavyweight.
After “The Legend” departed the UFC, the rising star (at that time) Tito Ortiz claimed the vacant belt by defeating “The Axe Murderer” Wanderlai Silva in 2000.
Frank Shamrock's role as the first-ever light-heavyweight champion should not be forgotten. He dominated the division in the late 90's, earmarking himself as a pound-for-pound legend, and he eventually paved the way for modern greats at 205-pounds such as: Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, Daniel Cormier and, it goes without mentioning, Jon Jones.
Jake Staniland is a sports writer who excels in covering a wide range of sports: football, combat sports and the NFL - All three subjects are his lifelong passions.
Jake is a boyhood Sheffield United fan, which is often a curse that he thanks his family for. His favourite Blades player ever is Billy Sharp