PRO MMA (promma.info) has learned from sources close to the Lion’s Den that former WWE superstar, Bobby Lashley (1-0) will fight another former WWE wrestler, Ken Shamrock (27-13-2) on March 21st at the Civic Center in Pensacola, FL. The bout is part of a combination MMA and Boxing card promoted by Roy Jones Jr. called “March Badness” that will be shown live on Pay-Per-View.
Both fighters were very successful in the world of pro wrestling during thier respective times, Shamrock from 1997-99 and Lashley 2005-08. Shamrock is a legend in MMA, being one of the first real stars of the sport and one of its earliest successful competitors. He competed in the very first UFC beating Pat Smith by heel hook before losing to eventual winner Royce Gracie in his second fight.
Ken was inducted into the UFC Hall-of-Fame along side Gracie in the first ever UFC Hall-of-Fame inductions at UFC 45. After losing five straight fights many thought Ken should have retired from the sport that he helped build, but at 45 years old it appears he is trying to prove he can still be the fighter he once was. His last fight was a victory over the mammoth Ross Clifton at his own promoted ‘War Gods’ show in Fresno, CA on Febuary 14th, 2009.
Bobby Lashley, now training with American Top Team, is new to the world of MMA having only one pro fight. He defeated Joshua Franklin by TKO in round 1 in December of last year. While still green inside the cage, Lashley is not new to combat sports. Lashley is a 2x NAIA Wrestling Champion and 2x Armed Forces Champion while he served in the ARMY.
Lashley is also a physical specimen at 6’3 265lbs with a chiseled physique and excellent athleticism. A win over Ken Shamrock at this stage of his career may not prove a lot in the eyes of hardcore fans, but it would give Lashley a chance to to get his name out there.
Fans wil alsol be interested to see if Shamrock can really put together back-to-back victories after so many years of defeat. His supporters will be wondering if ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man’ can revive the worthiness of his monicker.
While Shamrock isn’t the threat he once was, Lashley still has to be aware of the veteran’s skills. Will Lashley use his supreme athleticism and youthful advantage to overwhelm Shamrock or will one of the pioneer’s of MMA prove he still can hang with the younger more athletic up and comers of the sport?
Shamrock vs. Lashley on March 21st will be a good indicator how much longer a veteran can stay competitive and how far a novice still has to go.
For full details of the event see our article on Roy Jones, Jr.’s combination Boxing / MMA event.
By: Dusty Adams