8 Craziest Fighters From The Early UFCs

The physical embodiment of intensity, Ken Shamrock combined ruthless aggression, unmatched athleticism, and shoot wrestling experience to great success in the early days of the UFC. In a time where many of the sport's competitors could be easily mistaken for drunken brawlers, Shamrock looked, and carried himself, like a professional athlete.

Shamrock is such an MMA pioneer that his fight career actually predates the first UFC event, with 'The Worlds Most Dangerous Man' having fought in the Japanese promotion Pancrase just four days prior taking part in UFC 1.

Shamrock's early success in the UFC saw him dominate fighters completely unfamiliar with submission wrestling. In his promotional debut, he faced Pat Smith who had stated in his pre-fight package that he was unable to feel pain. Less than two minutes into the fight Shamrock would test that theory by locking in a tight heel hook, causing Smith to shriek in agony and submit, while the bewildered referee seemingly unaware of the existence of leglocks looked on.

Though Shamrock would later lose to Gracie at the inaugural event, the American would establish himself as one of the best fighters on earth before making the switch to pro wrestling and signing with the WWF in 1997.