Athletes - Frank Shamrock

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	Athletes - Frank Shamrock

Frank Shamrock (born Frank Alisio Juarez III on December 8 1972 in Santa Monica, California) is an American mixed martial arts fighter. Shamrock was the first Middleweight champion in the UFC and retired as the 5-time undefeated champion. He has not been defeated since January 1997. Shamrock was also crowned a king of Pancrase, and was awarded the title The Fighter of The Decade. He is the adoptive younger brother of MMA fighter and former professional wrestler Ken Shamrock.

Biography

Childhood

Coming from a broken household, Frank Juarez bounced between various foster homes, group homes, and crisis centres from the time he was 12. He was eventually taken in by Bob Shamrock, who had adopted hundreds of troubled boys (including Frank's older brother Ken). Juarez went to live with Shamrock at his home in Susanville, California, and was officially adopted by Shamrock at the age of 21. As his brother Ken did previously, Frank would later formally adopt Shamrock as his surname in tribute to the man who turned his life around.

Pancrase

In 1994, realizing that Frank needed a positive outlet, Bob Shamrock persuaded Ken to train Frank in submission fighting. Despite an early distaste for the violence of mixed martial arts, Frank accompanied his brother, an eminent fighter, to bouts in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and eventually grew to love the sport. He became a member of Ken's training school, the "Lion's Den", and made his debut in the Pancrase organization (of which Ken was champion) in December of 1994.

Shamrock found success in Pancrase, but after Ken departed the company, Frank's relationship with the organization soured. He lost to Bas Rutten in May 1996, and later that year lost to John Lober in Hawaii's Superbrawl. After his loss to Lober and some soul-searching, Shamrock decided to give his all to mixed martial arts.

Within the "Lion's Den", Frank trained up-and-coming stars such as Jerry Bohlander, Pete Williams, and Guy Mezger. He also developed a close relationship with another eminent martial arts personality, kickboxer and UFC superstar Maurice Smith, who trained him in kickboxing. Shamrock went on to compete in the RINGS promotion, as well as in Japan Vale Tudo '97 and UFC Japan. However, in 1997, he had a massive falling-out with Ken and his adoptive father, Bob. They haven't been on speaking terms since a few years ago. All have reconciled.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Shortly afterwards, Shamrock fought the undefeated Kevin Jackson for the UFC lightweight title. Jackson had beaten Lober in Extreme Fighting and was an accomplished wrestler. Shamrock proved to be just the match for Jackson, and made him submit to an armbar in 14 seconds to take the lightweight title (which UFC later renamed the middleweight title). He went on to defend the belt successfully against Igor Zinoviev, and Jeremy Horn. In October 1998, Shamrock avenged his earlier loss to John Lober by beating him in 7 minutes at UFC Brazil; Lober had made the return match personal by sending dirty e-mails and cursing at Shamrock and his wife, Angelina.

In September 1999, Frank Shamrock defended his middleweight title against Tito Ortiz at UFC 22. It was a titanic back-and-forth battle, with Shamrock winning after an elbow and punches to Ortiz's head. After the match, Shamrock felt he had achieved all he could achieve at that time. He relinquished his title and retired from the UFC. Interestingly enough, Ortiz would win the tournament for the vacated title, beating Wanderlei Silva at UFC 23.

Acting and kickboxing

After his retirement, Shamrock tried his hand at acting, landing a guest role on Walker, Texas Ranger and doing a Burger King commercial. However, he quickly lost interest and returned to his lifeblood, mixed martial arts. He signed a deal to fight jiu-jitsu standout Elvis Sinosic at K-1, the premiere kickboxing event in the world. After yet another tough battle, Shamrock beat Sinosic via unanimous decision. Later, when Sinosic faced Ortiz for the UFC light heavyweight title (formerly the middleweight title) at UFC 32, Shamrock served as guest commentator. On August 11 2001, he took on Shannon Ritch in a kickboxing match for K-1. Shamrock had once trained Ritch, and showed his expertise over his former protege, breaking Ritch's arm and winning the match in 56 seconds with a roundhouse kick.

Return to mixed martial arts

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