Frank Shamrock

About

Former mixed martial artist, coach, author, and television commentator known for being one of the pioneers of modern mixed martial arts including becoming the first UFC Middleweight Champion along with helping popularize a well-rounded fighting style that combined wrestling, striking, and submission grappling.

Before fame

He met Bob Shamrock as a youth who was a foster parent who helped troubled teens and also raised future MMA champion Ken Shamrock. He moved to Susanville, California and trained in martial arts alongside Ken Shamrock at the famous Lion's Den training camp. He eventually became part of the Shamrock family and adopted the Shamrock surname when he was 21 years old. He made his professional mixed martial arts debut in December 1994 in the Japanese promotion Pancrase. He won the UFC Middleweight Championship in 1997. He defended his UFC title four times and retired from the promotion in 1999 while still champion. He eventually became a Strikeforce Middleweight Champion and WEC Light Heavyweight Champion. He officially retired from professional mixed martial arts in 2009 and began working as an MMA commentator and analyst.

Trivia

He won the UFC Middleweight Championship in 1997 after defeating Kevin Jackson by submission in just 16 seconds in one of the fastest championship victories in UFC history. He published his autobiography Uncaged: My Life as a Champion MMA Fighter in 2012.

Family life

He was born Frank Alisio Juarez III. He was born and raised in Santa Monica, California. He had a difficult childhood that included time spent in foster homes and youth facilities. He is the adoptive brother of MMA fighter Ken Shamrock.

Associated with

He defeated Tito Ortiz at UFC 22 in 1999. He also fought Cung Le.