Ken Shamrock's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 19, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Ken Shamrock.

Ken Shamrock is a retired American professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, currently signed to WWE. A UFC Hall of Fame inductee, he is considered a pioneer of MMA. Known as "The World's Most Dangerous Man," Shamrock headlined numerous UFC and Pride FC events and broke pay-per-view records. His impact in both MMA and professional wrestling has solidified his legacy as a significant figure in combat sports entertainment.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

September 21, 1993: Mixed Martial Arts Debut at Pancrase

On September 21, 1993, Ken Shamrock made his mixed martial arts debut at Pancrase, defeating Masakatsu Funaki by arm-triangle choke in the main event.

December 1994: Becoming the First King of Pancrase

In December 1994, Ken Shamrock became the first King of Pancrase, defeating Maurice Smith, Alex Cook, Masakatsu Funaki and Manabu Yamada to win the 16-man King of Pancrase Tournament.

July 14, 1995: Victory over Dan Severn at UFC 6

On July 14, 1995, at UFC 6, Ken Shamrock defeated Dan Severn to win the UFC Superfight Championship, marking a significant achievement in his MMA career.

September 8, 1995: UFC 7: Shamrock vs. Taktarov

On September 8, 1995, at UFC 7, Ken Shamrock defended his UFC Superfight Championship against Oleg Taktarov. Shamrock, uncomfortable fighting his teammate, aimed to win by causing a cut for a referee stoppage to avoid seriously injuring Taktarov.

February 1996: UFC 8: Shamrock vs. Leopoldo

In February 1996, at UFC 8 in Puerto Rico, Ken Shamrock defended his UFC Superfight Championship against Kimo Leopoldo, securing a kneebar and forcing Kimo to submit, marking Shamrock's second title defense.

2002: NWA World Heavyweight Championship

In the summer of 2002 Ken Shamrock held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

2002: First Match Since 2002

Ken Shamrock's victory over Joey Ryan on the October 29th episode of Impact! was his first match win since 2002.

November 21, 2003: Shamrock inducted into UFC Hall of Fame

On November 21, 2003, at UFC 45, Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock were the first inductees into the UFC Hall of Fame.

June 19, 2004: UFC 48: Shamrock vs. Leopoldo Rematch

On June 19, 2004, at UFC 48, Ken Shamrock returned to fight Kimo Leopoldo in a rematch, winning by KO. He injured his shoulder during the fight and required surgery.

2008: Ranked Among Top MMA Fighters

In 2008, Ken Shamrock was ranked by Inside MMA as one of the top 10 greatest mixed martial arts fighters of all time.

February 13, 2009: Fight Against Ross Clifton

On February 13, 2009, Ken Shamrock fought Ross Clifton, knocking him down and winning via arm bar in the first round.

October 16, 2010: Victory Against Johnathan Ivey

On October 16, 2010, Ken Shamrock fought Johnathan Ivey for the USA MMA promotion and won by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the bout 30-27.

November 30, 2018: Return to Professional Wrestling and BCW Tag Team Championship Win

On November 30, 2018, Ken Shamrock returned to professional wrestling for Battle Championship Wrestling in Melbourne, Australia, defeating Gabriel Wolfe and winning the BCW Tag Team Championship with Carlo Cannon.