Since Ken Shamrock can't seem to win and even when he is given a gimme fight he hurts himself, I made a top five list that even he might be able to make. Here we have the best of the senior tour—the old guys who still go out and fight for the love of the sport. God love 'em!
5. Ken Shamrock
Déjà vu! Huh, it seems like I was just talking about him. Ken may have fallen on rough times lately, but with a possible resurgence coming with possible EliteXC cards being offered, I give Ken the No. 5 spot for potential. Hmmm, 45 and I'm talking potential. Does that sound weird to you?
4. Dan Severn
Believe it or not, this guy (who is now receiving AARP checks) still climbs into the cage to duke it out with fighters who could be his grandkids. With over 100 fights on his pro resume, he has lost only two fights in the last five years, with one ironically coming to Seth Petruzelli. This guy is redefining over-the-hill in MMA, considering he is now approaching 55. 55!
3. Gary Goodridge
Sure, he lost to Buentello at Affliction: Banned, but in all seriousness, if a guy that is over 40 is good enough to get on that card, he's pretty good. He has been a mainstay in the K-1 stable for some time now, and has appeared on many PRIDE and UFC cards over the years. He's still chugging along and may still have more career to go on his amazing journey.
2. Oleg Taktarov
Since his resurgence in Bodog Fight in 2007 he has had a great streak. His submissions have looked crisp and smooth, most recently submitting Mark Kerr by kneebar, and his overall game looks like it has not lost too many of the vitals. His career from here on out will be something to watch for as a wiley veteran tries to hold his own in the constantly changing MMA world we know today.
1. Randy Couture
Need I even explain? The only thing I may add is that his legacy may be altered by UFC 91, whatever the outcome. I can't wait to see that fight. It's going to be a war!
12 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
dean tardio 9 months ago
bang on.
Edit Comment Cancel
John Falcetta 9 months ago
KEN Shamrock is THE most overrated fighter EVER!
Edit Comment Cancel
Kevin Curran 9 months ago
im not disagreeing except that in his prime he was nasty beating guys like Rutten in Pancrase and Severn in the UFC. Also, Kimbo and Chuck are more overrated. Or should I say Kimbo WAS.
Edit Comment Cancel
Joseph Lupoli 9 months ago
I would have put Renzo Gracie At Number 5, and Ken SCAM-rock at number 6. Other than that, I think your pics for the top five over-the-hill MMA fighters in very much on target, Kevin. Just the fact that you've recognized the resurgence of Oleg Taktarov shows me that you have done your homework. I though Oleg was dead or at least ruined for life when Gary Goodrich knocked him out cold an an early pride event, but amazingly, he later proved to be quite resilient even though he has always cut like wet Kleenex.
Joseph Lupoli
Edit Comment Cancel
Dorothy Willis 9 months ago
Cool article Kevin, but couldn't at least one of the guys have been a sixty-two year old for me to identify with?
Edit Comment Cancel
Joseph Lupoli 9 months ago
I'm fifty-one, Dorothy, if that's of any help. I'm an over-the-hill ex three-time pro arm-wrestling champ...is that close enough? LOL
Joseph Lupoli
Edit Comment Cancel
Nate Double 8 months ago
No Mark Coleman?
I'd take Randy of the list and throw Coleman into the mix. Couture's proven he's able to beat down the youngins.
Edit Comment Cancel
Michael Comeau 8 months ago
Does anyone know if Kerr plans to keep on fighting? He's younger than these guys, but he's pretty much over the hill.
Edit Comment Cancel
Nick Colon 8 months ago
Agree Nate...spot on dude.
Edit Comment Cancel
Mike Barraza 8 months ago
Ivan Salaverry, maybe Kazushi Sakuraba for his health.
Edit Comment Cancel
Kevin Curran 8 months ago
saku isnt old enough, also hehas lost a few in a row i.e manhoef
Edit Comment Cancel
Brian Oswald 8 months ago
What are your thought son Don Frye?
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.