"I'm looking at this fight just like any other. He's an opponent across from me that is dangerous and as long as I stick to my gameplan, then I will beat him...I want to dominate him and get my hand raised," stated MMA legend Ken Shamrock as he talked about his intriguing clash with Kimbo Slice on the October 4th CBS/EliteXC Saturday Night Fights card. Check out what he had to say about Slice, the fight and much more.
PC: How have you been doing Ken?
KS: I'm doing great. Thanks.
PC: Did you have to go straight into training camp when you were chosen as Kimbo's opponent or were you in the gym training already?
KS: I had to go into training.
PC: You've dealt with your fair share of injuries. How are you health-wise going into this camp?
KS: I've had more than my share of injuries, but I feel very healthy now.
PC: You don't have to suck down to 205 pounds anymore. Are you feeling stronger at heavyweight?
KS: When I do my best, I weigh 217 pounds and that's what I want to weigh for this fight. Due to the short notice, I don't know if I'll hit that weight, but that's my goal.
PC: People that look at your last 5 fights may say you shouldn't be fighting a big, strong guy like Kimbo. How important is it for you to prove your detractors wrong in this fight and prove you have some fight left?
KS: Everybody has a right to say what they want and due to the outcome of my last couple of fights, they have the right to say those things. It's up to me to put what they say to rest and I will.
PC: How much longer do you plan to fight Ken?
KS: As long as my body allows me to. As long as the fans want me to and as long as I am still capable.
PC: Who contacted you for the fight with Kimbo and what was your reaction?
KS: They contacted my agency and offered the fight. I was instantly surprised that they wanted to give me this opportunity and I welcomed it.
PC: Is this a fight you wanted?
KS: Yes, I wanted it since the England fight. We were in talks back then and it was supposed to happen. Due to some unforeseen issues, it wasn't set up as planned, but now I've got it.
PC: Going back to 1993, in your first fight with Funaki, did you think you would still be doing this in 2008 and what is the biggest change in MMA since then?
KS: As a fighter, when you first start out, you don't really think about the future. You just think about getting to the top. At that point in time, I was focused on my goal and wasn't really thinking about how long I would be fighting. It's nice to see how far the UFC and MMA have come and I am very excited to be part of MMA history.
PC: What do you think of Kimbo as a fighter?
KS: Kimbo is big, strong and has that mean look. He has great marketability. As for skills, he is way behind the 8 ball. He started his reign on top way too soon. He needed to be groomed more.
PC: Being one of the pioneers of mixed martial arts, I'm sure you saw some holes in Kimbo's game in his fight with James Thompson that you feel you can expose?
KS: He doesn't have a ground game. In looking at that fight, if anyone thinks that it will work out the same way with me, it's not going to happen. I bring out the best in everybody that I fight because of who I am.
PC: Like I said, some people may look at this and say, "he's too young and strong for you," but are you approaching this fight with the mindset that he's too inexperienced for you?
KS: I'm looking at this fight just like any other. He's an opponent across from me that is dangerous and as long as I stick to my gameplan, then I will beat him.
PC: Is there any chance we may see you and Frank Shamrock fight still?
KS: I've been asked that question a hundred times and I have said the same thing over and over for 5 years. The answer is yes. I have always said yes and the fight has never happened. Tell Frank I said that I think I'm old enough now to think he has an advantage. Don't wait too many years or I might be in a wheelchair. Maybe that's what he wants.
PC: What would be the perfect ending to this fight for Ken Shamrock?
KS: Winning! Raising my hand; that's all I am looking for. I want to dominate him and get my hand raised.
PC: When you first got into this sport, it was as underground as it gets. Now you have the opportunity to beat one of the most popular fighters in MMA right now on CBS. How does that feel?
KS: It feels wonderful considering the opponent I am facing. It's not Fedor and it's not Chuck Liddell, Quinton Jackson, Tito Ortiz or Randy Couture; it's Kimbo slice and that feels good.
PC: It's an honor, Ken, any time I get to do something with you. I have much respect for everything that you've done for the sport. Good luck against Kimbo in October. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
KS: I want to thank my fans for supporting me over the years. I know the last few years have been difficult, but this fight, I plan to bring some cheer into our corner.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]