Issue 064
July 2010
The Hall of Fame is a coveted place inhabited by only the very best figures in the sport. To be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, one must be seen to have contributed to the development of the sport and left a lasting imprint on future generations. Get to know the seven men whose legacy will live forever.
ROYCE GRACIE
IN BRIEF
The brother selected to introduce the Gracie way to a wider audience.
DATE INDUCTED
November 21, 2003, at UFC 45.
WHY?
Three-time UFC tournament champion; his deeds revolutionized the way people think about martial arts.
GREATEST UFC MOMENT
Finding the armbar to finish Kimo Leopoldo at the end of their exhausting UFC 3 scrap.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
His reputation was damaged by ill-advised comebacks and a drug scandal. Now travels the globe teaching at his network of affiliated schools.
KEN SHAMROCK
IN BRIEF
‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man’ played a major part in popularizing the sport.
DATE INDUCTED
November 21, 2003, at UFC 45.
WHY?
First UFC Superfight champion. Shamrock’s rugged fighting-style and knack for feuding made him pay-per-view gold.
GREATEST UFC MOMENT
Applying a guillotine against Dan Severn at UFC 6 to finally claim a title with the promotion.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Recently completed a 12-month suspension after testing positive for a banned steroid.
DAN SEVERN
IN BRIEF
The man who proved that high-class amateur wrestling experience was an ideal base for Octagon success.
DATE INDUCTED
April 16, 2005, at UFC 52.
WHY?
‘The Beast’ mauled his way to two early UFC tournament wins and a Superfight title. His immaculate moustache and tight wrestling trunks made him an iconic figure.
GREATEST UFC MOMENT
At UFC 4 he took Marcus Bossett down and subbed him in less than a minute – a statement of intent.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
At the age of 52 and with over a hundred fights on his record, Dan is still going strong.
RANDY COUTURE
IN BRIEF
The most popular fighter in the game. Thanks to his charm, humility and all-action cage performances, he became the face of the UFC.
DATE INDUCTED
June 24, 2006, at The Ultimate Fighter Season 3 Finale.
WHY?
‘Captain America’ held titles at two different weights. Competed in 15 title bouts.
GREATEST UFC MOMENT
Came out of retirement and upset the odds, sending the Ohio crowd wild at UFC 68 by outstriking the giant Tim Sylvia to take the heavyweight crown.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Randy still headlines UFC events. He has also built a movie career and is involved in running the Xtreme Couture gyms and clothing line.
MARK COLEMAN
IN BRIEF
The ‘Godfather’ of ground ‘n pound. A true pioneer who took wrestling in MMA to the next level.
DATE INDUCTED
March 1, 2008, at UFC 82.
WHY?
Two-time tournament champion and first holder of the UFC heavyweight belt.
GREATEST UFC MOMENT
Overcame Don Frye in a grueling war to take the UFC 10 final.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
After some stirring performances in his second UFC spell, ‘The Hammer’ was released from his contract after losing to Randy Couture in February 2010.
CHUCK LIDDELL
IN BRIEF
His explosive brand of sprawl ‘n brawl was instrumental in converting the masses to MMA. ‘The Iceman’ delivered when it mattered.
DATE INDUCTED
July 10, 2009, at the UFC 100 Fan Expo.
WHY?
Jointly holds the record for most Octagon appearances (22), including a record ten UFC wins by KO or TKO.
GREATEST UFC MOMENT
His rematch with Tito at UFC 66 smashed the million-buy barrier. His fists smashed Ortiz’s face.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
After two heavy defeats and a spell on Dancing with the Stars, Chuck came back, coaching on The Ultimate Fighter and headlining UFC 115.
CHARLES LEWIS JR
IN BRIEF
Along with fellow TapouT crew members ‘Punkass’ and ‘Skyskrape’, he turned his passion for MMA into a multi-million dollar business.
DATE INDUCTED
Posthumously inducted on July 10, 2009, at the UFC 100 Fan Expo.
WHY?
TapouT became a huge part of MMA and the UFC in particular. Fans warmed to the enthusiasm and irreverent attitude displayed by ‘Mask’ and his partners.
GREATEST UFC MOMENT
The over-the-top, theatrical speech he made via the big screens to introduce Chuck Liddell at UFC 43.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Mask was tragically killed in a car accident in Newport Beach, California, on March 11, 2009.
