What
is intriguing about this fight is legendary status of Frank Shamrock
and the possibly unrivaled stand-up of Cung Le.
Current
Strikeforce middleweight champion Frank Shamrock has been in the
MMA game for a long time. Shamrock is the younger, adopted, brother
of UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock. Frank Shamrock was the first UFC
light heavyweight champion and after defeating a young Tito Ortiz, “retired” leaving
the belt vacant. It has been said that Shamrock’s “retirement” came
in the prime of his career. Since that time he has had 5 fights in
just under 8 years. Frank Shamrock is known for his impressive ground
game, submissions, and cardio. On the ground, watch out for your
limbs.
Cung
Le is a San Shou master. San Shou is a Chinese martial art which
involves the use of kicks, punches, grappling, and throws. Cung Le
is well versed in all of these areas. Le’s MMA record stands
at 5-0 with 1 win by KO the rest coming via TKO. His striking is
probably rivaled by no other fighter except for possibly UFC middleweight
champion Anderson Silva. If you get close to Cung Le, watch out for
his dangerous kicks.
As
far as the fight goes, Shamrock will be looking to take this fight
to the ground and lock in a submission. Cung Le will need a
great takedown defense, keep his distance and throw his dangerous
kicks. If the fight hits the ground, which it inevitably will, Le
needs to keep his limbs in close and get back up.
San
Jose is a perfect place for this event to be held considering both
fighters are from the area. Which fighter will be the home town hero?
Probably the one who is winning. In my book, that is Frank Shamrock
by submission. Will this have an effect on the middleweight top ten?
I don't think so.
