Ken Shamrock heaps praise on former rival Royce Gracie for revolutionizing combat sports with his family's Jiu-Jitsu at UFC 1: "It was brilliant"

Ken Shamrock recently heaped praise on his former rival Royce Gracie for revolutionizing combat sports with his family's brand of Jiu-Jitsu at UFC 1. The Brazilian put his martial art on the map after submitting all three of his opponents to win the inaugural tournament.

The UFC Hall of Famers fought on three occasions during their legendary careers. Gracie submitted 'The World's Most Dangerous Man' in their first encounter at UFC 1. They fought to a draw in their second encounter, and the Brazilian earned a first-round TKO over Shamrock in their trilogy at Bellator 149.

While speaking to VladTV, the former super fight champion lavished praise on the Brazilian for his impact on combat sports. Shamrock mentioned that Gracie proved Jiu-Jitsu could be effective for self-defense regardless of physical stature. He said:

"I believed that it really turned the world upside down when it came to combat sports...I thought it was brilliant what they did, where they literally used [UFC 1] to put this thing that nobody had heard of...Gracie Jiu-Jitsu on the map...what they were doing was telling people, 'Listen, you don't got to be angry...violent...a fighter to be able to defend yourself with this style'...It's gotta be the number-one in self defense."

Check out Ken Shamrock's comments below (from 3:28 to 3:45):

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Ken Shamrock recounts initial thoughts about fighting Royce Gracie at UFC 1

In addition to heaping praise on his former rival, Ken Shamrock recounted what his initial thoughts were ahead of his semi-final bout against Royce Gracie at UFC 1.

During the aforementioned clip, Shamrock disclosed that he was confident that he would defeat Gracie easily en route to a clash with Gerard Gordeau in the finals, but was in for a surprise as the Brazilian submitted him. He said:

"Royce [Gracie] beats this boxer, Art Jimmerson...and so I just brushed it off and I was like, 'I'm going in this and I got ground skills. I'm in Japan, I'm the champion. I'm gonna hurt this guy'. I'm like in my head and I'm waiting for Gerard [Gordeau] already...The next thing I know, I'm tapping...I'm thinking to myself, 'How did this happen?...It was a humbling experience." [1:17 - 2:40]

Check out Ken Shamrock vs. Royce Gracie at UFC 1 below: