The sport of MMA as we know it was born in 1993, which was only 31 measly years ago. Since it’s so young, there is a short history. This makes it easier to look back, especially with the number of organizations we have seen in a brief period of time. With that being said, the majority of fighters have competed under multiple banners throughout their careers. Here are five MMA fighters that have competed in the inaugural event of more than one promotion.
1. Ken Shamrock
Organizations: UFC, Pancrase
Pioneer and Lion’s Den founder Ken Shamrock actually made his MMA debut on September 21st, 1993 at Pancrase’s debut show Pancrase: Yes, We Are Hybrid Wrestlers 1. He faced promotion co-founder and future Japanese star Masakatsu Funaki. Shamrock eventually took him down and mounted him, forcing him to tap to an arm triangle choke. It wasn’t until two months later that he made his now famous debut in the octagon at UFC 1. Since it was a tournament format he fought twice that night, the first was making short work of Pat Smith via heel hook in less than two minutes. The second match-up, which turned into a historic rivalry, was that of Royce Gracie. Although Shamrock couldn’t see himself losing, he tapped due to a gi choke Royce applied. Ken went on become one of the biggest stars in the sport and finished his career with a record of 28-17-2.
2. Dan Severn
Organizations: PRIDE, WEC
In October of 1997, the future UFC Hall of Famer faced UFC veteran and fan favorite Kimo Leopoldo at PRIDE 1. In a largely uneventful 30-minute bout that had even the Japanese crowd uncharacteristically booing, Severn finally secured a takedown in the last minute. That proved to be insufficient, as the fight was ultimately ruled a draw. Fast forward to 2001, The Beast was matched up against Travis Fulton in a rematch at WEC 1: Princes of Pain. Already having beat Fulton once, he was able to take him down early and control top position for majority of the fight. He won the bout via unanimous decision. Dan’s last fight was in 2012, and he finished his long career with a whopping 101 wins. His overall record is 101-19-7.
3. Eddie Alvarez
Organizations: Bellator, DREAM
Before The Underground King ever ventured to the UFC, he was a champion in three organizations. In 2008, DREAM was founded in Japan by former top dogs at PRIDE and K-1. Eddie already had 13 professional fights at this point, having captured the MFC Welterweight Championship earlier in his career. On March 15, 2008, Alvarez competed at DREAM 1, in the opening round of their Lightweight Grand Prix Tournament. He faced notable striker Andre Amade from Chute Boxe Academy. After being dropped by Amade, Eddie recovered. He scored a takedown, then was able to mount Amade and finish him by strikes in the first round. Just a year later, Eddie made a grand entrance at Bellator 1 on April 3, 2009. He faced Greg Loughran, who hurt him early with a left hook. Alvarez came back to submit Loughran with a guillotine choke in the opening minutes of the first round.
4. Shinya Aoki
Organizations: DREAM, Rizin
Although we already have DREAM covered, we’d be remiss to leave out The Grand Master of Flying Submissions. Known as one of the best lightweights outside of the UFC for a very long time, Aoki has competed in many high-level organizations. After 16 professional fights and going undefeated in PRIDE, Aoki also participated in the Lightweight Grand Prix at DREAM’s inaugural event on March 15, 2008. He was matched up against striking veteran Gesias (JZ) Cavalcante. In a bout that largely consisted of Shinya being out struck on the feet, he was frequently on his back, urging Cavalcante to jump into his guard. Later on in the first round, the fight was stopped after Aoki was shooting for a takedown and Gesias landed some controversial elbows. The fight was deemed a no contest. Seven years later, Aoki competed at Rizin Fighting Federation 1 on December 29, 2015. His dance partner was none other than Japanese MMA and Pro Wrestling icon, Kazushi Sakuraba. After a brief exchange, Aoki immediately got a takedown. The entire six-minute fight displayed Aoki landing hard ground and pound from the mount position. Sakuraba’s corner stopped the fight in the first round.
5. Josh Barnett
Organizations: Sengoku, Impact FC
Josh Barnett is a man who has fought all over the world in many premier organizations including the UFC, PRIDE and Strikeforce. He is a former Pancrase and UFC champion. In 2008, the Warmaster himself fought at the inaugural event of Japan’s Sengoku Raiden Championship titled Sengoku First Battle. He faced PRIDE veteran and Judo stylist Hidehiko Yoshida, submitting him with a heel hook in the third round. Barnett later competed at Impact FC 1 on July 10, 2010 against heavyweight KO artist Geronimo Dos Santos. Geronimo had most of his previous fights in Brazil, facing very few quality opponents. Josh got a trip takedown in the opening seconds of the fight, securing mount position almost immediately. He would go on to finish Dos Santos in under three minutes.
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