Legendary Frank Shamrock will defend his Strikeforce middleweight title against unbeaten Cung Le in the main event of a stellar, eagerly anticipated EliteXC-Strikeforce co-promoted mixed martial arts extravaganza Saturday, March 29, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
Tickets for “Shamrock vs. Cung Le,” priced from $30, are on sale at the HP Pavilion box office (408-287-7070) as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (408-998-TIXS), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com), EliteXC’s official website (www.ProElite.com) and Strikeforce’s official website (www.Strikeforceusa.net).
In the co-feature, top welterweight contenders Jake Shields and Drew Fickett will clash for the vacant EliteXC crown.
Following is a transcript of a conference call that took place yesterday.
QUESTION: What are your thoughts on fighting Cung Le, fighting on SHOWTIME at home and defending your title?
FRANK SHAMROCK: First of all, welcome everybody, and thanks for your support. Fighting Cung Le in San Jose is an absolute dream, not only for myself, but for the city. It’s really brought our martial arts community together for one common cause. The whole town’s talking about it. It’s probably the biggest thing that’s happened here in a really long time. So I’m really happy to be a part of it.
Cung has been a friend of mine and adversary of mine for a long time. For us to finally get in and mix it up, it’s a beautiful thing.
I also want to thank all the media who supported our charity event March 22 in San Jose for breast cancer. You guys have been absolutely wonderful about it. If you haven’t received information on it, or you want to add more support, please email me at Frank@FrankShamrock.com. Cung Le, you better keep your hands up.
CUNG LE: I will.
QUESTION: Cung, what are your thoughts on the fight?
LE: I’d like to thank Strikeforce, Scott Coker, EliteXC and Gary Shaw for putting this fight together. Thank you to Frank for accepting me to challenge you for your title.
I’m just very excited to be part of this event, especially with everyone matched up on this card. I think this is probably the best match‑up of the year and probably going to be the best fight card of the year. I’m looking forward to fighting my heart out, and putting on a show.
QUESTION: Jake, what are your thoughts on the fight?
JAKE SHIELDS: First off, I want to thank Gary Shaw for giving me the chance to fight for the title. I’m really excited for the fight. It’s right near my hometown. I’m fighting Drew Fickett, who I think is a great opponent. I’ve got a lot of respect for him. I think me and him should match up well. It should be a great fight.
QUESTION: Drew, what are your thoughts on the fight?
DREW FICKETT: I want to thank Jake for taking this fight. He’s never really ducked anyone. He fights everybody. I think he’s a very underrated fighter. I think stylistically we match up pretty well. I hope we bring the best out of each other. I hope we can push each other, and hopefully I can make it five rounds and do really well.
PROMOTER GARY SHAW: Obviously, I want to thank all the reporters for getting on this call. On March 29 in San Jose, we have a terrific card. Obviously, I don’t have to speak for Frank or Cung or absolutely any of the fighters. They all can speak very well. I believe we have one of the best cards we’ve ever put on.
I’m proud to say I think we’re going to do over a million dollar gate. I believe that we’ll do somewhere around 15,000-17,000 people. That just shows how big this fight is. I mean, we have a great card with Joey Villasenor against Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos, Nick Diaz against Jae Suk Lim, Gilbert Melendez against Gabe Lemley, Jake and Drew and Frank and Cung.
You know, there is a lot at stake here, but especially for Frank Shamrock and Cung Le. I mean, this is truly for the king of the Bay Area and the king of San Jose. One of them is going to walk with his head high that night and through town the next week or two, and the other won’t feel quite as good.
It’s the young against the old. It’s a stylistic fight. Obviously, the most important thing is the health, safety and welfare of every fighter. The most important thing is that everybody walks out of the cage healthy.
This will be a great night for the fans, and a great, great night for all of these fighters, and the best night for MMA. So I thank you all very much.
QUESTION: For both fighters, how long has this fight been in the works? It seems you guys have been talking about fighting each other for a long time. What was your reaction when the fight was finally signed?
LE: I think it’s been about six years. Now, it’s finally happening. I think it’s a good thing for this fight card and this town. I can’t wait to step into the cage against Frank.
SHAMROCK: From my end, Cung Le exaggerates a little bit because we’ve never actually sparred in MMA. We’ve only sparred in his sport of San Sho because, like most people, he’s afraid to go to the ground with me.
But it has been in the works for five or six years. Cung’s a wonderful athlete. And I’ve always viewed him as someone, who, if he learned the art, would make for a good fight.
QUESTION: Jake, you’ve waited a long time for this opportunity. How are you looking at this fight, and the fact that you’re finally getting a shot at the world title?
SHIELDS: First of all, I’m excited I’m finally getting to fight for that title. I’ve been in the sport for a long time. I’ve had some titles in Japan and stuff. But this is one of the most legitimate titles in the world. So I’m excited.
Like I said earlier, Drew’s a really tough opponent, good ground, good stand‑up, so I’m prepared for the war.
SHAW: Drew, to his credit, earned the shot at Jake by beating Mark Weir in Cage Rage. And, obviously, everybody knows Jake’s record, and how long it is since he’s tasted defeat.
QUESTION: Drew, do you think that you have more experience than Jake?
FICKETT: Probably not. He’s probably been fighting as long as me, but he’s fought in Japan and Shooto. I remember when I was beating Sakurai, I was working with my favorite fighters and I was kind of upset with that. I was like oh, Sakurai, I’m so excited. He’s been fighting in bigger shows than I have. So I have to say Jake has more experience.
SHIELDS: Drew has fought a few more shows. We’ve fought about the same amount of time. Experience‑wise, it was pretty good to me.
FICKETT: Were you pretty freaked out when you were watching Sakurai?
SHIELDS: I was so excited. I couldn’t believe I had that opportunity. And to go beat him was really cool.
FICKETT: I just saw that fight the other day. That was a scramble, man.
SHIELDS: Yeah, it was quite an opportunity for me.
QUESTION: Gary, you’ve been making huge strides in mixed martial arts over the past years, signing big fighters, securing network television deals, co‑ promoting with the likes of Strikeforce, putting together this fantastic card with Cung and Fickett and Shields. Is there any reason why you aren’t making a play for a Couture‑Fedor match up, seeing how they’re fair game at this point?
SHAW: That’s a very good question: Until Randy Couture is absolutely out of his contract with UFC, everybody knows me and my reputation. I do not torturously interfere with anybody’s contract or any fighter. I respect the fighter, I respect the contract and, believe it or not, I respect the UFC.
I’ve talked with Fedor. I don’t deny that, but I have not approached Randy Couture and I can’t approach Randy until I know that he’s out of everything with the UFC. But I’d be thrilled to put it on.
QUESTION: When that comes, would you be interested in signing that deal?
SHAW: I would sign it in less than a heartbeat.
COMMENT: Fantastic. Thank you very much, Gary, and good luck with this upcoming fight.
SHAW: Thank you very much. I’m proud to be a part of this with Scott Coker. I think it’s a great, great event. And I’m very, very proud to represent Frank Shamrock.
QUESTION: Frank, not to look past Le by any chance, what do you think about a rematch with Ortiz?
SHAMROCK: Obviously, our main focus is this Cung Le fight. But, yeah, I think it’s a great idea. I think there are a lot of strengths and brand value in some of these old timers like myself and guys like Ken.
Yeah, I’ve been talking to Tito about it and we’re trying to work it out. Hopefully, it will come to fruition. About 10 years after I last whipped him, I plan on whipping him again.
QUESTION: Frank, how do you feel you match up with him now that he’s had all the back problems and such?
SHAMROCK: Well, he’s always been kind of a big bully guy who wrestles well. So I beat him last time on striking when my striking was really terrible. You know, I beat him on striking and conditioning. Now my striking is 10 years more advanced and my conditioning is even better, so I just think I would destroy him. But it would still be a great money fight, and I think it would be a great story and promotional event.
QUESTION: Do you ever feel like you should match‑up with other champions of other organizations that EliteXC has acquired or been in with?
SHAMROCK: Yeah, I’ve got so many belts I don’t have a place to put them. I just stack them up in my gym. So I realized a long time ago that belts don’t mean anything. It’s easier to become a champion than to stay the champion. For me, it’s just a way of life. If they give me a belt, that’s great. If they don’t, I could really care less.
SHAW: Let me just interrupt, because Frank’s on a good point. There comes a time in fighter’s careers that it’s all about the fights. It’s no longer about belts or trinkets.
But at Frank’s stage of his career right now the most important fight he’s got as he said is the one in front of him. And that is Cung Le. After that, there are a lot of big fights out there for Frank.
Obviously, Tito Ortiz would be a big fight and I’m a big fan of Tito’s and hope Tito and I are going to do business together. There is Ken Shamrock out there and brother against brother and bad blood. So there are a lot of fights out there for Frank.
But on behalf of Frank, I want everybody to know that for Frank it’s only about big fights. The biggest belt is the one that I wear around my fat waist. But on a serious note, for Frank, it’s strictly about the big fights at this stage of his career.
SHAMROCK: What Gary said is true. To me it’s about how big we can make a promotion, and how much attention we can draw to it and how well it’s received with the fans. So I’d rather fight a guy like Phil Baroni who can sell a match like nobody else in the world and then take a beating like nobody else in the world, than a champion who can’t put two sentences together and who doesn’t draw a big crowd.
QUESTION: Drew, what kind of fight do you expect?
FICKETT: A pretty exciting fight with a lot of scrambling, lot of striking, lot of ground. I think Jack and I are going to push each other like we haven’t been pushed before, which is going to be good for both of us. I think this is the first time I’ve really been motivated for a fight in last few years.
QUESTION: Jake, do you feel like this is going to be your toughest opponent?
SHIELDS: Definitely up there, one of them. As far as tough opponents it’s definitely one of the toughest. I’ve fought guys like Masaki and I definitely put Drew up there at that level. I’m taking him really seriously. I’m ready for war. Like he said, he’s motivated. When Drew comes in shape looking good, he’s definitely tough.
QUESTION: Cung, what does this fight mean to you and the whole San Jose area?
LE: This is the biggest fight of my career. I think this is one of the biggest fights in San Jose to date. I’m just looking forward to it. I’ve been training so hard for this fight, and I’m looking forward to stepping in the cage against Frank.
Frank’s been around a long time. He’s got a lot of wins against big names like Tito. And I’m looking to match‑up. Frank says he’s going to knock me out in the second round. If Frank chooses to stand, I think we’re going to have a great fight. They’ll put us in that cage and just Rock ‘n’ Roll.
QUESTION: What made such an accomplished kick boxer like you want to try this sport?
LE: Actually it was Frank’s old trainer, and now my trainer, Javier Mendez. He talked me into doing MMA. Back in 2006 he said ‘the time is now, MMA’s about to explode.’ I said, OK, I’ll give it a shot.
Frank and I were on the same card in March two years ago and it was a sellout. I guess there were over 18,000 that showed up. We’re expecting another big show.
Two years later, I’m just fortunate to have the chance to compete for a title and fight someone like Frank. It’s only been two years for me in the MMA game, and I just feel like I came in at the right time. I was at the right place at the right time and have been blessed. Frank gave me the shot, and I’m grateful. I’m going to do everything I can to take that belt away from Frank.
QUESTION: Frank, what did you think about Ken Shamrock’s fight recently at Cage Rage? Can you give your thoughts on that fight?
SHAMROCK: Sure. I was pretty disappointed in his performance. You know, I don’t know if he’s still got the heart of a lion in him. Granted the guy was a little bigger and had some better reach on him.
I know Ken’s skill level and I just think he’s having trouble connecting his desire with his mind and his body and then putting all of that together to be an exciting fighter. I hope he’s still got plenty left in him because I plan on taking a little out of his (butt) as well.
SHAW: He told me he’s got enough to take you, Frank.
SHAMROCK: I sure hope so.
SHAW: On a serious note, he was sick that night. He got some type of stomach ailment, so he didn’t go into the cage 100 percent. But he absolutely told me he’s got enough to take your (butt).
SHAMROCK: (Laughing).
SHAW: All right, you’re laughing.
QUESTION: Jake, you were recently promoted to black belt. Was it mostly a symbolic thing for you, or would you consider it a milestone in your career?
SHIELDS: Mostly a symbolic thing. I’ve been competing in tournaments for years in high levels. I’ve been going to the Black Belt Division. I think I’ve competed at that level for a while, but it’s definitely nice to get the recognition and get the belt from Caesar (Gracie). Everyone knows Caesar doesn’t give out belts easily. Now it’s just me, Nick Diaz and David Charles. There are only three, so it’s quite an honor.
QUESTION: Frank, you said you want keep this fight standing and you want to go for the knockout. Could you tell us why, of all things, you would choose to strike with a striker?
SHAMROCK: Well, you know, I’ve been in this sport for as long as I have because I’ve got to have something to challenge me. I’m an older guy. My art has been tweaked many years ago to be a striking art. As far as the last decade, most of what I’ve studied has been striking. And I think it’s just time for me to try out my striking.
It might be a little dangerous, but it’s not like we’re not in a dangerous sport. So I have the utmost confidence in what I do. And I think that Cung Le is a great striker. But I don’t think he’s prepared for an MMA striking match. And that’s just my strategic analysis of the match. So I’m going for it.
QUESTION: Cung, the stand‑up would seem to be your big strength in this fight, right?
LE: I think it’s a big smoke screen. Frank’s a very intelligent fighter. And of course, he’s going to put it out there that he’s going to strike with me. And really, I think, he’s going to test the waters a little bit and probably jump for half guard or look for the ankle locks and start hunting for my knees. That’s what I think.
I believe, of course, the battle starts early with Frank trying to get into my mind. Then trying to put out what he’s going to do out there, making me think that he’s going to strike. But, you know, I’m also a very intelligent fighter and I’m prepared for what Frank is going to come with. If he chooses to stand, (that’s) great. If he doesn’t, I’ll be on my bicycle, stepping out of the foot locks.
QUESTION: Cung, what’s your background? We know you’ve had some wrestling, but how is your ground game in wrestling and submissions?
LE: I was an All American in high school and I went to West Valley Junior College and I won the state there, too. I pretty much wrestled from the eighth grade to freestyle, to Greco Roman, to collegiate wrestling. I trained with Caesar and Hoff a bit when they were together. It was too much of a commute for me. I stopped going after three or four months.
And then I started doing strictly stand‑up. Now I go over to A.K. where I have Paul Shriner and Garth Taylor. Then I go out there and train. Jake comes up to the A.K. We have all kinds of great sparring partners and guys that are really round up in the stand‑up and the ground game. So I learn a lot.
I’m just excited to be part of this mega event. I’m going to focus and stay focused on Frank and not worry about who is next. I also know that things always happen in threes. So, watch out, Frank. It always happens in threes.
QUESTION: Frank, do you think this bout’s going to last very long?
SHAMROCK: Well, if Cung Le runs from me, I think that it might last a while. It will take me a little while to run him down. I think Cung Le has a good strategy. I know he’s going to punch, kick and then wrestle.
I don’t think it’s going to go very long. I don’t think it will go past two or three rounds. I’m going to push the pace really hard and try to finish it in two because my wife’s pregnant and I want to make sure I’m home with her just in case the baby pops out. Other than that, I don’t think it’s going to be a long fight.
QUESTION: Cung, your thoughts on the length?
LE: Frank can believe whatever he wants to believe. But we’ll see come March 29. If he believes he’s going to chase me down striking, great. I’ll feed him plenty of punches and kicks so he can run into all of them.
QUESTION: Frank, there are a lot of rumors that when you and Cung Le did spar, that he was a world class above you. How do you respond to those rumors?
SHAMROCK: Oh, well, they’re all true. Cung Le kicked my (butt). I was basically his sparring partner in his sport. We only did San Sho, and I sucked at San Sho. That was a great many years ago. And that was at the beginning of my understanding of striking. Now it’s just a different level, different story. But time will tell. You know, my actions in the ring will make everybody understand.
QUESTION: Frank, what is it like the three hours before a fight? What do you do? What do you think about?
SHAMROCK: I have a light meal about three hours before. Then I take a nap just after that. I drive to the arena about an hour and a half before the event. I check in. I read for about 30-40 minutes. I go out and say hi to my friends, family, sponsors and people that are there. And the last hour I warm‑up, focus my mind and go out and do my job.
QUESTION: What do you read?
SHAMROCK: Right now I’m reading the “Fred Factor,” which is a book on how to focus your life and be a unique and interesting, exceptional person.
QUESTION: Frank, it’s interesting that you’re talking about striking or going after a guy in the stand‑up who is really an accomplished stand‑up fighter, even though he’s relatively new to MMA. Is this kind of like a personal thing because of all the quote, un-quote (butt) kickings you got in the past? Is that why you want to beat him at his own game?
SHAMROCK: No, for me, it’s just what fighting is about. I’m personally challenging myself. If I fight somebody in their game and they kick my (butt), that’s the way it is. If I fight a wrestler and they outwrestle me, that’s the way it is. Mixed martial arts is my game and kicking and punching are a huge part of it.
For me, I saw the sport changing in 1999. It really developed into a striking sport around that time. And I, in turn, adjusted my style and got my striking prepared for this modern day striking art. I’ll put it to you this way: Cung Le is the right guy at the right time for me.
I don’t know, it may be a bad call, but as I go through my record you’ll see that I’ve never been knocked out, tapped out, submitted or gave up in an MMA match. So it’s time for me to try something new and different. Everyone figured I’d take down Phil Baroni and work on the ground on him and he ended up taking me down. I just think that Cung Le will end up doing the same thing.
QUESTION: There’s a lot of talk about Anderson Silva, the middleweight, being the best pound‑for‑pound fighter on the planet. What are your thoughts about that claim?
SHAMROCK: Well, I think I’ve been named that guy several times over the past 14 years. So I think that it’s fleeting. It’s exciting, but I certainly don’t think he’s the best in the world. I think he’s probably one of the best guys in the UFC.
But all the best fighters are not in the UFC. So, hopefully he can hang on to that and make something out of it and gain some fame. But if I ran into him, they’d be calling me that guy.
SHAW: Before you go to the next question, until someone beats Frank, then Frank is the single best in the world. If Cung should beat Frank on March 29 in San Jose, then Cung Le will be the best in the world. And as Frank said, there is no single organization that owns the best fights or the best fighters. But in this case, the best fighter in the world, hands down, bar none, for sure, is Frank Shamrock.
QUESTION: Cung, your kicks are very wild. Are you worried about one of your kicks and your legs getting caught? I know Frank can stand with you, but if he does take you down with one of your leg kicks, are you worried about that?
LE: I’ve been working on the ground too, so if he does take me down, I’ll scramble to get back on my feet so we can keep it standing where he wants it.
SHAMROCK: Thank you.
QUESTION: Gary, have you ever seen the same type of reaction from the fans as you have seen for this main event between Cung Le and Frank Shamrock?
SHAW: Well, you know, every fight has its hype and every fight hopefully is a great promotion. I’ve got to say on behalf of Frank, he understands great promotions and what promoters do.
I thought the Kimbo fight in Miami had a huge amount of heat. Now we’re coming into San Jose, and we’re coming into California on the west coast. For me, this is the biggest fight that we’ve had. I believe this is a lot hotter even than Baroni.
But this is a case where it has intense heat in the Bay Area. And, in this case, there are two different gyms, two different fighters with a distinct fan base – both for Frank and Cung. And probably people that dislike each fighter equally as much as they like each fighter. So in a way it’s a promoter’s dream.
The gate is showing that, the attendance is showing that and the fans are going to be rewarded with a great fight. As I sit and listen to what Frank is saying and what Cung Le is saying, even I’m starting to try to think what Frank is going to do when he comes out and how is he going to do? And how Cung is going to react? So for me, it’s a great fight.
QUESTION: Jake, what’s the difference in training for this fight as opposed to training you’re your last fight against Mike Pyle?
SHIELDS: There is a difference in the fights. One, this is going to be a five‑rounder, which is different, so you have to prepare a little more. They’re both good grapplers. (But) I think Drew’s a little stronger, a little more experienced.
So training is pretty similar. It is doing the same stuff. Basically I’m just ready. Only difference is I have a little more cardio in this one because I’m ready to fight five rounds instead of three.
QUESTION: Drew, what did you learn in your fight with Josh Koscheck?
SHIELDS: I learned from that fight that I wasn’t at the level that Koscheck was at; that I wasn’t going to try to wrestle with him. I didn’t wrestle at all in that fight. I planned on giving up the takedown or catch him into submission and trying to knock him out like I almost did a few times throughout the fight. I almost caught him on a couple of submissions and caught him with some knees. It worked out good for me.
Jake’s a good wrestler, but I think he would agree that neither of us are as good as Koscheck, who is undefeated as an NCAA Division 1 Champion. So I think the wrestling will be a little more both ways.
QUESTION: Drew, what is your prediction?
SHIELDS: I never predict fights. I just know it’s going to be one hell of a fight. And the rest of the card is so stacked as well. All night long it’s probably going to be the best fight card of not just the year, but maybe of the century.
QUESTION: Gary, is there any information on when the first CBS card will be held and what type of fights you would like to have on that?
SHAW: Yeah, there will be a CBS press release going out tomorrow announcing when the first fight card is and announcing who some of the fighters on that card are. So I don’t want to preempt it. But it is sooner, much sooner than later, and we think we have a great card put together, and we’re very, very excited to be on CBS.
I think that the announcement will surprise some people. It’s just exciting. This is the single biggest thing that I think will ever happen to any fighter or to MMA to have the ability to be seen by over 100 million eyeballs.
QUESTION: Can you leak the date on that at all when the fight will be?
SHAW: No, I don’t do that. CBS is going to release a worldwide press release tomorrow, and everybody will get it at the exact same time. Except Jake Shields and Frank — because they fight for me. I’m going to tell them the secret.
SHAMROCK: We’re going to get it right after the press release.
QUESTION: Drew, how concerned are you about this first fight in EliteXC being a title fight?
FICKETT: I don’t really think like that. Like Gary was saying earlier, I’m about the fights, man. I think it’s cool to fight in EliteXC. Gary’s treated us really well and they’re really organized, so I’d like to thank them for that. But I’m more excited to fight Jake than for a title, if you will.
QUESTION: Jake, as far as this winning streak that you have going, what has changed between your last loss, and now, aside from earning the black belt in Jujitsu?
SHIELDS: I’m just taking the sport a lot more serious. After my last loss, it sucked really bad. I hate losing. So it just got really serious. And cardio, I think cardio is the crucial key to fighting. Making sure you’re in shape. I take everything more serious.
QUESTION: Gary, you’ve got Gilbert Melendez, the Strikeforce lightweight champion, fighting on this card. Have you given more thought to inter‑promotional title fights with Gilbert maybe fighting KJ Noons or Keith Edwards or Robbie Lawler fighting Frank Shamrock?
SHAW: We always think in those terms. One of the differentiator for EliteXC is we allow our fighters to fight for other organizations as proven by Nick Diaz fighting Gomi, or Eddie Alvarez fighting in the Orient last week, and winning. I like Scott Coker very much. I think we do great co‑promotions together — the first one we did together in San Jose followed by this one.
So would I do that? Absolutely. You know, I have a lot of respect for Gilbert Melendez. I like him on a personal level. I think he’s a great kid. And I’d love to have him fight for an EliteXC belt against our top fighters as well.
Going back to what you said about Frank — Frank’s world class, and it’s only about the big fights. I like putting great fights together. I think Jake Shields is probably the best in the world. But I have a lot of respect for Drew. When we put a fight together, we’re interested for the fans and putting on the most competitive fights.
We think that Drew fits that bill. When he won over in England, it just proved our thoughts. So he earned the shot, now he’s fighting the best in the world. And like I said about Cung, if he beats Frank, he’s the best in the world. And in my book, if Drew beats Jake, then Drew’s going to be the best in the world.
When KJ beat Nick Diaz after the Nick Diaz beat Gomi, he was so proud to say I’m the best in the world because Gomi was the best. Nick beat him, and now I beat Nick. And I’m a firm believer in the man who beats the man who beats the man. I think those are the fights that really mean something that prove something.
So the short and the long answer is, yes, I would work with Strikeforce and Scott, for sure. And there are other organizations that I believe that I’d love to work with as well. When the UFC gets some religion, and allows their fighters to fight other fights, then that’s going to be the greatest thing ever for mixed martial arts.
QUESTION: Gary, when will we see two fighters from your organization, Robbie Lawler and Gina Carano, fight again? Can you give us an update?
SHAW: How about just waiting for tomorrow. As I said, there will be a CBS press release coming out tomorrow worldwide.
QUESTION: Cung, how you feel about your build‑up as far as transitioning to MMA and the opponents that you’ve fought? Do you think that it’s a jump and that Frank Shamrock could be a bit dangerous to your career?
LE: You know what, not at all. It’s a win‑win situation. Everyone’s been saying that I need to step up, so Frank is a huge step up. I’m just grateful that I’ll have the opportunity to fight Frank.
QUESTION: Jake, how does it feel fighting in front of basically what’s going to be a home crowd?
SHIELDS: I want to fight in my home area so it is going to be interesting and just a great feeling having all my friends and fans there. It’s both good and bad. It’s nice having that support, but it’s going to make me a little more nervous, too. But it’s nice to be at home.
QUESTION: Cung, how is your transition game as far as going from stand‑up into the ground game?
LE: The transition has been good. I’ve got a great camp, a lot of good guys to train with. I’ve trained with Jake. I’ve trained with Koscheck. I’ve trained with those guys, and against those guys you have to learn, and you’ve got to learn quickly. I’m always a student of the game. I’m just very excited to be fighting Frank Shamrock.
QUESTION: Frank, San Jose has become one of the better markets in the country for MMA. In many ways the fight with Cung Le is sort of the culmination of it since he was the semifinal in the big fight with Cesar Gracie a few years ago. It’s sort of been going towards a fight with Cung Le. Where do you feel MMA in San Jose is going to go from here? Do you think it’s going to continue to have the success it’s had so far?
SHAMROCK: I definitely think the success of it will continue. The reason we’ve always done so well here, and Cung will attest to this, San Jose, we’re a small big city. Everybody loves martial arts. We’re a very tight‑knit community here. You know, they really support their martial arts here. They really support their martial arts competitors.
You know, this is a win‑win situation for Cung, for the sport and for everybody else. I’m the one who has everything to lose here because if I lose this fight it changes the landscape of what’s going on. But it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to take. Because if I do lose, maybe Cung Le will fight me again, maybe he won’t. But either way, something monumental will have happened here. That’s what San Jose is looking for in mixed martial arts.
It was monumental when I came here in 1997 and started teaching everybody mixed martial arts. It’s now time to see where we go from here.
QUESTION: What kind of bread is Kimbo making?
SHAW: Well, he makes little white bread. He trains hard, so he gets mostly whole grain. So I know Frank and Jake, and Cung and Drew would be very proud of me for only giving him healthy bread.
One thing I don’t discuss is what fighters get paid. But no fighter has ever left us for money. Nobody has ever left us because we didn’t treat every fighter whether they have a belt or don’t, like a champion that they are. So if you fight for EliteXC, believe me, you get treated like a royal prince.
QUESTION: Drew, what are your closing thoughts?
FICKETT: Oh, I just want to say good luck to everybody. Good luck with training. Thanks to Gary and Scott for giving me a chance, a good, fair contract and for treating the fighters well. Good luck to Jake. We’ll see what happens.
QUESTION: Jake, closing comments?
SHIELDS: Yeah, I want to thank Gary and the rest of the EliteXC people for giving me a title shot. Thank you Drew for stepping up and fighting me. I think everyone should watch the fight. It will be a great fight. I think Drew and I match up really well. He’s a great fighter. It sounds like he’s coming in ready for war. I know I am. I definitely plan on putting on a good fight. It’s going to be a great, great fight for the EliteXC world title.
QUESTION: Cung, before your closing comments, do you think that Frank’s making a mistake by fighting you at this time?
LE: You know what, I can’t say that. I’ve got to thank Frank for giving me the shot at fighting him and for his title. Like Frank says, you’ve got to take the risk, make things happen. So I think win or lose, this is going to be a big fight.
Definitely, you know, with all of the fights stacked underneath us, we’ve got a big load to carry on our shoulders because there are going to be some great fights and we’ve definitely got to come out that night and perform.
I’m just looking forward to it. So for all the fans, don’t miss it. Better get your tickets before it sells out.
QUESTION: Frank, closing comments?
SHAMROCK: Thanks everybody, Scott Coker, Strikeforce, Gary Shaw, Pro Elite and Showtime. This is what mixed martial arts is truly supposed to be about. I wish all the best to all the fighters fighting. Drew, you guys kick ass. You know, this is the future right here.
I think this is really a really monumental card. Not just because it’s happening in San Jose, but because of the quality of fighters on the card, and the quality of fights I think that we’re going to see or they’re going to see.
Yeah, you know what, I want to thank Cung for stepping up. It was time for him to take some risks. You know, there is no bigger risk than fighting me. I think we’re going to have a great show. So thanks, everybody.
QUESTION: Gary, closing comments?
SHAW: I thank you. First of all, I wanted to thank Scott Coker, my co‑promoter for working hand in hand with myself and my staff. It’s going to be a terrific night of fighting. And always, there’s no one bigger in our organization than the fighters — because without the fighters, there is no promotion. Without the fighters, there are no great fights.
So, for each and every fighter on this call whether you fight for me or you fight for Scott, it doesn’t make a difference. I personally thank you for taking the challenge, because every one on this card that is fighting is in tough fights and are in real challenges. So I thank you all very much.
Again, all credit to Scott Coker and Strikeforce, as well as my staff at EliteXC for being able to bring this card to San Jose and on national television on a worldwide stage. To Ken Hershman and Showtime, I always thank them for having the vision to put this on the air that will now enable us to go on to CBS primetime. It’s going to be tremendous for mixed martial arts. This is the explosion that guys like Frank Shamrock have waited many, many years for to happen.
So, Frank, thank you for making this happen. Cung, thank you for being willing to step up and take the challenge. Jake, you know, I think you’re the best fighter in the world at this weight right now. And Drew, all the confidence in the world to you. May the best man win. And always, I wish you all the health, safety, and welfare of coming out of the cage in great shape. Thank you all so much.
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