MMA "Masters League"

This is an idea that, when I worked for The Fight Network, a lot of us would talk about. It’s the idea of an ‘old timers’ league that only allows fighters over the age of 45 to compete.

The idea really sprouted after watching Ken Shamrock get his ass handed to him over and over again. Shamrock can’t compete with the fighters of today and should have retired a long time ago.

There are many fighters in this situation that are past their prime but fans still want to see compete.

Not all of these guys are the right age for the “masters” league but here’s a quick list off the top of my head...

- Dan Severn (he’ll be turning 56 this year and he hasn’t stopped competing since UFC 4)

- Ken Shamrock

- Kimo

- Sakuraba (over the last couple of years some of his fights have been horrendous... he needs to stop)

- Gary Goodridge (he still competes in K-1 but it’d be nice to see him in the mix)

- Royce Gracie (who wouldn’t want to see the man who built the UFC back in competitive action)

- And finally, Mark Coleman and Randy Couture

The big matchup set for the next UFC event between Coleman and Couture will show us if a bout like this could be entertaining.

Randy Couture is the only exception to a LONG list of fighters that were good (back in the day) but haven’t evolved with the sport. Coleman, Shamrock and Royce are all the EXACT same fighters they were back in the 90s. They have not evolved and eventually every fighter gets passed by.

A 45+ promotion would also give opportunities for other fighters that didn’t quiet have what it took to be a super star back in the day but may have stayed in good enough shape to compete once he reached the required age.

This is just an interesting thought that I thought I would share and maybe you have some favourite fighters of your own from back in the day that you might want to see fight again ... on a competitive level against guys that aren’t light years ahead of his skill/fitness level.

If you’ve got an extra $1Billion burning a hole in your pocket, it might be worth considering.