One day you’re king of the mountain, the next day you’re road kill. That’s the way of professional fighting.

Former star Frank Shamrock finds out if he’s yesterday’s news or simply reloading for the next generation of mixed martial artists such as undefeated Cung Le (5-0). Showtime will televise the EliteXC-Strikeforce promotion live on Saturday, March 29 at HP Pavilion in San Jose.

Many moons passed when Shamrock slipped away from the world of MMA to enjoy life, family and perhaps even soak in the inner peace of maintaining a body and soul without physical trauma.

MMA had hit a dead end and the monetary returns and public approval ratings had peaked. So the Californian decided to take a sabbatical that headed toward total retirement in the fan’s eyes.

But he’s back, and he’s not alone.

In the most ambitious fight card pieced together by the two MMA organizations, several talented fighters are colliding in this Bay Area fight card including Drew Fickett and Gilbert Melendez to name a few.

“I’m proud to say I think we’re going to do over a million-dollar gate,” said Gary Shaw, EliteXC president. “I believe we have one of the best cards we’ve ever put on.”

It’s the Bay City brawlers and the world gets a chance to see them. For residents of the MMA hungry region, it’s time to answer the main question: is Shamrock the best? Or is Le the new top dog?

Shamrock (24-8-1) built a sizeable reputation in MMA but it went largely unnoticed because of the lack of exposure. Though he fought for UFC, Pancrase, WEC and other organizations, the world had not yet caught the MMA bug.

“I realized a long time ago that belts don’t mean anything. It’s easier to become a champion than stay a champion,” Shamrock, 35, says about winning various titles from different fighting organizations throughout his career. “To me it’s about how big we can make a promotion and how much attention we can draw to it.”

Now that nationwide audiences are able to see MMA fights coast to coast, Shamrock has re-entered the fight scene.

The big question remains, is he still a force?

“I’ve been in this sport for as long as I have because I’ve got something to challenge me. I’m an older guy,” admits Shamrock who fought only once between 2001-'06 before deciding to return to the pro fight circuit. “So I’m going for it.”

During the past six years Le has built a reputation as a slightly younger, hungry striker whose athletic prowess and legendary sparring sessions with various MMA fighters has created an almost mythical reputation.

“Now it’s finally happening,” says Le, 34, an expert in San Shou striking. “I think it’s a good thing for this fight card and this town.”

Witnesses to sparring sessions between Shamrock and Le spoke of the Vietnamese-American dominating the MMA champion in standup fighting. Both admit they have sparred, but also add that ground fighting was not part of their fabled sparring sessions.

“That was at the beginning of my understanding of striking,” says Shamrock about being out-fought in sparring sessions. “For me it’s just what fighting is about. I’m personally challenging myself.”

Now the old guard of MMA Shamrock steps in against the new striking-dominated style preferred by newcomer Le.

Shamrock realizes that a new wave of MMA fighters who are adept at fighting on their feet has taken over. Now he is determined to see if his years of taking butt-whippings from strikers like Le will pay dividends when they meet in the cage.

“Mixed martial arts is my game and kicking and punching are a huge part of it,” Shamrock says. “I saw the sport changing in 1999. And I adjusted my style and got my striking prepared for this modern day striking art.”

Has the MMA world passed Shamrock by?

Shields vs. Fickett postponed
The vacant EliteXC welterweight title will have to wait for a claimant. Jake Shields was forced to pull out of his fight with Drew Fickett (32-5) due to a back injury.

Fickett will now face Jae Suk Lim (9-3).

Casting call for Ultimate Fighter 8
Aspiring contestants for The Ultimate Fighter television reality show, produced by Ultimate Fighter Championships and Spike TV, can try out on Thursday April 10, at Sheraton Boston Hotel in Boston, Mass.

The process begins at 9 a.m. but contestants are advised to arrive early. Fighters must be 21 and over. The program is looking for fighters in the 155-pound division and the 205-pound division.

Applicants can sign up on UFC.com or Spike.com.

The hotel is located at 390 Dalton Street in Boston.

Fights coming up
Sat. March 29: Strikeforce/EliteXC: “Shamrock vs. Cung Le” at HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. (408) 287-7070.

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