Forget the usual preamble. This fighter needs no long-winded introduction.

The Z-Files brings you “The World’s Most Dangerous Man.”

This is Ken Shamrock.

 

Z-Files: As you and I speak, you’re in Las Vegas and we’re just 24 hours away from the premiere of “The Ultimate Fighter - Season 3.” The highlight clips airing on Spike feature the in-your-face hostility between you and Tito Ortiz. Does that trend continue all season?

 

Shamrock: I would say it’s definitely on edge most of the time. You’ll just have to see the show. I think at most times it’s what you’d expect when Tito and I are in the same room.

 

Z-Files: So what would happen if say there are no referees, no rules and it’s you and Tito locked up inside a 6x12 cell?

 

Shamrock: Well, sometimes he’s a cool person and I’m a cool person so maybe nothing would happen. But if he starts running off at the mouth like he usually does then I’ll have to beat him up.

 

Z-Files: He just seems to be able to push your buttons.

 

Shamrock: When there’s nobody around, he keeps his mouth shut. When we’re by ourselves in a room, nothing happens. But when people are around he’s always cocky. He likes to have an audience. He knows that if he and I are in a room and he was to start mouthing off, I’d have to light him up.

 

Z-Files: So what was being a coach on “The Ultimate Fighter” like for you?

 

Shamrock: It was pretty interesting because I’m used to being in a controlled environment. I bring in who I want to train with. All these guys who on the TV show have spots automatically waiting for them, they’re gaining public recognition and they’ve got instant stardom and for a lot of them it went straight to their heads. It got to be pretty interesting dealing with their egos and some of them had very big egos.

 

Z-Files: I would guess that would have been difficult for you to deal with?

 

Shamrock: It was very difficult. But really it didn’t matter to me. I want to train with guys who want to train and if these guys wanted to train, we’d train. If they didn’t, I’ve got better things to do. I’m not able to force my style of training on them and I’m not going to change. But if it had been up to me I’d have kicked three-quarters of my guys off the team.

 

Z-Files: How did training guys for “The Ultimate Fighter” differ from your training at the Lion’s Den?

 

Shamrock: The Lion’s Den training is a lot more rigorous. After the tryouts, a lot of guys quit. Those that make it, they want to learn and they want more. “The Ultimate Fighter” was more like a little test. It wasn’t even one-quarter of what a Lion’s Den tryout is like.

 

Z-Files: Did that difference sort of bother you then because it wasn’t as challenging to the fighters as the Lion’s Den?

 

Shamrock: Some of them (at “The Ultimate Fighter”) thought they were too good to be there and some of them just wanted to get some TV time and some of them were great to work with so it was a mixture.

 

Z-Files: Was your experience a good one then?

 

Shamrock: I’m not saying I wouldn’t do it again. It was a good experience. It definitely tested me to certain levels. I’m definitely more comfortable in my zone with my family. It was a good experience and I did enjoy it. If I train and teach 100 guys and I get one good one then it was good for me and I did meet some good ones.

 

Z-Files: Can you tell me about some of the guys currently in the Lion’s Den?

 

Shamrock: We do have a lot of young guys. But Joe Hurley is doing very well and he’s got his head on straight now. He’s up for the WEC title. We have some great guys living in the house. Mikey Burnett is making a comeback. Vernon White is also in line for a WEC title. We’ve got a lot of guys who are up-and-comers who we’re building up in the smaller organizations and then hopefully they’ll make the step up to the bigger organizations.

 

Z-Files: So how about bringing some of your guys up to Canada and fighting in the Maximum Fighting Championship?

 

Shamrock: I’d absolutely love to come back to Canada and have my guys fight. Right now we have a lot of loose ends to tie up in the States but then I’d love to come up to Canada.

 

Z-Files: Do you miss professional wrestling?

 

Shamrock: I don’t miss it. But if I was asked to do it again I’d say yes. It was fun doing it but right now I have a lot of things on my plate that are more important than trying professional wrestling again.

 

Z-Files: You mentioned to me that you are very focused on fighting Tito again. What did you learn from your first fight with him that will prepare you for the rematch?

 

Shamrock: In the first fight it was more me than Tito. I have to make sure that I’m prepared to go a hard three rounds. I know what he’s got and I know I will stop him if I’m ready. On that night, the better man won, but I’ll be the better man next time because I’ll be better prepared. There won’t be any obstacles that will keep me from doing my job.

 

Z-Files: Does it all boil down then to you being better prepared this time?

 

Shamrock: I know how it will turn out because I believe I will win. But even if I don’t win and I’m able to fight to the best of my capabilities then I’ll be 100% happy.

 

Z-Files: Are your most of goals short-term targets or do you have any long-range plans?

 

Shamrock: Everything is short-term targets. I’m focused on fighting Tito and I’ve got the reality show. But now that he’s back, Royce Gracie is there for me. If I beat Tito, Royce and I have some unfinished business. I know I only have a short career left. I probably only have a couple of good fights left in me and that’s it.