5 SEG era UFC fights that never happened
The Semaphore Entertainment Group (SEG) era played a crucial role in laying the foundation for what the UFC has become today. SEG produced the inaugural event in conjunction with WOW Promotions. The original ownership created a product that quickly made them a serious player in combat sports. Their tournament format of matching fighters from multiple disciplines against one another made them a success.
Fighters wanted to prove that their respective backgrounds were the most effective and they finally had the platform to prove it. The champions and tournament winners during the promotion’s early years became MMA pioneers and earned their place in history. Although there were many big fights, the promotion missed out on many lucrative matchups largely in part due to financial constraints.
SEG couldn’t afford to pay their fighters once they gained popularity. This resulted in fighters like Ken and Frank Shamrock, Randy Couture, and Jens Pulver leaving the promotion for more lucrative offers. In 2001, Zuffa purchased the promotion and they eventually became the top MMA organization in the world. This list will look at five SEG era UFC fights that never happened.
#5. UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock vs. Tank Abbott
Ken Shamrock vs. Tank Abbott remains a missed opportunity during the UFC’s SEG era. The two MMA pioneers were set to clash in the semifinals of the Ultimate Ultimate 1996 tournament. However, Shamrock was forced to withdraw after breaking his hand during his submission win over Brian Johnston in the quarterfinals.
The fight never came to fruition as ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man’ left the promotion and joined WWE after the event. Despite not taking place in the tournament, SEG could’ve benefited had they made a strong push to reschedule the fight.
The promotion could have generated plenty of interest had they booked it in a main event as Shamrock’s final fight. At the time, he was one of the most popular fighters and one of the top pound-for-pound athletes in the sport. Abbott’s knockout power and ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man’s submission skills would have made for an intriguing bout.