Shamrock: Well, I attribute it to standing by my brand. I’m a businessman and I’m honest about the things I want and the things I want to do. When you work for the UFC they control you. Anything and everything, they want to capitalize on you and make as much money as they can until their done with you. They’re not concerned about your legacy, they’re not concerned about your brand, there not concerned about your fan base. They’re concerned about their brand, their fan base. I’ve just been successful because I’m an honest person, you know. I do what I think is right, I represent myself well and I fight my heart out. And I think that’s what the fans what to see; someone that they can relate to and somebody that fights hard.

MMAFightline: How have things been different with the current companies that you fight for, Strikeforce and EliteXC?

Shamrock: With Strikeforce and Elite when I do a fight or an event it’s a collaborative thing. They ask me what I think about marketing ideas. They ask me for my ideas and allow me input in both direct and indirect marketing. They allow me to exercise my brand. They don’t tell me what my brand is going to be inside of their company. And that’s a big difference [from the UFC]. When your in the UFC they tell you, ‘Well your gonna fight that guy and then your going to fight this guy and we’re going to do the marketing for you the way we want to’ and for me I believe in my brand and I know what I want to say and I know what I think is the most impacting. I go with my gut and EliteXC and Strikeforce let me do that.

What is the future for companies like ProElite and Strikeforce?

Shamrock: Well, I think all companies have a chance. Especially companies that are managed well, run well and do good business. I think it depends on how much of the market share you want to try and grab. ProElite and Strikeforce…all the companies have a chance to do a lot of good if you run a tight ship. As soon as you start cutting corners and taking advantage of talent, people and other businesses, you know, that’s when you run into trouble.

Be sure to check back for part two of our interview with Frank Shamrock as he goes in depth on growing up with his brother Ken, their up coming fight and thier strained relationship.