Outrageous, outlandish, outspoken, and seemingly indestructible, Shonie Carter is one of the most popular and entertaining mixed martial arts fighters to have ever graced a cage. His exploits against opponents along with the stories from his life elevate Carter to a near legend in MMA, also called cage fighting or ultimate fighting. Although some critics say he's more about flash than fists, no one argues that Carter helped put his sport on the map.
Early Life
The man known as "Mr. International" is from Chicago. His father and uncle taught Carter Judo and wrestling as a child. "My style was Ghetto Roman," Carter says with a laugh. While earning his black belt in judo and a degree in art, Carter started mixing it up in underground street fights. As his legend grew in the makeshift rings of street fighting, the newly formed MMA came calling.
MMA
In the early 1990s the nascent MMA garnered significant attention thanks to Carter. He brought drama and humor to his brawls. It's hard not to notice a guy who strolls to a bare knuckled fight decked out in a custom made suit while sipping from a jewel-encrusted cup. His achievements in the ring were no less memorable. He introduced the "spinning backfist" to fighting when he took down Matt Serra and notched a win at Ultimate Fighting Championship 31.
Fight Record
Carter battled had more than 80 MMA battles, amassing a record of 49 wins, 26 losses, and seven draws. He claims there are many untold other fights in which he prevailed. The tale of one such battle exemplifies why Carter is called Mr. International and why his impact on ultimate fighting adds up to much more than the numbers in his win-loss record.
Tall Tales
After a night of hard partying in clubs, limousines, and someone's private plane, Carter says he woke up and saw the Turkish flag flapping outside his window. Not sure how he got to Turkey and lacking his passport, Carter logged onto the MMA Underground Forum seeking help. A match was arranged and, after defeating his opponent despite his hangover, Carter claims he was smuggled back to the U.S. without a passport check.
Legacy
It doesn't matter if the story is true. It's a compelling tale and burnishes Carter's lasting legacy as a fighter and an entertainer. After suffering five consecutive losses in 2010, Carter announced after 13 years he was hanging up his fists from mixed martial arts. The 39-year old former Marine said he's choosing to devote his time to teaching at Keller's Martial Arts in Chicago and might become a pro wrestler. Whatever he does next, Carter leaves MMA with his head held high as one of the most forceful and entertaining personalities to have ever competed in ultimate fighting.
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