The Longest UFC Fight in History: A Deep Dive
In the early days of the UFC, there wasn’t the strict 25-minute time limit that we have now. This is why, on April 7, 1995, during UFC 5, fans got to see something truly memorable, the very first UFC Superfight featuring Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock. The fight was scheduled for 30 minutes, but since neither fighter could finish the other, officials decided to add an extra five minutes. In total, they fought for 36 minutes before it was ruled a draw. It wasn’t just a crazy brawl, it was a tense and tiring game of grappling and positioning that tested both legends to their physical and mental limits. Even today, it remains the longest UFC fight in history, a record that probably won’t be broken with the current rules.
Image source: Frame grab from Youtube(“Royce Gracie vs Ken Shamrock 2 | UFC 5 (1995)” © UFC)
UFC 5 Epic Showdown: Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock
Royce Gracie(The Godfather)
Height: 6’1″ (186 cm)
Weight: 180 lbs (81.6 kg)
Royce Gracie, a member of the well-known Gracie family, was a key figure in the early days of the UFC and demonstrated just how effective Brazilian jiu-jitsu could be. By the time UFC 5 rolled around in 1995, he had an impressive record of 8-0 in the organization, with victories at UFC 1, UFC 2, and UFC 4. His approach was straightforward: close the distance, pull guard, and secure a submission. However, during the UFC 5 Superfight against his rival Ken Shamrock, this strategy faced its biggest challenge. For 36 minutes, which was the longest fight in UFC history at that point, Gracie found himself fighting from his back while Shamrock maintained a dominant position on top. Neither fighter was able to secure a finish, resulting in a draw that is remembered as a tough test of endurance.
Ken Shamrock(The World’s Most Dangerous Man)
Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
Weight: 180 lbs (81.6 kg)
Ken Shamrock came into UFC 5 in 1995 with the goal of avenging his only loss to Royce Gracie from UFC 1. Representing the Lion’s Den, Shamrock combined his raw strength with real submission wrestling skills. During their Superfight rematch, he followed his strategy: avoid Gracie’s guard, maintain strong top pressure, and counter the BJJ legend’s moves. For 36 intense minutes, which was the longest fight in UFC history at that time, Shamrock dictated the pace. Although neither fighter achieved a finish, the draw demonstrated that he could effectively neutralize Gracie, keeping their rivalry alive.
The following table presents the detailed fight event information, including fighter names, outcomes, and event specifics.
| Category | Details |
| Event | UFC 5: The Return of the Beast |
| Date | April 7, 1995 |
| Venue | Bojangles Coliseum(formerly Independence Arena), Charlotte, North Carolina, USA |
| Fight Type | UFC Superfight Championship |
| Fighters | Royce Gracie (Brazil) vs Ken Shamrock (USA) |
| Result | Draw (Time Expired) |
| Scheduled Time Limit | 30 minutes |
| Overtime | 5 minutes (added after regulation) |
| Total Duration | 36 minutes (31 min regulation + 5 min overtime) |
| Referee | John McCarthy |
| Weight | Both weighed in at 180 lbs (81.6 kg) |
| Height | Gracie – 6’1″ (186 cm), Shamrock – 6’0″ (183 cm) |
| Significant Strikes Landed | Shamrock: 10 of 22 (45%), Gracie: 3 of 12 (25%) |
| Total Strikes Landed | Shamrock: 98 of 123, Gracie: 355 of 366 |
UFC Time Limits Have Changed
In the early days of the UFC, there were no weight classes or time limits. Fights went on until one fighter emerged victorious. However, after the 36-minute draw between Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie at UFC 5 in 1995, changes were necessary. That lengthy and tedious fight prompted the UFC to implement time limits and rules to safeguard fighters and simplify event broadcasting. This was the start of a more organized and professional phase for the sport.
Modern UFC Rules:
- Non-title fights: 3 rounds × 5 minutes = 15 minutes
- Title fights & main events: 5 rounds × 5 minutes = 25 minutes
