Brian Shaw, a towering figure in the Strongman arena, has been a symbol of unparalleled power, amassing an impressive four World’s Strongest Man titles. However, post his retirement from the sport at the 2023 Shaw Classic, whispers filled the air about Shaw’s next move. It’s a question he addressed in a recent YouTube upload, promising a chapter as riveting as his Strongman feats.
A New Arena, An Old Competitiveness
The video, intriguingly titled ‘Becoming The Most Dangerous Man On Earth’, shed light on Shaw’s latest endeavor. The former Strongman is venturing into the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). This isn’t a mere dabble; Shaw intends to face an opponent in the ring, although he’s holding back on revealing the identity for now. With a shift as dramatic as this, Brian Shaw’s transition from lifting atlas stones to mastering arm bars promises to be a journey worth tracking.
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Brian Shaw’s Unexpected Transition to MMA
Once an aficionado of arm wrestling, Brian Shaw’s sporting trajectory has taken an unexpected turn. While few could have predicted his inclination towards Mixed Martial Arts, a confluence of serendipity and personal intrigue led Shaw to this surprising decision. It appears that when the right door of opportunity opened, Brian Shaw, with his characteristic zeal, chose to walk through it, embracing the combat world of MMA.
“I had no clue that I was going to be presented with an opportunity to get into MMA fighting… I thought it was something that wasn’t real, and it did get my attention because there is a contract involved.”
The Allure of Starting Afresh: Shaw’s Bold Leap into MMA
For many, the prospect of venturing into uncharted waters after scaling great heights in a familiar domain might be daunting. But for the likes of Brian Shaw, success is not an endpoint; it’s a journey. The allure of MMA for Shaw wasn’t the fame or the potential accolades. Instead, it was the siren call of a new challenge, of stepping into an arena where every technique would be a lesson, every bout a fresh test. For Shaw, the thrill lies in learning, adapting, and conquering anew.
“I started to think about what I would gain from doing this. I did want to drop weight, and this is something that will force me to do that. In turn, I also get to learn; I get to go back to being a beginner… It is very mentally stimulating for me.”
Brian Shaw’s Unrestricted MMA Entry: A Game of Unlimited Potential
The world of MMA, while familiar from a distance to Brian Shaw, presented certain constraints that might deter someone of his stature. Chief among them was the weight limit — a stipulation that fighters should not exceed 265 pounds. For many, this might have been a formidable barrier, but Shaw’s entry into the MMA realm came with a twist. His contract uniquely allows him to compete in the open weight class, offering him the liberty to remain uncapped in terms of body weight.
As he delves into this new discipline, Shaw isn’t leaving anything to chance. He’s handpicked an elite team to guide his transition. Over recent weeks, he’s been rigorously training under the watchful eyes of industry stalwarts like Cody Donovan, Vinnie Lopez, Loren Landow, and Joe Kenn. With such expertise in his corner, Shaw’s MMA journey promises to be as electrifying as his Strongman exploits.
“I will approach this just like I have approached anything else in my life. You put this in front of me; give me a deadline; give me an MMA match; I am going in to win. I’m going in to dominate. I feel as though you can put anybody in front of me, and I am going to figure out a way to make this happen.”
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From Strength to Strategy: Brian Shaw’s Evolving Fight Game
Brian Shaw, celebrated as the “Strongest Man On Earth,” is under no illusions about the journey ahead in the MMA world. It’s a path fraught with challenges and learning curves, but one that he’s embracing with fervor. As he delves deeper into the intricacies of the sport, Shaw is learning to channel his immense strength in more nuanced ways. Adapting and harnessing his colossal frame for the rapid, strategic movements required in MMA is no small feat. Yet, as he evolves, Shaw is steadily transforming into an indomitable force — a looming threat to fighters everywhere.
“With what I am learning right now, I think the danger level for anyone going against me is going to be very very high… It is going to get very exciting as we lead up to this coming in early 2024.”
Brian Shaw’s Remarkable 2023: From Peril to Triumph and New Beginnings
The year 2023 has unfolded as a series of highs and lows for Strongman legend Brian Shaw. Beginning with a daunting health scare—leg cellulitis that teetered on the edge of necessitating an amputation—Shaw demonstrated resilience by seeking timely medical intervention. This grit carried him forward as he trained for what would be his swansong in the World’s Strongest Man (WSM) event, ultimately finishing in a commendable seventh place.
But the crowning moment came during the 2023 Shaw Classic. Not only did he clinch the title in this self-named event, but he also chose this victorious moment to announce his retirement from Strongman competitions. However, the win was not without its setbacks; Shaw endured a pec tear, a painful reminder of the demanding nature of his sport.
Stepping into a New Arena: Brian Shaw’s MMA Pursuit
Post-recovery, Brian Shaw’s career trajectory took an unexpected turn. In a move that surprised fans and fellow athletes alike, Shaw declared his entry into the world of MMA. Yet, listening to Shaw articulate his aspirations and commitment to this new venture, it becomes evident that this isn’t a fleeting interest. His passion and dedication, hallmarks of his Strongman career, are set to fuel his journey in the MMA ring. With a record of overcoming obstacles and emerging triumphant, there’s little doubt about Shaw’s potential to excel in this arena.
Endorsement from an MMA Aficionado: Joe Rogan Weighs In
Adding weight to Brian Shaw’s potential in MMA is none other than Joe Rogan, an iconic voice in the MMA community. Having seen snippets of Shaw’s impressive Strongman feats, Rogan was unequivocal in his admiration. He mused about the challenges of grappling with someone of Shaw’s stature, remarking, “Imagine trying to do Jiu-Jitsu with that guy (Brian). He’d smoke everybody.” While the idea of Shaw mastering MMA might have seemed far-fetched in yesteryears, with his determination and Rogan’s endorsement, the once-impossible now seems entirely within reach.
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Overview
Brian Shaw, a dominant figure in the world of Strongman with four World’s Strongest Man titles, has retired from the sport and embarked on an unexpected journey into the realm of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). He’s set to compete in open-weight class MMA, a significant shift from his former Strongman career. With a deep-seated passion for MMA and a commitment to learning, Shaw is poised to bring his immense strength and dedication to a new arena, and his progress has garnered the attention and endorsement of notable figures in the MMA community, like Joe Rogan. His transformation from Strongman to MMA promises to be an inspiring and electrifying journey.
Featured Image @ShawStrength (Instagram & Youtube)