There has been a great deal of change within the world heavyweight landscape within the past 12 months. While notables such as Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski have taken steps back after multiple losses, new blood such as Brock Lesnar, Brett Rogers, Cain Velasquez, and Shane Carwin have all ascended through the world heavyweight rankings.
One fighter that is right on their heels is USA West heavyweight Shane Del Rosario. Rosario, a former high school basketball standout and professional Muay Thai fighter, improved his pro MMA record to 7-0 with a first round TKO on July 4 in South Korea.
Facing Russian heavyweight Maxim Grishin, the EliteXC veteran needed just 21 seconds to record a TKO victory. The win was the sixth first round finish of his career and preserved Del Rosario’s perfect streak of never having had a fight go to the judges.
A leading member of Colin Oyama’s Team Oyama in Orange County, Calif., Del Rosario is not only one of the brightest prospects in the M-1 Challenge, but in all of MMA. M-1Global.com recently sat down with Del Rosario for an exclusive interview.
M-1Global.com: You made a successful M-1 Challenge debut on April 29 in Japan when you knocked out South Korea’s Dool Hee Lee. What were your impressions following the fight of the M-1 Challenge and its country vs. country format?
Shane Del Rosario: I really enjoyed my experience at the M-1 Challenge. From the time I got off the plane in Tokyo there was a different feel to everything. Part of it being in another country, part of it fighting country verse country. Fighting in general is already a very intense experience. However, the country vs. country has added to it. I guess it’s the “unknown” factor. For this fight you can’t help but wonder if the Russians have some secret camp where they are playing with Fedor deep in the Russian forrests… Haha, or not.
M-1Global.com: The win in April was your first since last September. Can you talk more about the reason behind your prolonged hiatus?
Shane Del Rosario: Yeah, I was previously out for six months. My last fight was in September 2008 against Carl Seumanutafa for EliteXC, where I broke my thumb and tore a ligament. I then underwent two surgeries and spent six months total recovering. Although it sucked being injured, it was a good excuse to take time off, and I enjoyed it.
M-1Global.com: In addition to the injury, EliteXC also suspended operations, leaving a lot of fighters in limbo. Eventually they sold multiple fighter contracts to Strikeforce. Was yours one of the ones purchased?
Shane Del Rosario: Yes. I am still waiting to make my Strikeforce debut. I think it will be sometime this fall. Strikeforce is a reputable organization, and I am excited to be a part of it. So far they have also accommodated me by letting me fight overseas with M-1. Hopefully (my Strikeforce fight) won’t interfere with St. Petersberg (site of the M-1 Challenge semifinals) because that’s all I can think about it.
M-1Global.com: Team USA West clinched a semifinal berth on July 4 in South Korea. What did it mean to the team?
Shane Del Rosario: Of course we want(ed) to make it to the semifinals. Actually, the finals is what we are shooting for. Last year the USA team (didn’t win a challenge). This year we are a different team, and are fighting to win. However, it’s important to take on this tournament fight by fight.
M-1Global.com: Imperial used a lot of younger fighters for the July 4 event. Was USA West expecting an easy time?
Shane Del Rosario: I am not sure what their strategy (was) with switching the roster. However, no matter who the opponent is we all are coming to fight. It is not wise to take any opponent lightly, and being that they are younger, I am sure they (were) very hungry team that is coming to fight hard.
M-1Global.com: Raphael Davis was not be able to compete for you guys on July 4. Will he return for the semifinals?
Shane Del Rosario: Yes, Rafael will be getting married in Mexico (congrats to him and his fiancee). As far as I know he will be back with us for the playoffs.
M-1Global.com: I know you are probably getting sick of answering this question but I still wanted to get your response: is a move to light heavyweight something you are considering?
Shane Del Rosario: Haha. Yes I get that question a lot. When you see guys like Brock Lesnar, the decision is obvious that I should move down. However, I have never cut weight and I LOVE to eat. So far fighting heavier has not been an issue for me but we will see as the competition gets more advanced.
M-1Global.com: Most of Team USA West gets to train together out of Colin Oyama’s gym in California. Do you feel that gives you guys an advantage over other teams that train separately?
Shane Del Rosario: Yes in respect that when you are training with people that are all working for a fight on the same day, the energy of the training camp is much more intense — rather than having to train by yourself.
