Shane Del Rosario looking to protect perfect record at July 4 M-1 Challenge

While Brett Rogers, Brock Lesnar, Cain Velasquez, and are getting plenty of publicity of the next generation of heavyweights to ascend to the level of top-ten status, one fighter who has been noticeably absent from the talk is 6-0 heavyweight prospect Shane Del Rosario.

A talented high school athlete who has gone 5-1 as a professional Muay Thai fighter with five knockouts, Del Rosario has been nothing but a success since transitioning to MMA.

After competing for ShoXC and once for the M-1 Challenge, Del Rosario finds himself with a perfect 6-0 record and a reputation for being one of the most dynamic strikers in the heavyweight division.

A member of Colin Oyama’s Team Oyama, Del Rosario has been working hard with Giva Santana to improve his ground game. And once his submission skills can rival his standup ability, it won’t be long until Del Rosario joins the aforementioned four in the heavyweight top ten.

Del Rosario will look to continue to ascent to the top ten this coming Saturday in Seoul, South Korea when he faces Team Imperial’s Maksim Grishin live at the Olympic Hall as well as on Internet PPV (ordering instructions on the right hand of the page).

Just before leaving Los Angeles for South Korea, Del Rosario took time out for an exclusive interview with M-1Global.com.

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. Either way, I know each country has been training hard and will be coming to fight July 4th.

M-1Global.com: The win was your first since last September. Can you talk more about the reason behind your prolonged hiatus?

Shane Del Rosario: Yea, I was previously out for six months.  My last fight was in September 2008 against Carl Seumanutafa for Elite XC, 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 over seas with M-1.

M-1Global.com: Is there a chance we could also see you compete for Strikeforce this year? If so, when?

Shane Del Rosario: most likely this fall.  Hopefully it won’t interfere with St. Petersburg because that’s all I can think about it.

M-1Global.com: Team USA West pretty much has a playoff spot locked up. Are you guys looking towards the semifinals, or are you focused on Russia Imperial on July 4?

Shane Del Rosario: of course we want to make it to the semifinals.  Actually, the finals is what we are shooting for.  Last year the USA team went defeated.  This year we are a different team, and are fighting to win.  However, it’s important to take on this tournament fight by fight.  First was the Koreans, and coming July 4th is the Russians.

M-1Global.com: Imperial will be using a lot of younger fighters for the July 4 event. Is USA West expecting an easy time?

Shane Del Rosario: I am not sure what their strategy is 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 will be a very hungry team that is coming to fight hard.  I know Team USA West vs the Imperial will be a very exciting match up.

M-1Global.com: Raphael Davis will not be able to compete for you guys on July 4. Can you comment on how his absence will affect the team and whether he will be back should USA West clinch a playoff berth?

Shane Del Rosario: Yes, Rafael will be getting married in Mexico (Congrats to him and his Fiance).  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 alot.  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.