Legendary strongman athlete Brian Shaw continues to adapt to life in retirement. In his latest venture featured on YouTube, Shaw teamed up with former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir for lessons in mixed martial arts.
Following more than a decade of dominance at the highest level in strongman, Brian Shaw decided to hang up his wrist wraps. While the decision was challenging to accept, Shaw wasted no time in seeking out new fitness obstacles.
Last October, Shaw, who boasts some of the best accolades of any strongman athlete, announced his move into MMA. He mentioned that he would participate in a fight in early 2024 in hopes of becoming ‘The Most Dangerous Man On Earth.’
With an MMA debut on the horizon, Shaw enlisted the help of grappling GOAT Gordon Ryan, who guided the strongman icon through the intricacies of jiu-jitsu. Now, Shaw has learned some tricks from UFC heavyweight Frank Mir – a combat sports great with victories over names like Brock Lesnar and Mirko Cro Cop.
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Brian Shaw Takes Combat Sports Advice from Frank Mir: “I Can’t Wait to Absorb All His Knowledge”
Shaw quickly picked up some of the techniques Mir taught him, which was quite impressive considering Shaw still sports the size of a strongman athlete.
“I think this will be a really good way for me to transition out of strongman and not kind of have that fall off or that low,” shared Shaw.
“I’m certainly content and very, very content with my strongman career, but also having a new challenge in front of me, I’m not gonna lie, it’s been very exciting.”
“This is a real real honor to be in here with Frank. I can’t wait to absorb all his knowledge today that he’s going to give me,” says Shaw.
While being in shape obviously can aid someone in combat, Mir says it’s not the “tip of the spear” adding that it’s important to perform technique properly.
“I hate when people are like, ‘oh I’ll just figure it out,'” explains Mir. “You should be in shape, but that isn’t the answer. There has to be a way to do things properly, and then being in shape helps. But it shouldn’t be the tip of the spear.”
“He has, I’m sure, probably forgotten more things than I know at this point,” says Shaw. “He’s an absolute legend in the fight game.”
In addition to testing a future in MMA, Brian Shaw has been pumping iron alongside some heavy-hitting bodybuilding legends. He recently linked up with former eight-time Mr. Olympia kingpin Ronnie Coleman for an eye-opening intense arms workout. Shaw also had the privilege of training with Coleman’s rival, Jay Cutler, on a back day.
Given the commitment and work ethic Shaw puts forth in any sport he tries, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him succeed in mixed martial arts. Following his training session with Mir, it’s evident Shaw continues to feel more comfortable with the new discipline.
RELATED: Strongman Brian Shaw Shows Off Superhuman Strength By Rolling Up Frying Pan
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