This is the battle of underground brawlers making their way into the bright lights. Patrick Bird and Mac Shumate arrive, officially, at 0-0 and 1-1, respectively. However, if you search the web diligently, you will find videos of both gentlemen participating in non-sanctioned events going back several years.
That experience in unofficial bouts ought to serve them well, but we all know there’s nothing like making the walk in front of a crowd. Expect both to appear a bit shaken in the beginning but start to deliver expert takedowns and strikes as teh fight wears on.
Once both men find their groove, this looks to be a classic grappler (Shumate) vs. striker (Bird) match-up. Both have trained with reputable gyms and no-nonsense coaches, offering a solid foundation for each man. Ultimately, this fight will be a battle of mental real-estate with “focus” being the intangible landmass. It will not be a matter of who hits harder or who has better submissions; It’s a matter of who will impose their style on the other. Who will give themselves the better opportunity to win?
Anything could happen, but, stylistically, the ball is in Bird’s court.
Fight For It XI takes place on Oct. 23 in Gaffney, S.C. Purchase your tickets now at fightforitcompany.com.
Be sure to download the Fight For It app on on The App Store or Google Play to pick your fantasy winners at Fight For It XI. The pool is free to play and will award top scorers with their share of a $500 cash prize.
