Following his retirement from competitive strongman, four-time World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champion Brian Shaw has embarked on a rigorous training regimen for his mixed martial arts (MMA) debut. Shaw is scheduled to compete in an MMA tournament on February 17, 2024, at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
In preparation for this significant transition, Shaw has been granted access to the esteemed UFC Performance Institute. Here, he has the privilege of training under the guidance of Frank Mir, a former two-time UFC heavyweight champion. Shaw shared insights into this training experience on his YouTube channel on December 5, 2023, offering fans a glimpse into his preparation.
The training program, as demonstrated in Shaw’s video, encompasses a broad range of techniques essential for MMA. Mir’s coaching commenced with instruction in various takedown methods and grappling techniques. The focus on intricate details, such as hand holds and head positioning, is integral, with Shaw applying his years of gym experience to master these new skills.
Mir provided Shaw with strategic insights into attacking an opponent’s front leg and effectively transitioning to higher holds, including a “head pinch.” This manoeuvre was demonstrated with precision, incorporating simulated punches and elbow strikes against the cage.
An essential aspect of Shaw’s training involved learning how to conserve energy, particularly during submission holds. Mir’s instruction on choke holds emphasised not just the effectiveness but also the efficiency of these techniques. Shaw, familiar with resetting an opponent’s arm and shoulder for a deeper choke, was advised to focus on driving the elbows in to minimise space and conserve energy.
Another critical area of training was escaping the bottom position following a takedown. Shaw practiced flinging his legs and rotating to manoeuvre into a top position. Mir’s coaching encompassed a comprehensive approach, integrating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques for seamless transitions from takedowns to choke holds, reversals, arm bars, and shoulder pulls. This training enhances Shaw’s ability to simultaneously think about offence and defence.
During simulations of headlocks against the octagon’s cage, Mir suggested the use of the S grip and Gable grip as effective techniques for securing a headlock. Moreover, Shaw was taught to leverage his way out of a headlock, ensuring energy conservation even during escape manoeuvres.
Mir underscored the importance of a strategic approach in MMA training. “Being smart helps a ton,” he stated. Mir emphasised the necessity of understanding the objectives and proper techniques, rather than relying solely on physical conditioning.
As Shaw gears up for his MMA debut, his opponent remains unannounced. However, with the intensive training and strategic insights gained at the UFC Performance Institute, the former WSM champion appears well-prepared to face any challenger in the ring.
