Brian Shaw’s Transition from Strongman to Martial Arts

Priorities in strength competitions have been changing ever since Brian Shaw decided to retire from the sport right after another win at the 2023 Shaw Classic. We would like to remind you that he is a four-time World’s Strongest Man (WSM) title holder and has been a dominant figure in this particular sport for many years. 

Obviously, fans have wondered what is even next and how the sport will change. Furthermore, Brian Shaw’s personal fans are wondering what he is ultimately going to do besides being an event promoter. 

In mid-October 2023, he shared his answer with all the fans that he is going to go into martial arts and set some goals for himself regarding this kind of career in combat sports. He plans to learn new skills that are solely focused on fighting within the octagon, as well as lose the weight that he previously needed to effectively compete. 

Since his weight is well over the Ultimate Fight Championships limit, he plans to compete in the open category, where athletes of absolutely any weight are allowed. 

Brian Shaw has moved to California to begin his first training at High Altitude Martial Arts. Cody Donovan, who is a jiu-jitsu pro and has had several fights at bantamweight, is his coach. Obviously, wrestling was chosen as a fighting style for a reason, because not only agility is required there, but also considerable weight. He also has Vinnie Lopez who teaches him striking techniques. 

Brian Shaw is looking forward to starting his fighting journey and already wants to show his viewers the quality of his training. We are also looking forward to his debut fight to see exactly how he will do in a brand new arena.