Full Name:
Shannon Staples
Age:
30
Where were you born:
Como, Western Australia.
Where do you live:
Willagee, Western Australia
Which gym do you train out of:
Wilkes Academy
Who are your coaches:
Dave Wilkes Matt Erceg Steve Erceg
What belts or rankings do you currently posses as a martial artist:
No belts in anything. Only train within the MMA classes.
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Played basketball tennis and football growing up. Top two sports was definitely basketball and tennis. Played in both state grades for each sport. MMA is deff my worse sport and wish you could just swap out skills from one sport to another.
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hoby and then as a potential profession:
MMA for me as always been a sport that I enjoy learning and developing in. I have done so many other sports I feel I reached my limit but MMA so new and always learning and getting beat up at class. It keeps the fuel burning and my competitive drive alive. I didn’t ever think I’d fight. It was a means to stay fit and lose weight as I got fairly close to the 100kg mark after breaking my leg. My first ever fight was my first fight at Eternal and I was so nervous as scared but loved the bright lights and crowd. Here we are now many fights in and next goal would love a pro fight and tick that of the list of accomplishments in sports
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
Favorite aspect of training….. I guess that’s when Dave says we going out for dinner and drinks ahah. I love training just for the trash talk we all have together at the gym and banter. I really enjoy seeing the young boys develop and grow and hope for the brightest future for them and always do all I can to help them. Mainly it’s telling them don’t do what I did and try play every sport .lock down and focus on one and be great. I can tell you worst session is wrestling and shark tank rounds with Matt erceg Tough class and even tougher coach. No fun and games during that class but nothing bring more joy if you can get Matt to crack a smile during class
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
I’d like to think my best strength is managing distance and getting a good read on fighters early. Noticing such small detail or how they throwing combos. My coach Dave has always said that and been calm and relaxed inside the cage. Been able to change stances and fight from both has always been a good mix up and I feel can give me a lot more options then my opponent. I used to say my fitness was a great strength of mine but last few years it’s been a tough one.
How would you describe your fighting style:
Unorthodox style . Throw shots from odd spots and like to mix up my approach alot .. from loose in and out style or in tight guard up style I think that causes alot of different looks for me.
What is your favourite sport and why:
Tough question I love basketball and tennis. Basketball for the banter and the moves and mental games that go on within the game. It’s such a smooth highlight sport. I believe they are the best athletes in the world. Then tennis i love for the opposite. Individual game. So mentally tough and hard. The long sets the no coaching. How quickly a tennis match can change and your never out of a match with the scoring system. Choose which ever. Love them both
Who is your favourite athlete:
Rafal Nadal would have to be my favorite athlete Very close with Allen Iverson but I watched alot more of rafa and was playing the highest level of sport for longer On and off the court Rafal Nadal is a champion Humble kind and complete warrior
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
I’m sorry but it’s Conner McGregor Trash talk and banter Smart arse comments it’s my favorite past time Ruthless at time but it’s my favorite thing and he tops it for that Done good and bad for the sport but really exploded MMA around the world
What are your immediate and long term goals:
Immediate Love to get another fight sooner rather then later before I blow out again. Not good having to wait so long been matched up. Long term Love that pro fight experience maybe over east or somthing and hear the boos and hate. I would enjoy that.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
Fun high paced fight. Most my fights have had back and fourth drama and somthing different and exciting and I always hear the crowd level noise increase. Most of all know they have great song to sing to when I walk out.
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
Think it’s going to be a tough war to be honest. High paced and very technical on the feet I don’t see either of us going to the ground. Test out his great boxing hands and a fun finish in the works
A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
You know what I’m about I try to do it all so thanks for coming thanks for buying tickets and supporting me Thanks for the love and support and like always win loose or draw hate or love me it’s a party weekend and let’s have fun now.
Where will any fans or supporters be able to find you socials:
Instagram: @stapless23