Shah Bobonis it is not a name easily forgotten. It’s unique. Yet, the fighter behind the name is so much more than an interesting moniker. He’s a rising, young 145-pounder that industry insiders are starting to recognize as a future force to be reckoned with.
Bobonis (11-6) possesses a unique background. Growing up in a military family, Shah moved around a lot. Starting in San Antonio, his family moved to Puerto Rico and then to Florida, where he was basically raised in Miami. A wrestler in junior high and high school, he was a star athlete. Shah went on to play minor league baseball. After his baseball career ended, he took up amateur boxing to stay in shape. A chance meeting with current Strikeforce lightweight contender Jorge Masvidal led to Shah being introduced to MMA. After falling in love with the sport, he began training in earnest, and made his pro debut in 2007.
“I’m the new generation of fighter,” he explains. “I didn’t grow up wrestling all my life, and I wasn’t born in a gi. I love to fight, and I’ve learned to be proficient in every area of the game. Even if a guy comes in as a world champion kickboxer, I can beat anybody in the world at 135 or 145 lbs,” he confidently concludes.
Shah was recently asked to go to San Diego to help prepare UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz for this weekend’s title bout with Urijah Faber. It was quite an experience for the young fighter.
“I was with him four weeks as one of his chief sparring partners,” said Bobonis. “It was a great experience. Dominick is a really well-rounded fighter. To be in there with someone at that level was a great experience. To see that caliber of fighter, to be exposed to it you don’t get that every day. Once you train with someone that good, it gives you a level of confidence because you know going into a fight that you’re not going to see someone better than that. It helps your confidence.”
Last year, Shah was scheduled to make his Bellator debut. However, an injury prevented that. Now, he’s looking to string together a few wins and grab that first fight with the promotion.
“The UFC is great, but I think sometimes title shots and main events come about solely based on the marketability of the fight. I love how Bellator does things. You have to fight everybody. And I just want to fight the best, regardless.”
In his next bout, Shah will defend his Combate Extremo 145-pound belt in September. Look for more information on that fight in the coming months.
