Shamrock FC returns on September 7 for Shamrock FC 309: Commentator Jeremy Johnson previews the event
Shamrock FC, one of the more storied regional promotions in the United States returns on September 7 in St. Louis for Shamrock FC 309. The promotion was started by former fighter Jesse Finney in 1998 and has never changed ownership hands. Notable fighters who have fought for Shamrock include Luis Pena, Justin Lawrence and Bobby Voelker. Shamrock FC also has a strong relationship with Bellator, any fighter who wins a belt at Shamrock FC and defends it automatically earns a contract with Bellator.
Jeremy Johnson, a commentator for Shamrock FC and who has been a part of the organization in several different roles including cut man, spoke with My MMA News about the upcoming event:
In the main event of Shamrock FC 309, The Ultimate Fighter 17 alum Adam Cella faces UFC veteran James Bochnovic. Cella is coming in off of a three-fight win streak, including two wins at Shamrock FC and one for Bellator. Bochnovic is coming off of losses to Trevin Giles and Markus Perez in the UFC.
“Adam is known as a heavy-handed kickboxer, he has some great knockouts over guys like Justin DeMoney from Strikeforce,” said Johnson. He’s fought in a lot of organizations, he’s been through Bellator, World Series of Fighting. James, just being released from the UFC, he’s looking to work his way back, he’s really looking to make a name for himself on Adam.”
And there might be title implications based on the outcome of this fight according to Johnson.
“There is a big title implication coming up for the Adam Cella fight. Those guys are both looking to make their way at our 185-pound middleweight title, so it’s a definitive possibility that you can see either one of those guys fighting for the Shamrock FC middleweight title very soon.”
As far as which fight Johnson believes is underrated, he believes more people should be talking about the fight between Devin Anderson and Cory Tinnon.
“I think that probably the most underrated, that not a lot of people are talking about is a fight on the undercard which will feature Devin Anderson vs. Cory Tinnon. These two guys used to train together and there has been a lot of smack talk that has been going on through social media. It’s really a classic lead up to it. Devin actually comes from the professional wrestling world, he’s been featured in New Japan Pro Wrestling and things of that nature, now he’s coming back over here to fight. Taking on Cory Tinnon who has had some life issues and now he is looking to be back on the straight and narrow. Not a lot of people are talking about this fight but it’s really one I’m looking forward to.”
Shamrock FC features both professional fighters and amateurs which puts a lot of prospects on display. Two of those prospects are Evan Elders and Antonio Atkins who are facing off at Shamrock FC 309.
“Evan has fought for us for quite some time, he actually was our champion in the amateur ranks, he decided to defend that title instead of taking a pro contract, defended it in his last outing in spectacular fashion. Where he was able to armbar his opponent within the first two minutes of the fight. Decided this is it, I’m going to go pro and now taking on a really tough guy in Atkins. Atkins is looking to make a name for himself at Shamrock FC. He is wanting to pursue that track with Bellator, so he is definitely looking to make a statement on the back of Evan Elders.”
Johnson also believes everyone will know the winner’s name by the end of the fight.
“I think by the end of the night, that whomever wins that fight is going to be the next big thing out of the Midwest.
Shamrock FC 309 will be broadcasted on live on FloCombat on September 7.
Shamrock FC 309 fight card:
185 Adam Cella vs James Bochnovic
145 Cort Wahle vs Travon Crawford
155 Evan Elders vs Antonio Atkins
155 Colin Parr vs KJ Jones
170 Max Choriev vs Charles “Chuckie” Brooks
170 TBD vs Nathan Stearns
170 Dustin Ventimiglia vs Arvin Mills
125 Jason Stevenson vs Jesse Martinelli
155 Cory Tinnon vs Devin Anderson
205 Josh Jessie vs Randy Hawkins
160 Oscar Ahuatzi vs Gavilan Bland
Kickboxing:
Wendy Julian vs TBD
Troy Shaw vs Dan Boyer
Jon Leach vs Toby Gvillo
