August 2005 Fighter of the Month

VALOR'S August 2005 Fighter of the Month: Shannon "The Cannon" Ritch
There are certain things that stand out when looking through a crowd. One might be a colorful display of tattoos all over one’s body. One might be someone screaming wrestling catchphrases to everyone in sight. Another could be a Mixed Martial Arts fighter, rough and tough. Definitely seeing someone with an enormous American Flag hat would make them stand out. But what do you call someone that is an example of all of the above: Shannon “The Cannon” Ritch. That’s right, Shannon Ritch is a well traveled fighter, who has over 140 professional fights under his belt. And Rick Bassman and Eddy Millis are proud to have him representing Valor Fighting all over the world. Recently, Ritch nearly defeated MMA legend Dan Severn who admittedly was saved by the bell. Ritch has been all over the world, winning titles and entertaining the masses with his eccentric charisma and dominating MMA style. His experience makes him a dangerous opponent, and there are many that will attest to his abilities inside of the ring. Recently Ritch lost to fellow Valor Fighter Kengo Ura at Valor’s Medford Mayhem in a great fight. Despite not coming out ion the winning end, he came out adored by 1400 fans in Medford, Oregon which is just as gratifying. These are just a few of the reasons Shannon “The Cannon” Ritch is the August 2005 Valor Fighter of the Month! Below is an interview conducted with Shannon Ritch, which gets you in the head of the always colorful Cannon. Valor wants you, the fans, to know our fighters on a personal level, and not just world class fighters. Our fighters are real people, down to earth, and great to all of our fans. That is why we get you closer to the fighters than ever before. So enjoy the read, and keep checking back for more information on Valor events, as well as more Valor Fighter profiles and features.	Represents: Team Cannon Height: 5’10” Weight: 190 lbs. DOB: September 7, 1970 Birthplace: Phoenix, AZ Years Training: 13 years Educational History: PHD in Martial Arts and Associates Degree in Desktop Publishing and Computer Graphics Current Record: 80-61-2 Career Highlights: Fighting in the Main event in PRIDE against Sakuraba; K-1 Superfight vs. Frank Shamrock; Superfight in Hawaii vs. Dan “The Beast” Severn; Main Event in Japan in the Tokyo Dome; whether I win or lose, I am doing what I love to do and am getting paid to do what I love!
What are your goals in life? To be happy, I asked an old man one time how do you become old. He was in his late 90’s. He said do something that you love to do, so far that is what I am doing, I am doing what I love to do. What are your goals in MMA? To continue doing what I am doing, winning as much as I can. I just want to have fun doing this. What is your life philosophy? Treat people the way you want to be treated because life is too short and what goes around comes around. I have definitely learned from experience and am a firm believer in that. How did you get started fighting? I have been small my entire life, and was picked on my whole life, grade school, high school. I got in college in 1990, and saw these guys with black eyes, and I asked him how he got it. He said he was fighting in pit fights in Mexico. First they would have the chickens fight, then the dogs, then the people. I went one time, I fought 32 times, undefeated. They were boxers and I was wrestling them, choking them out. I started fighting in 1991 and have not stopped since. Who has trained you, and in what specialty? I trained with Rick Rufus doing kickboxing; Fairtex, the original one in Chandler, AZ. Tested and became a professional kickboxer. I trained under Dan Gonzalez who I got my brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from. My Jiu-Jitsu has come from the Machados. That is why I am a 3 time inductee to the University of Martial Arts Hall of Fame; as well as being the current Russian Middleweight Champion, as I went to Russia and won a 4 man tournament. What sports have you played in the past? I played baseball and wrestled all through school. *Why do you* fight? I really love it. I love to test myself against anybody and everybody. Do you have a regular job, if so, what is it? My regular job is fighting. I do bodyguard work on the side for corporate and celebrities. I am the most active MMA fighter in the world! FAVORITES: Color: Black Movie: Armageddon Fighter: Bas Rutten & Wanderlei Silva Food: Steak Music: Country Book: Chuck Norris novel that just came out, lots of knowledge TV Show: Las Vegas (if you don’t count episodes of Walker Texas Ranger I was on!) Movie Star: Brad Pitt Sport: College Baseball, Wrestling, Basketball Athlete: Tiger Woods Sports Team: Arizona Cardinals Hobby:** Fishing Click Here to see Ritch's Fighter Bio Valor Fighter of the Month Archives