Shane Collins

What does it mean for you to fight for the UFC? Fighting in the UFC of course is a massive milestone for me. I’ve worked for the last 10 years sharpening my skills and gaining the experience I need to not just be here but to thrive here. 

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training when I was 15 years old. I began training from being inspired by watching the UFC. At the time I was a very insecure and shy kid. I felt that everything it took to be a successful fighter were qualities that I did not have growing up — confidence, discipline, belief and security. I wanted to be a champion in this sport from that moment, not because I wanted money or fame, but because I wanted all the mental, physical and emotional attributes that came with it.

Who is your favorite fighter and why? My favorite fighter is Georges St-Pierre. He was a complete martial artist who was able to win and finish opponents in every facet of the sport. His completeness and intelligence towards the game is something I don’t think we’ve seen from any fighter since.

Do you have any heroes outside of fighting? My hero is my father. Somebody who led by example working extremely hard and being the most supportive and generous person I know. He is my idol and my greatest supporter. 

What are your current ranks in martial arts? BJJ Brown Belt under Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani and Nick Bohli 

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Three-time A1 Combat Featherweight Champion 

What fight do you consider to be the key fight in your career and why? My 2nd pro fight I fought an incredibly talented prospect from Uriah Faber’s gym. A 6’2” Dagestani who was a great grappler and striker. In the fight he eye poked me in the first round for which I took all 5 minutes to recover from. My vision never returned in that eye, however I decided to continue fighting anyway. He then swarmed me and hit me with a left hook that broke my orbital bone on my OTHER eye , which caused swelling that gave me double vision. So I fought essentially 12 minutes of that fight with no vision. Double vision in both eyes. I fought through that, ended up dropping him very badly in the last minute of the fight which he barely recovered from. I ended up winning the fight by decision.

Beyond a championship or money, what motivates you? What motivates me is that through being a great martial artist and fighter I will become a greater person. Nothing requires more out of me than this sport.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to college at the University of Oregon but dropped out after my first year to pursue fighting more seriously.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was working as a barista earlier in my career. I’d work 4 am to11 am every day at a coffee shop so I could still get my two training sessions in. 

Favorite grappling technique: Back take 

Favorite Striking technique: Question mark kick 

Tell us about your life outside of fighting: My significant other is Bianca Lebosnoyani, who is the sister of my teammate Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani. We have been together over four years and she has supported me throughout my entire Amateur and Professional Career. No specific hobbies outside of fighting. Training is my life and my only real passion other than my family and friends.