Strikeforce: Shane Del Rosario Ready To Graduate from Challengers Series

As heavyweight prospect Shane Del Rosario enters the cage this Friday when he headlines Strikeforce Challengers 9 in Everett, Washington, it could very well be the last step in making the transition to the organizations higher profile events.  

In order to make that happen he must first dispose of his current test in Hawaii-based heavyweight challenger, Lolohea Mahe, in a three round affair.

During a recent interview with Bleacher Report, Del Rosario made it known that he's not only ready for Mahe, but he's ready to compete on Strikeforce's biggest stage.

It was originally thought that Del Rosario's initial bout of 2010 would take place against the WWE superstar turned mixed-martial artist, Bobby Lashley, back in February as part of the Strikeforce: Miami event.  

The bout never fully materialized and Del Rosario was left on the shelf for the first half of the year in anticipation of his next fight.

Del Rosario has been training, but he's anxious for a fight, saying, "Training camp has been going well.  I've been off for a while now, and I'm really looking forward to getting back in the cage and competing again.  In camp I've had to refocus on my sparring. Back when Lashely was being mentioned as an opponent I concentrated on my wrestling, and now that I'm taking on Mahe I've been working on my stand up."

Del Rosario's opponent, Lolohea Mahe, will be making his second appearance under the Strikeforce banner.

His debut with the organization took place in March at Strikeforce Challengers 7 in Fresno, California.  Mahe was dealt the first loss of his career as Lavar Johnson scored a second round TKO win via strikes.

Del Rosario is well aware of the outcome of Mahe's last bout and forecasts a similar conclusion on Friday night at the Comcast Arena.

"I saw his last fight and I expect him to come out swinging, Del Rosario said.  "He's got a big right hand that I need to watch out for. I noticed that he's quick for his size, but he also gassed himself in that fight.

Del Rosario continued, "It really doesn't matter to me whether this fight goes to the ground or stays on our feet.  I'm ready for whatever he throws at me."

If Del Rosario can manage to get by Mahe and secure the tenth win of his relatively young career, he's almost certain to get the call to join the company's elite heavyweights and partake in the organizations premier events.

Finally.

As previously mentioned, Del Rosario seemed to be on his way in participating in one of Strikeforce's bigger events while he was mentioned as a possible foe for Lashley.

Instead, he finds himself taking part in his second consecutive Challengers Series card against the lesser known Mahe.

While it might not be the big event that he originally anticipated to kick off his year he can still appreciate what a win over Mahe this Friday can do for his career.

"Of course there was a little bit of disappointment when the Lashley fight fell through, but I'm cool with being a part of the Challengers Series, and anytime that I can fight on TV is always a great thing.  At the same time I think this might be the last one [in the Challengers Series].  I see even bigger fights coming my way real soon," he added.

Del Rosario sports a professional record of 9-0 with all of his wins coming inside of the distance. Of those wins, only one opponent has made it out of the first round.  

It's no secret as to why the MMA world has taken notice of his talent. As the buzz surrounds him he chooses to focus on putting together more wins rather than read his press clippings.

"I'm still a prospect with nine fights so far, said Del Rosario.  "I just want to get more fights in and ideally I'd like to be back in the cage one or two more times before the year is over.  I just need to keep winning and continue to improve my record."

"Immediately after this fight I'll be taking some time off and heading to Hawaii, but as soon as I return, I'll be right back in our new gym with Team Oyama.  If it were up to me I'd really like to be able to have my next fight sometime in September or October," Del Rosario stated.

Before he can look ahead to future bouts later this year, he has to add Mahe to his list of fallen opponents, and it wouldn't hurt to do it in the quick fashion that his fans have grown accustom to seeing.  

"I don't know exactly how this fight will play out or when it will end, but I don't see it going the distance.  I'm looking to get in, get out and collect a paycheck," exclaimed Del Rosario.

Odds are that he'll have the same game plan when he returns to the cage later in the year.  

The only difference being the paycheck he collects next time around will likely be a whole lot bigger.

Questions and comments can be sent to [e-mail] .