“It’s In My Blood”: Vance Shaw Set for Bantamweight Battle Against Elijah Bradley

“I’ve always loved to compete,” says Vance Shaw, the #6-ranked professional bantamweight in Louisiana. “Since sports growing up—my sister played college basketball, my dad was a college athlete. I just love to compete. It’s in my blood.”

Now 1-0 as a pro, Shaw is chasing something bigger than wins—he’s chasing purpose. “Mixed martial arts is the purest form of competition there is,” he says. “It’s the best sport on earth. And if I can spend every day teaching people and training, then it’s like a perfect life in my eyes.”

That mindset will be tested on June 14 when he steps back into the cage to face Elijah Brantley, the #8-ranked amateur bantamweight in Alabama. Brantley brings a deep well of experience, with 19 amateur fights and an 8-11 record, making this a clash of a rising pro versus a seasoned vet of the amateur scene.

“I’m training super hard—I’m sure he is too,” Shaw says. “We’re both gonna bring it. We’re gonna see who’s better. I think I am. We’re gonna battle.”

Though still early in his professional journey, Shaw has no doubts about the path he’s on. “It’s a huge goal,” he says. “I still got a ways to go—I gotta make a name for myself. But Imma get there.”

The road to that name continues June 14 at the Cajundome Convention Center, where Shaw will look to keep his perfect pro record intact and take one step closer to making that dream a reality.