THEIR mission is not a simple one. Help mixed martial arts fighter Shane Mitchell reach the pinnacle of the world’s fastest growing sport — the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

THEIR mission is not a simple one.

Help fighter Shane Mitchell reach the pinnacle of mixed martial arts — the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

But just months after forming a new gym alliance, fellow coaches Craig Icke (Cardio-Flex MMA) and Matt Jones (ISOHEALTH Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) are on the cusp of guiding the young star to history.

In just five years the dangerous striker — born and bred in Adelaide’s northern suburbs — has risen to become Australia’s No. 1 middleweight fighter not yet signed to the UFC.

Known for explosive power and impressive knockout wins, the 26-year-old is on the verge of inking a deal that would see him step up against the toughest men on the planet and become the UFC’s first South Australian competitor.

In preparation for that, Mitchell has been allowed to hone his submission wrestling skills with Jones, a world class BJJ black belt, despite his Cardio-Flex roots.

“It’s been a total game changer,” Mitchell said.

“Matt has adjusted my ground game and made it a lot more dangerous, now it feels more indestructible.”

Interest in Mitchell (10W-3L) from UFC talent scouts peaked late last year when he crushed Jason Radcliffe with a second round TKO at local MMA show Diamondback Fighting Championship.


Now — training five days a week, four hours a day — he’s waiting for the phone call that will change his life.

“It’s the greatest feeling that the UFC made contact and they’re showing interest but at the same time I just want to get the deal over the line,” he said.

Even if that means taking a fight with virtually no notice.

“The UFC is coming to Perth next month and if a short notice fight is what it takes for me to get that contract, to get my foot in the door, I’ll take it.”

UFC middleweight champion and Australian Robert Whittaker was slated to defend his belt against Luke Rockhold in the main event at Perth Arena on February 11, but was forced to withdraw injured. Instead, Cuban Yoel Romero will step up against Rockhold. The winner will face Whittaker at a later date.

According to submission specialist Jones, one day it could be Mitchell who holds a UFC title, destined to “go an incredibly long way” in the sport.

“The sky is the limit, Icke has done a great job with Shane over the years,” Jones said.

“(And) my style of BJJ seems to gel really well for Shane.

“The fact they feel that’s going to be the perfect fit for him to be breaking through to the UFC is a great compliment.”

Icke, Mitchell’s coach from day dot, said UFC matchmakers recently confirmed Mitchell’s potential in Las Vegas.

“We’ll be surprised if he doesn’t get a run sometime this year and hopefully it’s here in Australia, we want to keep him active,” Icke said.