In a 13-year, 45-fight professional MMA career, Bobby Voelker has seen his ups and downs. Voelker (32-13 MMA) has competed for the UFC and Strikeforce and many Midwest regional promotions. His most recent set of peaks and valleys have come with Shamrock FC, the Missouri-based show he’s called home for the past four-and-a-half years.
Voelker has spent a lot of time near the top of the mountain at Shamrock FC, going 8-1 with the promotion. However, that one loss was to Zak Bucia for his lone shot at Shamrock FC gold back in 2017 which sent him down to the base. For the past two years, Voelker has climbed his way back up with three straight wins. And finally, he’s earned another shot to reach the peak.
Voelker vs. VanCamp
Voelker will fight Cameron VanCamp for the promotion’s vacant welterweight title this Saturday at Shamrock FC 317. Suffice to say, the veteran is glad to have earned a chance to right the wrong.
“It’s just amazing,” he told MMASucka. “It was sad to lose that opportunity. And then over the past two years, still growing and getting better makes it all worth it getting to this point and getting another shot to take what I want.”
Voelker admitted he hadn’t heard of VanCamp before agreeing to fight him. Since then, Voelker has watched a handful of his recent fights and has been impressed with what he sees. He noted VanCamp’s made improvements with each fight and possesses a good, all-around game.
“His style is always the kind of style I have trouble with: a real methodical, get in, get out type of style,” Voelker said. “And he’s got great Jiu-Jitsu as well. Those have always been the kinds of guys I’ve had problems with so I’m definitely ready to challenge myself and get after him.
“I just tried to study what he does and tried to think, ‘What is he going to do to me? What is he going to try to do?’ and make sure I put forth my game-plan so I don’t fall into his.”
A Shamrock FC title would be Voelker’s second professional title. His first being one from Midwest Cage Championship about a decade ago. Since then, Voelker has had numerous big fights throughout his career. He’s fought guys like Robbie Lawler and Patrick Cote in the UFC, and defeated the likes of Roger Bowling and Erik Apple under Strikeforce.
“Shamrock’s been my family for all these years”
Voelker’s Shamrock FC run has just been the latest chapter of a long book. However, with Voelker turning 40 later this month, it could be one of the final chapters. Though to Voelker, Shamrock FC has been more than just another section of his career. That’s why it’s so important to him to beat VanCamp and have gold wrapped around his waist.
“I feel like Shamrock’s been my family for all these years now,” Voelker said. “I’ve been there long enough that this belt needs to be mine and that shit’s gonna be mine.”
Fans will find out if Voelker will be successful this Saturday, April 6. Shamrock FC 317 goes down at the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City, MO, and the card will be aired live on FloCombat.
