Wales’ own, Jack Shore will move up to featherweight and compete at 145lbs for the first time in the UFC and for the first time since 2017. Coming off the first loss of his career, Tank will be looking to make a comeback, however, this time it will be 10lbs heavier. The news was confirmed by Shore’s trainer and Dad, Richard Shore this morning.
Contract signed…
See you all on March 18th..
145lbs….#ufclondon pic.twitter.com/qxeerNDGIG— Richard Shore (@RichardShoreMMA) January 19, 2023
The Welshman had a standout amateur record, sitting at 11-0 and claiming the 2015 IMMAF European Open Championships victory. Shore began his UFC career with a lot of hype. He entered the organisation undefeated in his pro career, enjoying a string of 11 straight wins, which included six submissions and four knockouts. He was the CageWarriors bantamweight champion, defeating Mike Ekundayo for the belt at CageWarriors 100 back in 2018.
Entering the UFC, he was matched well, firstly with Nohelin Hernandez which earned him a performance of the night bonus. He then submitted Aaron Phillips before recording three back-to-back decision victories.
Unfortunately for Shore, he then ran into an in-form Ricky Simon. Simon was able to get the better of Shore on the night, knock him down and consequently submit him.
Featherweight Welshman
Shore’s move up in weight presents him with far more options in what is a more shallow division. He’s always been a big bantamweight so the extra 10lbs could aid in taking his game to the next level, again breaking the top 15, this time in a different division and making a run at the title.
There are huge fights for Shore at 145lbs. A domestic affair between Nathaniel Wood and Lerone Murphy is set for UFC 286 and Shore could easily face one of those guys in the future with a victory on the same card. Likewise, in time, if Shore can make a real dent at 145lbs, Arnold Allen is sat at the top of the division, so a big domestic clash with him could be huge in the future.
Who will Shore face in his featherweight debut? As of yet, it hasn’t been announced. However, Lando Vannata revealed on Twitter that he has verbally agreed to a fight so that’s a possibility.
Verbally accepted.
— Lando Vannata (@GroovyLando) January 19, 2023
Whoever Shore faces, his featherweight debut is exciting and adding it to an already stacked UFC 286 card will have Welsh fans salivating at the prospect of Shore getting back in the win column.
