Shauna Bannon was part of the string of female signings made by the UFC before the retirement of Amanda Nunes. Bannon is a former kickboxing world champion and has experience in muay thai and jiu-jitsu.
The Invicta product holds a 5-0 record as a pro, along with a 9-3 record as an amateur. Bannon has had fights at both strawweight and flyweight but will compete at 115 pounds in the UFC. She becomes the 2nd woman from Ireland to be signed to the promotion and joins Conor McGregor, Ian Garry, and the newly re-signed Rhys McKee as the 4th Irish fighter on the roster.
Praise From Conor McGregor
The newcomer has received support from big names in Irish MMA like Conor McGregor, who has shown his support through social media. Bannon also revealed that McGregor’s pub The Black Forge Inn is now one of her sponsors, giving McGregor a direct tie to the former kickboxer.
“It’s huge to have him on board as part of my sponsorship team, it’s unbelievable. He’s been backing me my whole career, he’s always congratulating me and wishing me luck in all my fights.”
Bannon talked about the pressure she feels with all the eyes on her and a country behind her. While she acknowledged that there may be a lot of it, she insisted that it helps her thrive.
“There is a lot of pressure for sure but I love that. It’s what I’m here for and I have the whole of Ireland backing me and I couldn’t have more support. I’m super grateful.”
Shauna Bannon Debuts at UFC London
Shauna Bannon faces DWCS vet Bruna Brasil in her debut. Brasil has an 0-1 record in the promotion but showed to be a dangerous striker after a vicious 1st round head kick KO landed her a UFC contract. Both girls are capable of finishing the fight wherever it goes, and with Brasil looking to bounce back from a debuting loss she poses a real threat to Bannon.
When asked what we should expect come fight night, Bannon kept it short and sweet, “I want to knock her out.”
The two will collide on the prelims of UFC London this Saturday, July 22nd. Prelims begin at 12 PM ET on ESPN+.
What do you think of Shauna Bannon’s prediction for her debut? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured Image Credit to Yahoo Sports
