So many flowers, yet not enough time to give them. Here we have Shane Collins, the reigning and defending featherweight champion of Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat, a promotion that we have touched little on. Having defended his title twice now, most recently in early May, the time is ripe for the 26-year-old to take the next step. Fighters and coaches are training more intelligently than ever before, and this is evident in the drastic changes to the UFC landscape over the last several years. Prospects don’t look as unfiltered as they used to, and Collins especially so. Watching him fight reminds me of a young Conor McGregor or a Mauricio Ruffy (lofty comparisons, I’m aware). Prospects overall deserve more respect, because they also serve as essential training partners for the household names we know and (sometimes) love. Collins was a pivotal piece in Aljamain Sterling’s camp building up to his victory over Youssef Zalal, and if Aljo trusts him, he is worth taking a look at.
“Hollywood” possesses the most coveted part of any resume, an undefeated record (7-0). Fighting out of California, Collins made his pro debut two years ago in May of 2024. He has quietly honed his skills in the incubation chamber of A1, where he has spent five out of his seven appearances. Along with his record, he has also had five of seven fights come via finish. To encapsulate, he is unbeaten with a high finish rate in a respectable promotion. Is there any reason he should not warrant real consideration for the Contender Series? To win and defend a title (twice) at his age with only seven fights only adds to his stock. Slick, mature striking is his most impressive attribute. Controlling the center and point of attack, coupled with posts and shields, he presents a boss battle that is tough to overcome in real-time. Let’s unpack how “Hollywood” shines under the bright lights.
For a fighter to land offense, they have to set their weapons up properly, which is easier said than done. For Collins, the point of attack (just at the edge of range) is a work of art. Collins uses his left hand as well as any prospect I have ever covered. Constantly probing and pawing jabs, this lead arm is used to obtain reads to set up his thundering right cross. In particular, I love his use of the post (stretching his lead arm out as a barrier) while simultaneously circling away from danger. Posts are not bulletproof and are tough to utilize correctly. By posting and circling away, an opponent either has to string together a lengthy combination (risky in case they get caught in between) or reset and try again (thereby giving Collins breathing room). Collins’ left arm often meets his opponent’s lead hand to almost hold it in place, and he will even pull their arm down to land his right hand. Against Tyler Miller (his second most recent appearance), Collins posted in order to circle away, then later in the fight used his lead hand to hold Miller in place for a crushing right cross. Against Talon Hammons (most recently), this post and tactical retreat pattern was once again evident, this time evading an overhand right. Hammons was 6-2 at the time of the bout, so it is not like Collins only finds success against cans.
Additionally, Collins excels at jockeying for the lead foot position battle in order to further aid his attacks, and sprinkling in timely body kicks to keep an opponent on their toes. Against Miller, he was able to execute a gorgeous question mark kick. Miller, bracing for a body kick, dropped his hands from his face, falling right into the trap. Versus Eliab Evangelista for his second title defense, we can see more of Collins’ full arsenal on display. Evangelista was a lethal combatant with a 4-0 record at the time, and he gave Collins all he could handle. This fight had everything Collins does well. Posting, octagon control, excellent use of jabs, and rear uppercuts to split the guard. Posting, as mentioned, is a skill that is not just sticking one’s arm out. It is a multifaceted tool that can be converted to a jab, grip, etc., and it is not easy to know what to use and when.
Moreover, while I wouldn’t say it is exactly the same as the great De’Sean Strickland, I found that in the Evangelista fight, I was highly impressed by how Collins blocked/rolled with shots using his shoulders, and slipping punches to rip counters. For example, Collins slipped a left straight in order to time a right, also blocking a jab with his shoulder to land his right straight. All of what we have mentioned ties together. Collins, at times in this fight, posted, threw a cross, then shelled up behind his shoulder. For the SparkNotes version: line up the shot, throw the shot, cover up. Lastly, I admired how Collins seemed to learn and figure Evangelista out by the conclusion of the bout. After initiating a power shot, he would throw a knee to the body to halt any forward momentum. Evangelista was countering well himself, and this put the nail in the proverbial coffin.
For a younger man with a rather recent professional debut, the only reason Collins would want to wait for a UFC contract might be to build his resume further and ensure readiness. Again, though, he checks all the boxes. Unmarked record, a history of being a finisher, an A1 Combat champion with multiple title defenses, what more is there at this level? Sure, he might fight for another regional promotion and perhaps win a championship there, but I would be surprised if the UFC does not start taking notice soon. It’s not just about statistics and records; it is about film and quality over quantity. Turn on the tape, you won’t be disappointed.
