Missouri native and former 3 time Golden Gloves Champion Sam Shewmaker exploded onto the bare knuckle fight scene in June at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships 1: The Beginning, with a one punch, :18 knockout win over former Bellator fighter Eric Pringle.

The precise overhand right was the punch heard all around the fight world, and gave Shewmaker instant notoriety across the globe.

“It was an incredible feeling, to go out on such a huge stage, amongst so many decorated fighters, and perform,” said Shewmaker.

With the win the “Hillbilly Hammer” advances to the semifinals round of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships’ eight man tournament, where he will face off against former Glory fighter and colossal heavyweight Maurice Jackson.

“I’ve been putting in the work in to prepare for a tough opponent, and I feel good going into this fight,” said Shewmaker. “I want to go out and show I belong, and fight hard. This is a huge opportunity and I want to advance to the finals.”

The appeal of the original form of combat is what first drew Shewmaker to the BKFC. A fighter for over 17 years, with a 43-8 amateur record and 3-0 as a pro, he loved the purity the new sport brought.

“I’ve been fighting all my life, and when I first saw the ad on Facebook I was drawn to it,” Shewmaker continued. “This is a chance to give my family a great life while doing what I love.”

When not training, Shewmaker is a husband and father of three sons.

August 25, 2018 BKFC returns at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, MS.