Prospect Watch: Shane Del Rosario

Hardcore MMA fans are always keeping an eye out for the next big star to come out of the smaller regional and international promotions. If you're a bettor or generally just interested in checking out some of the best guys who haven't been exposed to the casual fanbase that could end up making a huge impact down the road, you have no doubt scoured the Internet looking for obscure events that only a handful of fans may actually sit down and watch.

In this edition of Prospect Watch, our eyes will take a look at ShoXC veteran and M-1 fighter Shane del Rosario. Currently, Shane del Rosario sports an undefeated record of 6-0 with five of those six bouts ending in the first round. Many of you may remember Rosario's stints in ShoXC with wins over Analu Brash, Carl Seumanutafa, and Amedeo Viola.

Rosario trains out of Team Oyama, well known for housing Muay Thai champion and WEC veteran "Razor" Rob McCullough, UFC's Rob Emerson, Strikeforce's Bao Quach, Jared "J-Roc" Rollins, Fabio Negao, and Givanildo "The Arm Collector" Santana. While it isn't the most prestigious camp in MMA, this cast of veteran fighters has definitely affected Rosario's brutalizing offense and overall skillset.

How brutal is Rosario? In his most recent fight in M-1 Challenge, Rosario was able to knockout his opponent, Doo Hee Lee, via a clinching midsection punch knockout. Yes, he actually clinched with Lee, threw a powerful left hand to Lee's midsection that crumpled Lee, and threw in another soild left to Lee's chin for the win. He's deceptively powerful, a former WBO Muay Thai champion, and has a formidable ground game.

It's obvious that Rosario's skillset has the credentials to back it, but you simply have to watch Rosario to appreciate the skills he possesses. His hands are very quick, he throws solid straight punches that have the power to produce debilitating damage early in fights. His most effective asset has to be his standup to clinch work. Instead of standing in front of opponents for the counter, Rosario relies on his quick hands to unleash combinations, and as an opponent moves to counter, Rosario's forward momentum allows him to walk into the Muay Thai clinch to continue the punishment. It's very effective in nullifying any type of counter his opponents may try to produce.

What's next for Rosario? He was scheduled to participate in Affliction's Day of Reckoning, but a broken hand sidelined him. His contract was picked up by Strikeforce during the buyout of EliteXC's assets, and he has stated that he will likely debut in the promotion sometime in August. He is light enough to make the cut to Light Heavyweight or stay at Heavyweight. Keep a very close eye on Rosario as he will no doubt be making waves by the end of the year into early next year.