He was the surprise bomb in 2017, when he won the amateur title in Shooto, beating his teammate Markus Held in the final. That's right, THE Markuas Held, who is the reigning featherweight champion and will soon step into the Octagon against the world champion in Japan. We are talking about Michael "Ruffi" Ettlen from the German Top Team, who attracted enormous attention with his title win in 2017. But just as quickly it became quiet again, around the likeable shooter from Reutlingen.

A meniscus injury forced the newly crowned champion to a long injury and recovery break. In addition, he was in a difficult exam and transition phase in his studies and so it became quieter and quieter around the Shooto amateur champion.

In May, "Ruffi" wants to come back with a bang. He is confirmed as the first fighter on the fight card for SHOOTO KINGS VIII: "Samurai Spirit" and will make his professional debut on May 18 at the Wittumhalle in Reutlingen.

A special incentive should be that Shooto legend Rumina Sato will be flown in from Japan especially for the occasion and will be at the ring personally for the event. An opponent for the young student has not yet been determined, but traditionally a real "edge" should be waiting for Ettlen in his fight, because coach Peter Angerer likes to know from the outset, from which wood his fighters are carved. So you can be curious who Ettlen will meet in his professional Shooto debut.

SHOOTO KINGS VIII: "Samurai Spirit"

Saturday, 18.05.2019
Wittumhalle
Wittumstraße 37, Reutlingen
Door: 6 pm
Gong: 7 pm

Professional Shooto title fight -77.1 kg (5×5 minutes)
tba vs. tba

Professional Shooto -70,3 kg (3×5 minutes)
tba vs. Michael Ettlen (German Top Team)