Who Is Shannon Ritch? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Shannon Ritch was born on September 27, 1970, making him 54 years old as of 2025. Hailing from the United States, Ritch is recognized as an accomplished mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, competing in various promotions and showcasing his skills in the sport since the mid-1990s. His journey in MMA has paved the way for numerous opportunities, earning him a place among the notable figures in the fighting community.
| Occupation | Martial Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 27, 1970 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Coolidge, Arizona, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Shannon Ritch's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Shannon Ritch's physical attributes play a significant role in his career as a fighter. Standing at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall, Ritch maintains a competitive weight around 185 lbs (84 kg). His rigorous training and disciplined lifestyle contribute to maintaining his physique, which is essential in the world of mixed martial arts.
Ritch was matched against the Burmese fighter Ei Htee Kaw in a fight held at a contract weight of 165 lb the Thuwunna National Indoor Stadium. Ritch started the fight strong and forced his opponent to be defensive. In a controversial moment, Ritch knocked down Ei Htee Kaw in the first round but a count was not administered.
Ritch continued to attack with Ei Htee Kaw trying to defend. At one point, Ei Htee Kaw turned away and raised his knee in defence, pointing his knee forward. Ritch struck himself on Ei Htee Kaw's knee unintentionally, driving it directly into his solar plexus.
Unable to breathe, Ritch went down immediately without Ei Htee Kaw throwing a shot and the fight was declared over.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Shannon Ritch is currently single, focusing on his career and personal growth. While Ritch has had relationships in the past, he has chosen to prioritize his professional endeavors over romantic commitments. His family, while not frequently highlighted, has been a source of support throughout his life and career, encouraging him in his journey within the demanding world of MMA.
Ritch made his debut in 1991 at an event in Mexico, but like much of his fighting career this was during a time when sanctioned fights took place under athletic commissions that kept no record of mixed martial arts competitions. Ritch's officially documented professional debut was in 1998.
Shannon's full record has over 200 professional MMA fights with 124 wins, 92 losses and 2 draws (4 NC's), some fights going undocumented and dating back as far as 1991, his documented record of fights goes back to 1998 with a record of 58 wins and 88 losses (4 NC's).
Net Worth and Salary
Shannon Ritch's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million as of 2025. His earnings primarily stem from his long-standing career in mixed martial arts, including fight purses, sponsorships, and appearances in various martial arts events. Through strategic investments and his deep-seated passion for the sport, Ritch has managed to build a stable financial foundation, which has afforded him a comfortable lifestyle.
On October 5, 2018, Ritch was to fight in the main event of DWF: MMA Mega Showdown in Delaware against professional wrestler Michael Youngblood, who briefly competed for the WWE and held a 1-0 pro record after beginning his mixed martial arts career earlier in the year, for the DWF Heavyweight Championship and co-headlined by former UFC contender M
ike Bronzoulis against veteran Marcus Gaines who is also an occasional training partner with Shannon.
After the fighters who were set to compete on the card had conducted the pre fight press conference and weigh-ins to promote the event were later informed as the main card was set to begin that the promoters who made an investment for the card to take place did not have enough funds to pay the fighters and staff and that an announcement would be ma
de to the attendance that their tickets would have to be refunded.
The promoter behind the DWF organization, Gail Stallings-Minor who purportedly was the first African-American woman to promote a mixed martial arts event, left the venue after learning the fighters had to be told they would not be paid and that state police had arrived.
Bellator MMA Women's Flyweight Champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, who was cornering a fighter on the card, later described the venue as "complete chaos" after watching the promoters rush to flee the scene as police began to enter.
Career, Business, and Investments
Ritch's career in mixed martial arts spans several decades and includes an impressive record of fights across multiple organizations. Known for his grappling skills and tenacity in the ring, he has faced some of the toughest opponents in the sport. In addition to fighting, Shannon has involved himself in various business ventures, including promoting local MMA events and engaging in training younger fighters, sharing his extensive knowledge of martial arts.
Ritch also dabbles in investments, primarily focusing on health and fitness-related ventures that align with his lifestyle and expertise. His career trajectory illustrates not just his fighting skills but also his acumen as an entrepreneur.
Shannon had a brief stint in the United States Army with the 4th Infantry Regiment, which ended in 1996 before being employed by the private military organization Blackwater.
With Blackwater, he was deployed to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan which served as a launch pad for his training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and later transition to a career in professional mixed martial arts. Shannon started training Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 1996 and received his black belt in 2007 under Dan G.
at the Machado Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Dallas, Texas. Ritch still trains military personnel in mixed martial arts and is a mainstay at the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. At one time Shannon was a bodyguard for United States Congressman John Negroponte while serving as a private contractor under Blackwater.
Social Network
Shannon Ritch is active on social media, where he connects with his fans and shares insights into his life and career. His platforms include:
- Instagram: @ShannonRitchMMA
- Twitter: @ShannonRitch
- Facebook: Shannon Ritch
Education
Shannon Ritch's educational background is rooted in martial arts training rather than formal academic pursuits. He has honed his skills through practical experience in the ring and by learning from notable trainers and fighters throughout his career. His educational journey reflects a dedication to mastering the craft of mixed martial arts, with countless hours spent training, understanding techniques, and developing his fighting style.
Ritch began learning karate from a young age and also competed in high school wrestling before becoming a professional kickboxer beginning as an amateur sometime in 1988. Ritch attended Central Arizona College and Arizona State University.
