Shane Derrick Roller (born July 14, 1979) is a retired American mixed martial artist who is perhaps best known in his career for competing as a Lightweight for the UFC and WEC.
Background
Roller was born and raised in Bixby, Oklahoma, along with his three brothers. Roller is known as one of the most decorated athletes in his state's history, a standout at Bixby High School while competing in wrestling, baseball, and football, lettering in each, and was the Tulsa World's 1998 Male Athlete of the Year. In baseball, he was a two-time letterman, playing shortstop, hitting in the lead-off spot, and was twice selected for the All-Metro Honorable Mention Team. In football, Roller played quarterback, running back, free safety, and was a three-time letterman. Roller was selected to play in the Jim Thorpe All-Star Game and was also selected as the 1997 Oklahoma Football Coaches Association All-Star Running Back. In wrestling, Roller was his high school's first four-time state champion and was twice selected as the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the state tournament. He compiled a 141–3 record and was selected for the All-State team, being voted the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the All-State match. He was also an Asics First Team All-American and received the Junior Hodge Award which is given to the nation's most dominant high school wrestler. Roller also received the Dave Schultz award which is for academic and athletic excellence, as he was also his class' salutatorian and a member of the National Honor Society. He received a scholarship to continue competing in wrestling for Oklahoma State University and was a three-time NCAA All-American, three-time Academic All-American, and Big 12 Champion. Roller was also the captain of the 2003 NCAA Championship team, and earned a bachelor's degree in psychology. He later earned his master's degree from the school while working as an assistant coach, earning three NCAA championships.[1]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Roller made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2007 and compiled a record of 3–1 before being signed by the WEC.
World Extreme Cagefighting
Roller made his WEC debut defeating Todd Moore at WEC 35 via submission (guillotine choke) at 3:00 of the first round. This was followed by another first round submission win over previously undefeated Mike Budnik at WEC 37.
Roller rebounded from his loss to Henderson defeating former Lightweight title challenger Marcus Hicks via unanimous decision on August 9, 2009, at WEC 42.
Roller defeated Danny Castillo on November 18, 2009, at WEC 44[2] via submission in the third round, earning Submission of the Night honors.[3]
Roller faced Anthony Njokuani on April 24, 2010, at WEC 48.[4] He won the fight via first-round rear-naked choke submission.[5]
Roller faced Anthony Pettis on August 18, 2010, at WEC 50.[6] Following a back and forth battle, the visibly exhausted Roller was submitted by Pettis via triangle choke with seconds left in the bout.
In October 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.[8]
Roller was expected to face Jacob Volkmann on September 1, 2012, at UFC 151.[14] However, after UFC 151 was cancelled, Roller/Volkmann was rescheduled and instead took place on October 5, 2012, at UFC on FX 5.[15] Roller was taken down early in the fight and eventually submitted via rear naked choke. Shortly after the event Shane announced his retirement from mixed martial arts competition.[16]
Personal life
Shane is married to Jennifer Roller and the couple have four children. Roller's three brothers, Keith, Mike, and Jimmy all played sports at the collegiate level. Keith played football, while Mike and Jimmy wrestled. Shane began Wrestling after he was bullied in the 2nd grade for letting flatulence slip. [17]
