Austin Spangler The Hank Russell Invitation interview on Shamrock 378

Austin Spangler The Hank Russell Invitation interview covered his upcoming Shamrock 378 main event, a four-fight winning streak built entirely on first-round finishes, and his interest in Dana White's Contender Series. Speaking after weigh-ins, Spangler said he would fight at 160 pounds rather than his usual 155 and believed he was better everywhere than his opponent.

What did Austin Spangler say about his next fight at Shamrock 378?

Austin Spangler said he would headline Shamrock 378 in Kansas City, Missouri, at a 160-pound catchweight. He usually fights at 155 pounds, but his opponent wanted the higher weight and the bout was not for a title. Spangler accepted the change because it would spare him some of the weight cut.

A second consecutive main event

The Shamrock 378 bout would be Spangler's second main event. His previous fight, against Jordan Hinman, also topped the card. He had finished weigh-ins and was concentrating on rehydrating and feeling good before fighting the next day.

Spangler described his upcoming opponent as experienced and capable of making the fight interesting. His own assessment was confident: “I feel like I'm better everywhere and I've been working really hard.” He did not dismiss the matchup, calling it a test ahead of any opportunity at a higher level.

Why the catchweight suited Spangler

Spangler said the other fighter did not want to cut as much weight. With no title at stake, he saw no reason to refuse 160 pounds when it would also reduce his own cut. He did not present the change as a move away from lightweight, which he identified as his usual division.

What did Austin Spangler say about his winning streak and Dana White's Contender Series?

Austin Spangler said he had been fighting professionally for about two to two and a half years and was on a four-fight winning streak. Every win in that streak ended in the first round, as did his fifth win. He saw Dana White's Contender Series as a possible chance to show what he could do.

Spangler put the point plainly when describing his finishes:

All five total wins are first round finishes.

He felt his record could compare favorably with those of some fighters who had reached the Ultimate Fighting Championship or Dana White's Contender Series. That was his assessment of his prospects, not an announcement that he had been offered a place. He also acknowledged that Shamrock 378 presented an immediate test.

After The Hank Russell Invitation described the intensity of Contender Series fights, Spangler agreed that the fighters there were hungry to move up. He wanted opportunities against opponents who could push him and produce competitive fights. For him, reaching that stage would mean a chance to demonstrate his abilities against that level of competition.

What did Austin Spangler say about Kansas City and the Chiefs?

Austin Spangler said Shamrock 378 would take place at Ameristar Casino in Kansas City, Missouri, about an hour from his home in Ottawa, Kansas. The conversation also turned to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders: Spangler was pleased with the Chiefs' start, while his interviewer supported the Raiders.

Traveling from Ottawa to Ameristar Casino

Spangler does not live in Kansas City. He described Ottawa as a small Kansas town south of the city and said the trip to the venue takes him roughly an hour. Although he lives outside the city, he spoke warmly about what there is to see there.

The Chiefs, Raiders and a baseball-film detour

Spangler said the Chiefs had started four and zero after what he considered a disappointing previous season. Discussing a game against the Raiders, he recalled moments when he worried Kansas City might lose and thought a late fumble could lead to a Raiders score. The Hank Russell Invitation, a Raiders fan, disagreed with a decision not to kick a field goal.

The sports conversation briefly moved to baseball films. The interviewer brought up Rookie of the Year and The Sandlot; Spangler said he had seen The Sandlot. He did not say that he had seen Rookie of the Year.

How did Austin Spangler handle weigh-ins and earlier losses?

Austin Spangler said he weighed in at about 4:30, faced his opponent at a live event around 6:00, then traveled home to rest and rehydrate. Looking beyond that immediate preparation, he said his two losses had led to improvements and more opportunities, rather than ending his progress.

By the time we spoke, he had been home for about an hour. The faceoff gave him a chance to look at his opponent directly after making weight. His priorities afterward were straightforward: rehydrate, feel good and be ready for the fight.

Spangler also recognized that a fighting career includes setbacks. He said nobody wins every fight and a fighter has to be prepared to get back up after losing. In his view, both of his losses made him better, and the changes he made afterward helped bring further opportunities. He connected that experience to his wish for tougher, more competitive fights.

What did Austin Spangler say about his walkout music?

Austin Spangler thought his walkout track would be Stevie Ray Vaughan's version of the Jimi Hendrix song Voodoo Child. He liked the guitar riff and felt it worked for an entrance. The choice led to a broader conversation about his interest in music from different genres and eras.

Spangler was not entirely certain of the selection when asked, saying he thought he had chosen Vaughan's version. What stood out to him was the force of its opening riff as he walked out. He said he was 24 and listened across a wide range of styles, rather than limiting himself to music from his own age group.

The Hank Russell Invitation discussed having met Stevie Ray Vaughan's brother and brought up the heavy guitar strings associated with Vaughan's sound. Spangler said he had heard that those strings were hard on Vaughan's fingers but that the guitarist wanted their sound. The interviewer also made a passing joke about the Backstreet Boys; Spangler's substantive point was that he liked many kinds of music.

How did Austin Spangler plan to share his Shamrock 378 result?

Austin Spangler said he would try to post an Instagram story telling followers what happened at Shamrock 378, even if the fight did not go his way. He invited people to follow him there for an update but did not promise a particular result or give a specific time for posting.

That plan matched the measured way he discussed both his winning streak and his earlier defeats. He was confident about his preparation and his matchup, while recognizing that a fight could turn against him. His stated aim on Instagram was simply to let followers know what happened.