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In an interesting turn of events, former UFC fighter Jake Shields issued a challenge last month to ‘the toughest trans men’ for a match, and a brave contender has stepped forward. Mack Beggs, a young athlete from Texas who transitioned from female to male, has declared on Instagram that he is ready to face Shields in the octagon. Initially, Shields stated that he received no response from the trans fighter community and revised his proposal to include battling former UFC fighter Mike Jackson and 10 trans fighters at the same time. ‘This is a serious offer go get your team ready,’ Shields confidently tweeted on April 20.
However, Mack Beggs expressed a desire to go head-to-head with Shields rather than participate in the revised offer. ‘We just going to make this an official call out, but Jake Shields I will take you up on your offer,’ Beggs announced through OutKick. He continued to assert that the match should not be 10 versus one with 10 trans men, but instead should be a one-on-one duel. Beggs emphasized the importance of executing the fight properly, asserting that if Shields wants to be considered a real fighter, he needs to do it right.
Beggs firmly stated that Shields’ initial challenge of fighting 10 trans men at once demonstrated disrespect to the sport of MMA, and that it’s not appropriate to claim he could ‘whoop them’ in such a manner. At just 24 years old, Beggs highlighted the potential bias and fixation that Shields, and others who share his mindset, may have with transgender individuals in defending the integrity of trans fighters. ‘It’s the fact that y’all are so fixated and hyper-fixated and have some f—ing fetish with trans women that you even forget that we f—ing out here, and we going to f— you up,’ Beggs passionately stated.
@RateWork UFC’s Jake Shields lays challenge down, and amateur trans wrestler Mack Beggs is answering the call pic.twitter.com/AsZd2jqpsj
— BillyBobAmbrose (@dontstoryme185) May 6, 2023
In a direct message to Shields, Beggs emphasized his determination to prove himself in the octagon. ‘I’m specifically going to f— you up, Jake Shields,’ he declared. Shields, recognizing that his challenge had been accepted, didn’t back down and affirmed his commitment to the match. ‘My offer is legit so have they/them contact me and they can start putting their team together,’ Shields tweeted in response.
Shields, undeterred by Beggs’ confident stance, even engaged in some virtual sparring. ‘This thing thinks it can beat me in a fight,’ the former UFC fighter tweeted on Friday, alongside a facepalm emoji. Furthermore, Shields humorously suggested that Bud Light might be interested in sponsoring the trans fighters. This comment was likely a jab at the beer company’s partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
During his high school years, Mack Beggs underwent his transition while competing in wrestling. Due to state regulations, Beggs was required to wrestle against female opponents, even though he was transitioning to male. His impressive performance in high school wrestling saw him win the Texas girls 110-pound championship title in both 2017 and 2018, defeating the same competitor, Chelsea Sanchez, both years.
Over the two-year span, Beggs amassed a phenomenal 79-0 record in wrestling competitions. However, his success was met with controversy as some potential opponents chose to forfeit their matches against Beggs. The forfeiture was due to the fact that Beggs had been taking testosterone during his transition process, which led to concerns and disputes.
Despite his evident skill and prowess in the sport, Beggs ultimately did not pursue collegiate wrestling. This decision was likely influenced by his need to undergo surgery during his transition. On the other hand, Shields’ fighting career saw him contend for the UFC welterweight championship at UFC 129. Unfortunately for him, he was defeated by the formidable Georges St. Pierre.
This matchup offers an intriguing opportunity for viewers to witness the potential of both experienced and up-and-coming fighters alike. Shields’ decision to challenge trans fighters may have garnered attention due to the ongoing debates surrounding transgender individuals in sports, and this contest might add fuel to the fire.
Although Mack Beggs chose not to continue wrestling at the collegiate level, he has proven that he is not afraid to take on formidable opponents such as Jake Shields. The confidence and courage displayed by Beggs in accepting the challenge is undeniably admirable, and his determination to stand up for the dignity of trans athletes is truly commendable.
In a time when discussions surrounding trans rights and inclusion are at the forefront of social discussions, the outcome of this match could have significant implications on both the public’s perception of transgender athletes and the individuals themselves. It is essential, then, that the contest between Shields and Beggs be conducted with fairness, respect, and a genuine desire to engage in healthy competition.
For those who enjoy the adrenaline-packed world of MMA and are excited to see how this showdown unfolds, it may also serve as an opportunity for personal reflection on their viewpoints of transgender individuals in sports. Observing the match without any preconceived notions of who might have an advantage may lead to a better understanding of the capabilities and talents of each contender.
While it is not yet clear when this anticipated match between Jake Shields and Mack Beggs will take place, it is evident that both athletes are keen to prove their worth in the octagon. The challenge has been officially called out, and now it’s time to see how these fighters will prepare for their confrontation.
With Shields’ experience as a former UFC fighter and Beggs’ impressive wrestling background, fans of the sport can expect a thrilling battle full of grit and determination. As the excitement surrounding this matchup continues to build, it is now up to the two competitors to train and strategize for what may be one of the most-talked-about fights of the year.
The forthcoming match between former UFC fighter Jake Shields and fearless athlete Mack Beggs promises to capture the attention of not only MMA enthusiasts but also those who are interested in the larger conversation surrounding transgender athletes in sports. We can only wait and see how this extraordinary showdown unfolds, and what potential impact it may have on our society’s ongoing discussions on inclusivity and fairness in sports.