Bolin prepares for Evolution

Long considered one of the best amateurs in the St. Louis area, Rickey Bolin makes the leap to the pros on Friday.

Bolin is part of the main card of Shamrock Fighting Championship: Evolution this Friday at Lumiere Place.

Bolin was Shamrock MMA's top amateur and he won Shamrock's 155-pound belt when he forced Jake Martin to tap with a rear naked choke.

On Friday, Bolin will step in against LB McCraig. McCraig, out of Poplar Bluff, has a 10-8 record as an amateur. His most recent win came in April over Jacob Corbett.

"I see me winning the fight either ground and pound or submitting him," McCraig said. "I'm just going to be there to finish the fight. I've seen a few guys from Finney's and they're more leaning to the kickboxing side a little bit. We'll see on Friday. It's either step up or choke. And I'm not going to choke."

A no-nonsense grinder, Bolin has been training under the Hit Squad banner for about two years now, after leaving Militech affiliate Absolute Martial Arts to get more well-rounded training.

Friday's card features four pro fights on the main card and six amateur fights on the undercard.

For more ticket information about Shamrock FC Evolution, go to: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Shamrock-Promotions-Mixed-Martial-Arts-tickets/artist/1724842