MMA Fighter Will Brooks Interview

Will Brooks is a rising MMA fighter training out of MTC.

How and when did you get into mixed martial arts?

Before I started training I was actually in college playing football at Harper in Palatine, IL in 2007. During that time, I actually suffered a knee injury that kept me out of football and I felt like I wasn’t doing anything with myself. I was watching the T.U.F TV and that was the first time I ever saw anything that had to do with the UFC and I fell in love with it and my buddy actually told me about a gym that he was training at which was MTC. I trained off and on during 2007 and then I stopped for a couple of years because I wanted to focus on college and trying to play football again. Things didn’t work out how I wanted them to and during that time all I could think about was getting back into the gym. 2009 rolled around and one day I finally just decided that I was going to commit to training and making it to the big show and so here I am training as hard as possible and following my gym at MTC.


What was the worst injury you ever sustained from training in the sport?

-Well actually I’ve been really lucky so far; during all the training I haven’t suffered any really bad injuries. I have had small injuries but nothing I can’t train through.


How would you describe your fighting style?

Right now I’m not really sure. The sport is so strategic you have to be able to adapt and change game plans depending on who you’re sparring with or fighting. If I just had to say though I would say that I’m more of a counter fighter. I like to stand in the pocket and slip punches and throw fast combination kind of like BJ Penn.


When is your next fight and how will you be preparing for it?

My next fight is in Addison, IL on April 24th. I’ll be doing what I do every day training as hard as possible with some of the best trainers and fighters in the Midwest.


People see how the best UFC fighters live, driving expensive cars and living in mansions. These fighters only represent 1% of all fighters. What is the lifestyle of an MMA fighter like who hasn’t yet made it to and succeeded in the UFC?

Man, it’s tough. Don’t get me wrong I know it’s still tough for those guys who have made it but for guys who haven’t it’s a battle to stay focused. Sometimes because we all set goals and people have the tendency to get a little impatient in the process to make it to the big show where we all want to be. Sometimes it’s the everyday grind that starts to wear you down. Some guys work regular jobs and then come to train after. Other guys have to work and take care of a family and then come train so it’s tough for guys who haven’t made it yet, but this is the life that we chose when we decided to take this journey so we battle through. That’s why it’s good to get in a gym where everyone can stick together.

MMA Fighter Dennis Dombrow Interview

Dennis Dombrow is an amateur MMA fighter fighting out of Midwest Training Center. He is currently 2-0 and is the 140 lb Bourbon Brawl Champion.

It seems that you love extreme sports as you are an accomplished BMX rider. Which sport do you prefer out of BMX and MMA?

They are both beautiful in their own ways. I do not like one more than the other.

Which hurts more, getting punched in the face or falling off a BMX bike?

It all depends, falling off of a BMX bike does not feel good, but neither does getting punched! Actually, I have kind of learned to enjoy taking a nice blow so I would probably say falling off a bike.

You won the Bourbon Street 140 pound belt. Did this give you enough confidence to turn professional with only 2 amateur fights?

I am still an amateur, in Illinois you now need 5 amateur fights before turning pro.

There are a lot of MMA gyms in the Chicago area. Why did you choose to train at MTC?

MTC is the best! I am very loyal and my roots have been with MTC before MTC was MTC!

According to mixedmartialarts.com, you haven’t fought in over a year. When will fans see you fight next?

I blew out my ACL right after my last fight so I had to take the appropriate amount of time to heal and rehab my leg before stepping in the cage again. So to answer your question I will be fighting this Friday, March 12. Ruckus 2 in Addison. Come check it out!

Is there anyone you would like to thank (coaches, family, sponsors).

I want to thank everyone that has helped and supported me get to where I am today. My mom and dad, my MTC family, my ATX family, everyone at Vandry BJJ, Empire, and LVRG! Thank you to everyone!

Carson Beebe MMA Interview

Before you started training in mixed martial arts, were you involved in other forms of martial arts?

Yes, I have been wrestling pretty much my whole life. I started when I was 4 yrs old.

How long did you train for before entering the cage for your first amateur fight?

I have been training MMA for quite some time. I was never able to fight in the cage because I was wrestling in college and it is against NCAA rules.

Your first professional fight is coming up really soon. What have you done to prepare yourself for this fight?

Not much has changed in training for my first pro fight. I go to war with the guys at Gilbert Grappling every night. I have added one element, which is a pretty tough strength and conditioning program at Vision Quest athletics in La Grange.

I assume that you enjoy playing other sports like football, basketball, etc. How do you compare other sports to mixed martial arts?

Training for wrestling is similar to fighting but I don't think anything can compare to the stress, nervousness and adrenaline of stepping into a cage with another trained warrior with nothing but bad intentions.

Your older brother, Chase Beebe, is a pretty well-known MMA fighter who has fought all over the world including WEC, KOTC, Dream, and other promotions. Do you think there is extra pressure on you to succeed because of the Beebe name?

I have dealt with the pressure of my older brothers' successes my whole life, so I am pretty used to it. The fact that Chase has been so successful has definitely opened up some doors for me in the sport, and I am looking forward to following in his footsteps.

Do you have anyone you'd like to thank (coaches, family, sponsors)?

I have a lot of people to thank. All the guys at Gilbert Grappling for pushing me beyond my limits every day, Steve Mologousis who is my trainer at Vision Quest Athletics, my brother Chase for being a great mentor and training partner, and lastly, my family for their unwavering support.