It’s been nearly two weeks since Will Brooks was in the toughest fight of his career, but he’s already back at the gym training for his next fight.  Brooks is scheduled to meet Chris Tickle at XFO 42, a fight that will take place at the Sears Centre, in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.  For his fight with Tickle, MMA Recap is going to check in on Brooks through out the training camp to see how things are going for this fight.

Let’s start off with your most recent win against Ryan Bixler.  That was the toughest fight of your career to date.  In the first round you suffered an accidental eye poke and weathered a storm of punches from Bixler.  You were able to recover after taking him down and held on to him.  How much trouble were you in while he was unloading on you?

Before the fight went to the ground I believe I was in more trouble being that I couldn’t see and he was able to land some very solid shoots. Once I was able to hold him I didn’t feel in trouble as much I was more focused on getting my vision back in my eye.

In the second round you looked extremely fresh compared to Bixler.  And it showed as you took him down again with ease.  I noticed that you took his back, much like you did in your previous two fights, only this time you had to finish with the rear naked choke instead of the armbar.  Did you attempt the armbar or was it just straight for the rear naked choke?

When I took his back I was looking to gain control more than looking for any type of submission. I didn’t really look for any submission in particular I I just took what was presented and at the time it was the rear naked choke.

How much time did you take off before you got back into training for your upcoming fight?

I took about a week off that has kind of been the routine of my last couple of training camps and fights lucky not because of injury but just to rest, relax, and go back home to Gurnee to spend time with my family and friends.

You are scheduled to fight Chris Tickle, have you researched your opponent at all and if so what skills do you think are his best?

Yes I’m scheduled to fight Chris at the XFO 42 I’m very excited for this fight it will be another tough opponent and I look forward to it. I haven’t researched him I don’t really research many of my opponents my coach does most of that for me. It’s works better that way so I can focus on more the training camp I trust my coaches and know that they will put together a great game plan for the fight.

With this training camp is there one thing in particular that you want to improve on with your own skill set?

This training camp will focus on just getting better in every aspect just like previous training camps. We train not to focus on working one thing during training camps because we feel as though it takes away from the instinct to work other aspects of MMA.

Talk to us a bit about the start of training camp.  What’s the schedule like for the first week or two?

The first 2 weeks aren’t too much different from later weeks of the training camp. The only difference is that I’m more just focused on getting some weight off and getting back in the mix of strength and conditioning.

Any sponsors or people you want to thank?

I would like to thank LVRG clothing, GNC in south Elgin, the academy of advanced athletics, and last but not least my family and friends.

Chris Tickle LVRG Life Sears Centre Arena Will Brooks XFO 42