Fighter’s Bio
NAME: Brian Ebersole
WEIGHT CLASS: Middleweight
AGE/DOB: 25 11-27-80
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6' 185
BIRTHPLACE: Laporte, Indiana
FIGHTING STYLE: Shamrock Submission Fighting
FIGHTING OUT OF: Shamrock Martial Arts Academy
PROFESSIONAL MMA RECORD: 27-10-0
STRENGTHS: My chin and my foot
TRAINING REGIMENT: We are pretty well rounded. We play games within each discipline and it melds together when we spar, then compete.
HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED: Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School Bradley,
IL
COLLEGE ATTENDED: Eastern Illinois University
SPOKEN LAUGUAGE’S: English/some Spanish
FAMILY INFORMATION: I have one. They love me.
THOUGHTS ON THE IFL: I believe the IFL has the potential to become a major organization in MMA. Their business model is solid, and their events are truly superb.
VIEWS ON THE TEAM CONCEPT IN OUR SPORT: I have always believed that a team is greater than the sum of its parts. The IFL allows that theory to be tested. I believe that their will be added excitement for the fighters and the fans because of the team concept.
OPINION OF YOUR UPCOMING OPONENTS: I only know the first one, and he's one of the best in the world. This season will be a true test of my ability to compete.
What does it mean to you having this opportunity to fight in the IFL and to be part of such a new concept that could change our industry? The opportunity that the IFL has presented the individual fighters is revolutionary. No organization, that I am aware of, has been able to provide the stability and security that the IFL has afforded its athletes. Knowing that we can train full-time, and still have the basic financial obligations covered, is truly a load off of my shoulders. Also, being a part of the inaugural season of the IFL will be a story to tell the grandkids.
Give us your thoughts on your coach and what it is like to be a member of his team? I was a member of Frank's team before the IFL appointed him as a coach. I have been witness to many of the qualities that make him the man he is. I count my blessings every so often, knowing that I'm working with the best in the business. I'm honored to be a member of Frank's team. This will be another challenge/journey that we take on together, and life is all about the journey, is it not.
When and why did you start fighting MMA? I took my first fight in June 2000, as a 19 year old college wrestler. I'd trained submissions, informally, while in H.S. After my Freshman year of college, I was asked if I would be interested in fighting for real. Once I competed, I was hooked.
From then on, it was a natural progression of my life's work. I'd always been an athlete, and this was a great way to continue that lifestyle. The money was definitely not worth it in the beginning, but I knew I'd make my way. I didn't think it would take six years, but......
What ranks and titles have you held? Combate Libre II Tourney Champ, Ultimate Fighting Mexico Tourney Champ, UFM II Superfight Champ, Cage Rage III Tourney champ, Cage Rage IV title defense, King of the Rockies Middleweight Champ
Do you have any hero’s and explain why? I don't really have a hero. I had a few guys that I admired when I was young. Ryne Sandberg of the Cubs, Michael Jordan, and Walter Payton. Being from Chicago, they were easy picks. However, I hold them in much higher regard today, knowing that they were tremendously dedicated athletes. But aside from athletics, they were great men.
What is your favorite technique? The one that lets me get out of the ring victorious.
What if anything, would separate, or make you stand-out, in this league? I just may be the zaniest character in the IFL. I wouldn't put myself up there, in that respect, with Jason Miller, but I have a great time at events, and consider myself a fair entertainer.
What was your job before you started fighting and do you currently maintain that position? I have run the gamut of labor positions and have worked as a bartender since I was 21. I came to California to follow a "career" in mma, immediately after college. I continued to bartend and work in labor positions for 2 1/2 years. As of Feb. 2006, I have not held a job, save competing and teaching mixed martial arts.
What sports did you play in high school, if any? Wrestling and Football. I did play a lot of badminton with the school's team , but wasn't a member (girls only). I think I could have had my girlfriends spot as the #2 player though.
If you attended college do you hold a degree and what degree did you earn? I am 5 classes shy of my Bachelor's Degree in History
List any hobbies, or interest you have outside of fighting: Fight training leaves me little time for hobbies, so my favorite one of late has been sleeping. And I've always been fascinated by the beauty of women. Hey...If I can ever put those two passions in the same boat, I'd have a whole new hobby wouldn't I?
Who is the most motivational person in your life? Myself. Both good and bad. Motivation, for me has always been a personal issue.
Every boy, dreams/ fantasies, about being something when they grow up, what did you want to be?
I'm not sure I ever chose a profession; I just wanted to grow up. Now that I've chosen a profession, I just want to be able to be a kid again, and look through life with wondering eyes.
What can you personally bring to your team that will help to ensure, they are the best in the league?
I am a veteran of 50 MMA fights, and have compted since I was a child. I've been in the team environment all of my life. Wrestling matches were exactly the same as the IFL event structure. With that said, I hope to provide stability and leadership to my team. Each guy will come in with his own methods, skills, and mindset. I hope to be able to mend the qualities of each member, and have a team of true Mixed Martial Artists. I have no doubt that Frank's team will have success in this IFL season.
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