In all the madness that last week brought with the Jon Jones issue and three fight cards in three nights to cap off International Fight Week; it is easy to overlook the fact that Will “Ill Will” Brooks shined in his UFC debut Friday night on The Ultimate Fighter Finale. Brooks defeated UFC lightweight veteran Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson via unanimous decision.
Will Brooks Shines in UFC Debut
The Schaumburg, IL native became a free agent in May. It was a not so surprising move when Bellator president, Scott Coker, released his lightweight champion, Brooks. Coker cited that his contract was expiring and the promotion elected to terminate the deal and waive all negotiation rights. Brooks was now free to pursue any free agency options.
Bellator Critiques
Brooks was very open about his criticism of Bellator. He thought that Coker was pushing some of the new talent rather than the guys who had been there long-term. Brooks had been with Bellator since January 2013 and compiled an astounding record of 9-1. This included two wins over current Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler.
Brooks would not waste much time taking to the media after his release from Bellator saying, “I want to move on to my next goal.”
The first step in that next goal obviously came very quickly. It would only take a month for Brooks to find a new home in the UFC. His first fight in his new home would be the following month in Las Vegas on July 8. Brooks quickly signed on to fight at The Ultimate Fighter Finale during International Fight Week. He would fill in for an injured James Krause against Ross Pearson.
Training at American Top Team
There was no surprise that Brooks quickly signed to the UFC due to the plethora of talent he is surrounded by at American Top Team where he trains with some of the best fighters the UFC has to offer. This includes welterweight champion Robbie Lawler and newly crowned women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes.
After a very quick five week fight camp, “Ill Will” was able to quickly cut down the weight and fly to Las Vegas to make his debut.
The Fight
It was very apparent Brooks was ready for the big time as he easily won the first two rounds with an extremely overwhelming majority in control time, landing 36 more strikes and 33 more significant strikes throughout those two rounds. Brooks also added a take down in the second round to seal the round. In the third round it appeared that he was slowing down a bit. Pearson connected on six more strikes than Brooks, as well as seven more significant strikes. However, it was not enough for Pearson as Brooks would take home the win. After the fight was when he really made his presence felt. He called out new UFC Lightweight Champion and former Bellator fighter, Eddie Alvarez.
The win launched the veteran, Brooks, into the Top 15 of the lightweight division as he currently sits at twelve. However, one would have to believe that after dispatching the veteran Pearson, Brooks is in line for a Top 10 fight.
Main Photo: LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 08: Will Brooks (R) reacts after his decision victory over Ross Pearson (L) in their lightweight bout during The Ultimate Fighter Finale event at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 8, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
