Chris Beal – “Ronda Rousey has hands!”

Chris Beal 172

 

 

“You play ball like a girl!” – Hamilton ‘Ham’ Porter

No words have more been etched into the minds of adolescent children who grew up with the instant classic The Sandlot. Looking past baseball, if someone were to tell you that you punched or kicked like a girl, a majority of us red blooded American men would be offended and ready to throw down. Let’s be honest, when challenged and our mettle brought into question, regardless of what we think – most of us will be willing to hit or get hit to prove the other wrong.

Enter UFC bantamweight and former Team Rousey member, “Real Deal” Chris Beal, who is not one to let the talk be all his actions – “I don’t talk trash before a fight, if someone else does, let them; I’ll remember. My talking is done with my fists and skills when I am inside the cage with you.”

Hailing from the Golden Coast of Ventura, CA comes a man from a grounded family and camp who have been behind him from day one. When things were looking bleak with MMA becoming a full blown profession, Beal did not let his dreams go by the wayside and luckily stuck around long enough to get the motivation to pursue his UFC dreams.

“Right before the show (The Ultimate Fighter) I was ready to walk away from MMA and pursue boxing possibly full time or even an entirely different career not based on fighting. I am so thankful the opportunity presented itself when it did… the experience on the show was life changing too. At the time, when I lost, I was mad at myself for losing and was just upset; looking back – the skills and training I was able to still benefit from just by being there, I would not trade that for the world.”

Training alongside other fighters and his coaching staff, led by UFC Women’s bantamweight champion, Ronda Rousey, Beal tells Fight Hub of what she is capable of even if video proof is not enough for some fans or critics.

“Ronda has hands, she does. People want to say things but they shouldn’t. She can catch you and make you open your eyes.”

Grateful for the show and new people who can instruct the young fighter, Beal remembers who have been there for him from day one and will continue to remain faithful for those who he holds closest.

“I am so thankful to have Knuckleheadz and the family I do there, from Hoss (Joseph Janik), Joe Henle, Tim Riscen, all my team over there – they are my family and have been there for me and I will always do the same for them. I might go train at other places to perfect and improve my game, but here and 805 – this is home for me. Knowing that I have their love and support, I would not trade that for anything, I am greatly appreciative for them.”

Debuting in his first official UFC bout at UFC 172 in Baltimore, Beal was able to achieve what only a select few have done in mixed martial arts – be showcased on ESPN SportsCenter. Doing so came from delivering what Joe Rogan called, “one of the best flying knees I have ever seen,” against Patrick Williams. Not only did he garner national attention but the Performance of the Night bonus did not hurt either.

“Man! That was awesome! To hear Joe Rogan say that, have my phone blowing up from everyone and the bonus money – I mean, I felt and still feel so blessed for all of this.”

Remaining undefeated in his career and currently 9-0 he is not looking to stop anytime soon – “I am watching my division, featherweight, and flyweight because any of those guys could come out and be an opponent so I am watching those divisions closely.”

Keep your eye on the 805 native and see what he does next inside the octagon! Something tells us he will be one to watch for time to come.