Fighter Focus: Getting to Know Jon Youngbear

Fighter Focus:  Getting to Know Jon Youngbear
 
At MCC 25: “Inferno”, Jon Youngbear will make his debut for Midwest Cage Championship, although he’s no stranger to the fight game.  He’s slated to take on up and coming striker, Chris Bishop.  Having already amassed an impressive 11-2 record, this hard-hitting fighter is looking to make a splash in the heavyweight division.  We recently caught up with Youngbear to get to know him and talk about the upcoming bout.
 
MCC:  Jon, welcome to MCC.  Tell the fans a little about yourself.
JY:  I am 21 years old, 6’5″ tall, and I will be fighting at 215 lbs.  After this fight I plan on working my way down to the light heavyweight division.  I’m from Des Moines, Iowa and come from a fighting family.  MMA is in my blood.

MCC:  What do you feel your strengths are as a mixed martial artist, and what are you working on now?
JY:  I feel that I am a very effective striker.  Because of my size I am able to dominate from long ranges.  I have knock out power in both hands, and I throw a lot of kicks.  I am comfortable if the fight goes to the ground, but my guard game is something I have been focusing on.
 
MCC:  Are you training full time?  What is your occupation?
JY:  I am training part-time for now.  I am currently enlisted in the Army National Guard.  I’ve been deployed to one tour in Iraq already, and I will have another very soon.  I am stationed at the Midwest Counter-drug Training Center at Camp Dodge.
 
MCC:  So, it does not sound like you have much spare time!
JY:  Not really.  When I have free time I spend it with my wife and little girl.  If I get a chance I play a game on Xbox Live.  I’m enjoying life day by day, and that is what the most important thing is to me.
 
MCC: Have you been involved in martial arts all of your life or did you play any other sports?
JY:  I’ve played football, baseball, basketball and golf.  Football and baseball are the two I excelled in most.  I think I was thirteen when my Uncle’s started teaching me Jiu Jitsu.  When I went to the military I learned more hand to hand combat, and once I turned 20, I thought I would give mixed martial arts a try.  It was something I wanted to do for a while.

MCC:  With only a short time in the sport you have a pretty nice record.  How does it feel to be fighting in MCC?
JY:  It feels good.  I know MCC is where I’ll be able to get in the cage and show the fans and my opponent what kind of skills I have.
 
MCC:  What do you know about your opponent?
JY:  I know he’s tough.  All fighters in MCC are tough though.  He is the kind of fighter that is willing to stand up and bang, and that’s exactly what I’m looking for.  If he wants to stand and bang, that’s what he’s going to get.
 
MCC:  So, is that your game plan?
JY: I don’t ever plan for anyone.  I don’t think there is any really good plan.  I just do what feels right and I know what I can and can’t do.
 
 
MCC:  What’s it like fighting along side of some of the top fighters in the Midwest, plus being on TV? 
JY:  The lights, cameras, and big crowd- it’s a little overwhelming, but I know I can and will put on a good show.  I plan on making a statement right off the bat.
 
MCC:  How do you see the fight going?
JY:  I always see the fight going in my direction.  No matter what happens I always vision myself winning.  I will never give up, fold, or roll over for anyone.  One way or another, I’m winning.  When I get in there I will find the way.
 
MCC: What are your plans in your MMA career in 2010?
JY:  Right now I’m not really sure.  I just keep my head up and go with the flow.
 
MCC:  Who is your favorite fighter and why? Do you have any heroes in the sport? 
JY:  My Uncle, Mark Bear is someone I’ve always looked up to.  He got me started in mixed martial arts.  As far as fighters go, Randy ” The Natural” Couture is my favorite.  I admire him because of how he has so much pride that he still fights today at 46 years old.  He just keeps getting better and better.  At his age how many people do you see doing this sport?  Not many!
 
MCC:  Thanks for your time and best of luck in your upcoming bout.  We look forward to an impressive debut with MCC.
JY:  Thanks for having me, and I want to thank all of my family and friends who have supported me, come watch me fight, and always have my back.  I appreciate it.