PFL: Former UFC lightweight and Bellator champion Will Brooks thinks PFL's arrival is the perfect time for him

Former Bellator Lightweight ‘Ill’ Will Brooks entered the UFC with a fair amount of hype, with an impressive 17-1 record and by defeating former two-time dominant Bellator champion Michael Chandler not once but twice.

Brooks made his UFC debut against veteran Ross Pearson back in July, 2016 and kept his win streak ticking. However things took a massive slide as Brooks lost the next three of his bouts against Alex Oliveira, Charles Oliveira and Nik Lentz respectively.

On February 14, 2018, Brooks announced via social media that he had been released by the promotion and had signed with PFL. With Brooks getting an opportunity to headline PFL’s second show in his hometown of Chicago, he feels the timing is perfect. After three consecutive losses under the UFC banner, Brooks desperately wants to get things back on track.

“All it does is get me gassed up, especially in regards to where they’re trying to go right now – rebranding their promotion and organization,” Brooks on Tuesday told MMAjunkie after a workout in Chicago. “It gives me that extra boost of, we’re kind of in the same space right now – where I’m trying to get back to something I’m looking for. We just blend together. I feel rejuvenated. I feel brand new. The energy just blends together.”

“I rebound from things,” Brooks said. “I’ve been competing my whole life, either on an individual level or a team sports level. You win and lose throughout – as a competitor, it is what it is. If you don’t know how to bounce back, you might be in the wrong area of work. The idea of losing three fights doesn’t stay with me. I recognize it and I analyze it and I make the adjustments I need to make. Moving to a new promotion doesn’t change my mindset.”

Brooks takes on Luiz Firmino in the main event of PFL 2.