By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report
Realizing a dream, and living one are completely different animals. The first is beset by big league aspirations where hard work and determination get you to the big show. The later is rarely an ambition until the earlier is in the rear view mirror. Most mixed martial artists dream of making it to the UFC. Few have the foresight to learn how to stay there.
Early success often teach harsh lessons later in life. Athletes often mature physically way before they develop mentally enough to handle such success. Chase Gormley (9-4 MMA) at one time was 6-0 with only 2 decisions to his credit. He was exciting to watch, and his powerful hands left opponents asleep and the fans cheering. His size, strength, grit and blue collar mind set made him ripe for the picking. And before he was ready, like many others, Gormley was plucked from the regional vine and thrust into the maelstrom of The UFC.
Physically he was a gifted specimen and riding the win streak when the UFC came knocking Gormley was more than willing to open the door. “When the UFC calls, you answer the call!” Gormley said. “My first fight was cancelled because my opponent was injured.” This led to a long layoff, which left him out of peak form, and according to the lumbering heavyweight “The UFC is not the place for you to knock off the ring rust!”
That rust was removed rather quickly by 7 foot heavyweight Stefan Struve, who was able to submit Gormley with a triangle choke in the first round of their fight. The first fight in the UFC for Gormely, ended with his first loss as a professional.
Chalking it up to the aforementioned ‘ring rust’ Gormley returned at ‘UFC Live 1 Vera vs Jones’ and faced a very tough Brendan Schaub. Ready to make his splash in the big pond, Gormely was set to make his mark. The fight lasted just :47 seconds.
In just :47 seconds Chase Gormley went from ‘Promising UFC heavyweight’ to being cut by the promotion after just 2 fights. Wondering what was next? Gormley continued fighting on the regional circuit. Alternating wins and losses, his once promising career now toiled in the balance.
“The love wasn’t there anymore!”, Gormley said. “I was only training twice a week, the losses started building, and I just lost the love!” Gormely said. “I retired, because I didn’t have my heart in the sport anymore.”
For almost 2 years, Gormley was content to remain ‘the guy that made it to the UFC’, but a phone call from a well known UFC fighter changed everything. “I got a call from Roy Nelson, who wanted me to help him train for the Cormier fight.” Gormley said. That phone call reignited the fire that once fueled a promising career. After that training camp Chase returned to training but this time with a completely different mind set.
Winning his first fight back (a tune up fight in Kuwait), Gormley is now training full time with several different teams. Currently working with Antonio McKee’s Bodyshop, Mark Munoz’s Reign MMA, and with Tracy Hess at Subfighter, Gormley is again looking to make a name for himself as a fighter. This time, he plans on taking his time and building slowly to become the kind of fighter who can stay at the top!
His next test is against savy cage veteran Tony Lopez (34-14 MMA) at ‘Chaos At The Casino 5‘. Lopez, a well known So-Cal native has fought in every major organization except the UFC. He has notable wins over Kyle Kingsbury, Wes Combs, and Joey Beltran, and is looking to build a winning streak for one last run in the sport. This fight will test Gormley, a test he is ready for, pass or fail.
A more matured Gormley although optimistic, is very measured when he discusses his chances. “Tony is no slouch, the guy has fought all over the world.” Gormley said. “I know he is real tough, and win or lose its a good situation for me. If I can beat him its a huge win, and if I lose then I will know what I have to work on, its a win win situation! ”
For Gormely each fight used to be the last. As a young fighter his physicality alone was able to carry him all the way to the UFC. Now that his technique and demeanor have matured, he seems back on course. Still fairly young, the future is again ahead of the once promising heavyweight. Chase Gormley has been to the top before, and there is no reason to think he can’t once again achieve his octagon dreams.
For now though, Gormley continues to climb the mountain one step at a time. Each foothold is secured, and each harness fastned. His movements are deliberate and planned. No longer living punch to punch, a more mature fighter is left again at the foot of the mountain. His goal this time is not only getting to the summit, but this time Gormley is making certain he stays on top!
THE CLINCH REPORT 