Miss-Delectable
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The Norman Transcript - Deaf blow
Tracy Willis' came into the world with a high fever. Before he was able to walk or crawl, he had completely lost the ability to hear.
At that point, it's hard to image that one day Willis would grow up and be looked upon as a super hero. But that is exactly what Willis has become for many.
At 37-years-old, Willis has embarked on a career in professional mixed martial arts. The former Moore Norman Technology Center student has become a super hero to those who know him well.
"I have a small family, but they are very supportive," Willis said through a sign language interpreter. "They want me to be careful, but they come to all the matches. All the kids in the family like to watch. They think I am a super hero."
Willis got into mixed martial arts late in life. It wasn't until he was in his mid 30s that he decided he wanted to take his shot at becoming a professional fighter.
"I just watched it on TV and thought it was cool," Willis said. "I wanted to get into it and try it. In 2005 I started training, then went semi-pro."
His lack of hearing hasn't been a factor in competition. He had no hesitation taking on the challenge. It has not slowed him down as he strives to reach his goals.
"I wasn't nervous at all for my first fight," Willis said. "I just wanted to do it, so I did it."
Willis was born in Oklahoma City and attended the Oklahoma School for the Deaf. He attended the Moore Norman Technology Center 1990 to 1991.
Recently, Willis came back to the MNTC for national Deaf Awareness Week. The center's Deaf Leadership Club hosted the event and had several informational booths and groups on hand. Willis posed for photos, signed autographs and discussed his career with students. He also was raising money selling T-shirts to help continue his career
"It was a huge success," MNTC's DeAnn Martin said. "They were excited and supportive of what he was doing. He was the most popular booth there."
Since he took up MMA In that short span, Willis has amassed a 9-0 record in Oklahoma and a 4-0 record in the C3 semi-pro level. At 237-pounds, Willis is fighting in the heavyweight division and hopes to move up to the Ultimate Fighting Championship level and fight for a championship belt.
But in order to make it that far, Willis said he needs to win more fights and gain notoriety.
Willis has already earned the respect of his peers.
"They are fine with me being deaf," Willis said. "They always say I am a good fighter. Most people do not even know I am deaf. They just know I am a good fighter."
Willis fought Oct. 4 in Springdale, Ark. He has a December bout scheduled in Kansas City.
"I am always excited about every match," Willis said. "I am looking forward to the future and want to succeed. I am looking forward to getting into it more and more."
Tracy Willis' came into the world with a high fever. Before he was able to walk or crawl, he had completely lost the ability to hear.
At that point, it's hard to image that one day Willis would grow up and be looked upon as a super hero. But that is exactly what Willis has become for many.
At 37-years-old, Willis has embarked on a career in professional mixed martial arts. The former Moore Norman Technology Center student has become a super hero to those who know him well.
"I have a small family, but they are very supportive," Willis said through a sign language interpreter. "They want me to be careful, but they come to all the matches. All the kids in the family like to watch. They think I am a super hero."
Willis got into mixed martial arts late in life. It wasn't until he was in his mid 30s that he decided he wanted to take his shot at becoming a professional fighter.
"I just watched it on TV and thought it was cool," Willis said. "I wanted to get into it and try it. In 2005 I started training, then went semi-pro."
His lack of hearing hasn't been a factor in competition. He had no hesitation taking on the challenge. It has not slowed him down as he strives to reach his goals.
"I wasn't nervous at all for my first fight," Willis said. "I just wanted to do it, so I did it."
Willis was born in Oklahoma City and attended the Oklahoma School for the Deaf. He attended the Moore Norman Technology Center 1990 to 1991.
Recently, Willis came back to the MNTC for national Deaf Awareness Week. The center's Deaf Leadership Club hosted the event and had several informational booths and groups on hand. Willis posed for photos, signed autographs and discussed his career with students. He also was raising money selling T-shirts to help continue his career
"It was a huge success," MNTC's DeAnn Martin said. "They were excited and supportive of what he was doing. He was the most popular booth there."
Since he took up MMA In that short span, Willis has amassed a 9-0 record in Oklahoma and a 4-0 record in the C3 semi-pro level. At 237-pounds, Willis is fighting in the heavyweight division and hopes to move up to the Ultimate Fighting Championship level and fight for a championship belt.
But in order to make it that far, Willis said he needs to win more fights and gain notoriety.
Willis has already earned the respect of his peers.
"They are fine with me being deaf," Willis said. "They always say I am a good fighter. Most people do not even know I am deaf. They just know I am a good fighter."
Willis fought Oct. 4 in Springdale, Ark. He has a December bout scheduled in Kansas City.
"I am always excited about every match," Willis said. "I am looking forward to the future and want to succeed. I am looking forward to getting into it more and more."
Thanks for information, Miss-Delectable
