Dean is a long time member of GNP and a fan favorite with anyone who has seen him fight. Dean is making his "Pro Debut" this weekend at the Absolute Cage Fighters event in Knoxville, TN. We took a few minutes out to talk with Dean to let the fans get to know him a little better. Be sure to leave your comments for Dean as he is sure to be by to read them.

GNP: Welcome to the GNP hot seat. First off, tell us a little about your MMA background. How long you have trained, the style of fighter you are, where you train, your fight record, etc.

Dean: First I’d like to say thanks for giving me this opportunity. I’ve been training since I was 17. I’m now with the Fit Factory and since joining them, I feel I can now call myself a mixed martial artist rather than a grappler or a striker. My record is 6-1, and I’ve won three KO of the night awards in a row, but I’m still trying to earn the GNP fighter of the night award!

GNP: Lets start off with the big news of your first Pro fight coming up Sept 13th, I know you have worked long and hard for this shot. What are your predictions for the fight?

Dean: I expect to win. It’s my first fight in front of my new home town crowd and I really want everyone here to see what I can do. And if I win I get a bigger paycheck!

GNP: Do you have anything on the calendar for your next fight or are you just taking it one fight at a time right now?

Dean: This is my last fight of the year, I’m getting married on October 25 and have a vacation lined up. I plan on fighting again hopefully as soon as January.

GNP: Who has been your toughest fight so far in your career?

Dean: Glenn May has definitely been the toughest guy that I’ve fought so far. After that fight was when I really decided I needed to learn some standup instead of relying on just my jiu-jitsu. That’s when I joined Gene Click’s Fit Factory team.

GNP: What is your favorite way to finish a fight?

Dean: I love the KO, but I’ll take a submission anytime too. As long as I finish the fight with my hand raised I’m happy.

GNP: I know that NO fighters like to expose their secrets but what would you say is your strongest and weakest points of your overall MMA game.

Dean: My weakness is probably my actual cage time experience. All my victories have been in less than a minute and my fight with Glenn went just over 3 minutes, so I think I have less than 10 minutes of real cage time. I believe my strength is my willingness to learn. I know I’m far from the best I can be and I’m always looking to add to my game anyway I can.

GNP: Are there any fighters out there you are just itching to climb into the cage with?

Dean: No one in particular. Someone who will make for an exciting fight though, I’d rather lose an exciting fight than win a boring one.

GNP: Fill us in on the plans you have for yourself as far as MMA goes and where you see yourself a year from now.

Dean: I plan on going as far as I can. In a year, I’ll have 3 or 4 pro fights and hopefully be undefeated and be a few steps closer to quitting my normal job and fighting full time. That’s the main goal.

GNP: What advice would you give to young upcoming fighters or guys wanting to get into the MMA game?

Dean: Train hard, never underestimate an opponent and find a good group of guys to train with. It doesn’t matter who you are, without your team, you’re nothing.

GNP: Who is your favorite fighters to watch throw down, both from the top level pro fighters and from all the guys in our region?

Dean: Mirko Cro Cop is my favorite pro. Out of the local guys, it’s always fun to watch my past opponents fight, and any of my team mates. Also guys like Jarrad Newsome, Josh Stepp, Greg Maynard. I like watching Ryan Robinette fight too.

GNP: Give us the Dean Hamilton top 5.
1) Favorite song Dream On by Aerosmith
2) Favorite movie Tommy Boy
3) Favorite food Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
4) Top UFC dream match Maybe Anderson Silva and GSP, not really sure.
5) Favorite pastime (other than MMA) Lately, It seems I don’t have a pastime other than training. I train in the morning, work, train again at night, sleep and then repeat.


GNP: Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions and fill the fans in on some information.
Is there anyone you want to give a shout out to or anything else you would like to say?

Dean: I’d like to thank God for giving me the ability I have and for placing me where I am. Of course my soon to be wife, Cindy, who’s never once said anything negative about the time I spend in the gym. Gene Click, he’s helped me like I was his brother. Jarrad Newsome, he came down for about two weeks, it was nice to have a sparring partner here anytime. Chris Walker, from Small Town Tattoos for all his support. My friends and family who have always supported me from the beginning. I really can’t say enough thanks to everyone who believes in me.