Meet Jose “Shorty” Torres | Professional MMA Fighter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jose “Shorty” Torres and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jose “Shorty”, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from the south side of chicago and being from rougher neighborhoods. I had to grow up fast and be tough. Fighting in general is a poor man’s sport. It’s our way of “making it out” and doing more in our lives instead of just staying in the hood. Fortunately, I was able to get an education in graduating with a bachelor’s degree to fall back on, but MMA/ fighting got me to that point with competing in wrestling while Going to school. It gave me the opportunity to get off of the streets and inside a gym with other people looking to make it out. That’s when I ran into more positive, influential, and male role model figures that helped build my skills and teach me life in general. They convinced me to go to college, to get a degree, and taught me so much to be able to use all of the above to do so and eventually become a successful professional MMA fighter and “make it out.” They taught me to think outside the box and try.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a professional MMA fighter and the crazy thing about my sport/ profession is. No matter how hard you train, anything can still happen. This sport sometimes just like anything is a matter of skill, luck, and determination. It’s extremely tough and short lived, but I’m enjoying it while I can and seeing what happens next. Anytime things get tough which they have plenty of times. I just think my best to push through whatever way I know I can and ask for advice, open up, and try in anyway i can think of. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, so I might as well try my best and see what happens next.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Chicago is a place full of art, views, diversity, and food. The two big things I would do is take someone sight seeing and showing them why chicago is one of the most beautiful places in the world and then follow it up with some amazing food.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This list can go on for days, but I’d like to thank my family, my coaches, team, friends, and everyone along the way supporting me in this crazy of a journey I call my life. I couldn’t have done it without all of them and that’s why I always say We Can, We Will, Together, We Are, #TeamShorty

Website: Teamshorty.com

Instagram: Joseshortytorres

Linkedin: Jose shorty torres

Twitter: ShortytorresMMA

Facebook: Shorty Torres MMA

Youtube: Team Shorty

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