THE WOODLANDS, TX, June 11, 2012 – We recently caught up with Gracie Barra The Woodland’s Jared Chaffee regarding his long awaited return to the cage this Saturday night at Immortal Kombat Fighting’s IMKF 3 event in North Houston.
Scheduled to face off against Silverback Fight Club’s David Armas, this Saturday’s fight will mark the first time back in a year for Chafee with his last fight being a win in his pro debut against Alex Black way back in July 2011. According to him, he never meant for the wait to be this long but with fights being hard to come by locally at his weight combined with his full-time roles of father, employee, and businessman, the long layoff just kind of happened.
Now he’s looking to get back on track with a win this Saturday and one later this summer if a fight for Legacy FC comes to pass.
We recently caught up with Jared to discuss all this prior to his fight this weekend in Spring.
IMKF 3 Interview – Jared Chafee (Gracie Barra The Woodlands)
First of all Jared, how’s it feel to finally be getting back into the cage again?
It’s been about a year now since your debut. Why so long between fights?
One of the reasons why this one has been so long is for one it is hard to find fights at 145. I also am a full time electrician and also run a construction company that can get pretty busy from time to time so I have to make my money when I can so I can support my family. I also had an injury in the beginning of the year that took up some healing time as well.
Rehash for some of the newer fans – how did you get into MMA in the first place?
I got into this because I moved to Texas from Michigan and I had a little time on my hands and in the back of my mind I always wanted to get back into martial arts so what a better time do jump back into it. I never planned on jumping into cages and fight but I’ve always been competitive so I had to try it out.
What’s it like as a fighter training at Gracie Barra The Woodlands?
Training over at GB is awesome I feel we have the best team in the world. We have people from all walks of life. We have a great band of brothers over there and gyms all over the world any where you go I’m sure there is a GB somewhere around the corner!
What are some of your goals as a pro? Can we expect to see more from you in the near future?
How would describe your fighting style to the casual fan?
My style is Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu and Thai boxing mixed with a little Gerardo Abidie. For those who don’t know who Gerardo is come to one of our sparring sessions and you will find out.
This fight with David Armas – what are your thoughts on him as an opponent?
David is a tough he comes to fight if you think he will just lay down your sorely mistaken.
Any predictions on the outcome?
No one can ever predict the future but I’ve been working hard so you’re in for a good show come Saturday night.
What’s next for you after this?
Lord willing I will be fighting for legacy against Jason carter July 13th!
Any last words?
Yes I’d like to thank the lord for giving me the health and strength to compete, my wife, and my sponsors go to Cutten Customs for your custom car needs and installs, Vinnie Vincent Realty, B3 sports, Malicious Beatings, my boy Mitch Levy and the whole Gracie Barra team! Shout out to Morono, Wald, Gerardo, Todd, Peanut, Backek, and the rest of the boys who help me get ready!