Fast forward close to six years and Ray has made good for himself on the local MMA scene – winning every fight minus one to current UFC fighter Daniel Pineda and earning the Legacy 155 lbs. title at one point during that process.
Still, for all he’s accomplished, Ray feels a pain in that he could have done more.
“I wish I was more active,” he says of his activity during the past few years. Aside from 2010 when he fought twice, Ray had only fought once a year since debuting in ’06 and didn’t fight at all in 2008.
Good thing it’s never too late to make a good impression.
Ray Blodget will be fighting for the second time in 2012 this Friday night when he takes on Scotty Juarez of Silverback Fight Club as part of the LEGACY 12 undercard.
Here are his pre-fight thoughts prior to this bout.
LEGACY 12 Interview – Ray Blodget (4OZ Fight Club)
I feel great… more confident than ever! I’ve been at 4oz fight club for a little while now, working with the best in Houston. I think it does wonders for the confidence. I feel really good.
You’re one of the rare few that fought for Mick Maynard’s Legacy promotion since way back in the beginning when it was known as Lonestar Beatdown. How do you feel looking back at that experience?
I am blessed to have been in the right place at the right time. Legacy was growing as an organization as I was growing as a fighter. I have seen this thing grow from a tiny show in bars to the large televised production it is now. Legacy has become one of the top promotions in the world with world class fighters. Mick Maynard is an awesome person and great at what he does.
How do you feel about your own career? Is there a most memorable moment?
It’s been good so far. I wish I was more active… My most memorable moment was when I won the Legacy Fighting Championship lightweight title.
What are your MMA career goals now?
I want to continue winning and hopefully the UFC will notice me.
What attributes do you feel you have that help you succeed as a fighter?
I believe I am well-rounded. I have always tried to work on my weaknesses and at fight time, exploit my opponent’s weaknesses. I always look for the finish and do my best to keep things exciting.
Tell us about your LEGACY 12 opponent, Scotty Juarez.
A lot of people that don’t know Scotty are grossly underestimating him but I know better. I know he has been training in MMA for a long time, longer than me. His dad is a respected coach and gym owner who has been molding him as a fighter. I’m definitely not taking him lightly and have trained hard for this fight.
As a person, I like Scotty, I don’t know him personally but we’ve met a few times. His dad’s hilarious! He’s always cracking jokes and has a great personality. I’m sure the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Tell us about your preparations.
I have found a new home with 4oz fight club. At 4oz I have great coaching and great sparring partners. I’d like to thank Kru Bob and Jeremy, Adrean, Daniel and all the 4oz members for making this an easy transition. Kru Bob has been honing my Muay Thai and all-around MMA game. Renan and Forrest have been tapping me out, pushing my BJJ. Rocky Rico, my boxing coach has been there for me a lot, coaching and sparring. Jose Santibanez has been coaching me on my wrestling and grappling for MMA. I have learned a lot from my sparring partners to; there are a lot of experienced pros here willing to share their knowledge.
How do you picture this fight going?
Like I picture all my other fights; with my hand raised at the end.
What’s next for you after this?
I will fight as much as I can this year and I want to compete in some BJJ tournaments before the year ends too.
Anything else Ray?
I’d like to thank my family and friends for supporting me. Thanks to 4oz, coaches and sparring partners for the beatings. Johnny Ramirez at Bi-Tech Landscaping. Chino at House of Granite, Joseph McCamish at My fight Shop, and Proformance Mouthguards.