2021-01-21
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Now and Then with RJ2K

Fighter profile of Ray Jones by Outlaw Bleak

 News broke last week that Ray Jones, current BFA Light Heavyweight champion had been approached about doing a MMA documentation for the ongoing series from MMA Tycoon's own "MMA, Now and Then" films.   Well, the interview aired last night and, if you didn't know who Ray Jones was before, you've likely at least seen his face now.  Here's the interview.

N&T - Ray Jones.  Light heavyweight champion of the world at BFA, and about to step into the cage to defend his belt for the 3rd time now.  You're 21 years old, barley old enough to drink alcohol in the US, and yet you hoist the gold strap signifying you as a BFA champion.   But this isn't just from raw talent alone, is it?  You've been around the gym, fighting and training your whole life.  Tell us, for the viewing audience, what is it like being the unknown nephew of legendary boxer Roy Jones Jr.?

RJ2K - That's a very difficult question to answer as I can't really compare it to life without living in the shadow of a legend.  Don't get me wrong, I think it's been the best thing to happen in my life.  I got to grow up with a family member I idolize, and free training from one of the best.  I learned boxing from an early age, sparring with kids much older than me because of my size.  I think that toughened me up a bit, but the real props go to my trainers.  Some of these dudes helped train my uncle.  So as soon as I turned 18 and was eligible to join the QFC opens to test myself against other guys new to the sport, I was running. 


N&T - So growing up with all of this boxing in the family, and you've obviously established yourself as a very skilled top end boxer at such a young age, why did you decide to dabble in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

RJ2K - Honestly, that goes back to the first question.  I would have always been compared to my unc.  I mean, he's a legendary boxer, so as long as I was a boxer, I would always be Roy Jones nephew.   MMA is huge these days, and more of a challenge if you ask me.  It's a lot more physically demanding, and honestly the pay isn't as great if you make it to the top.  But I grew up with money, it's not about the money.  I ain't working for potatoes, but I am here to compete at a high level and establish the Jones name in the MMA world as well as boxing.  Create my own legacy while adding to the families.


N&T - Well, that certainly makes a lot of sense.  So this documentary is about MMA.  Our name, "Now and Then" signifies that we study the past arts and history of the great sport, but also the now.  And you, Ray, are the now with three strait title fight wins.  Early in your career, we see you focused on your boxing, in fact scoring three KO's in your first three fights, but three strait submissions in your three title fights.  Was that by design, or have you fallen in love with BJJ and are trying to showcase a new side of your game.


RJ2K - Some of it was gameplan, some of it was just where the fight took me.  I'm a boxer first, and foremost.  Every fight starts standing up.  I have already established I can stand and bang with the best of them.  The first thing I learned I had to do to compete in MMA is develop a ground game, so that's just where I focused my training.  I already have the boxing, and I still work on it, but I really dove into not only BJJ but Wrestling as well.  And that is what has made me so dangerous.   I can knock you out, but if you want to take the fight to the ground, I got you.  You would be surprised how many times people take me to the ground to avoid my boxing, but they always leave themselves open.  Everyone makes a mistake, and I do my best to capitalize when they do.


N&T - So BFA is a relatively newer fighting organization.  Do you plan to make your legacy with this org and be one of the fighters that carries it into the future?


RJ2k - It's very early to tell something like that.  It really depends on where the org goes from here.  BFA has some good fighters, but I've been watching some other org fights and there is a lot more talent out there.  So one day, I would like the chance to fight some of those other guys.  But for now, I'm the BFA champ and I will defend this belt and let the challengers come to me.


N&T - Ok, that's enough about you.  We like to do a little spotlight on the fighters we bring on the show.  We have several expert opinions we've already interviewed about various fighters in MMA, and now we would like to include you into our panel of MMA experts.


With that, the interview continued asking random questions about different MMA fighters, styles, matchups, etc.  You can watch the full MMA - Now and Then series at MMAT.NaT.org where the full series can be viewed through a streaming membership.  

 

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