A very MAGICAL interview with a MMA fighter called Ray Elbe
XiaolinFighter (staff of Loveufc.com) managed an interview with Magical Ray Elbe. Who's Magical Ray, you ask? Find out, me and he talk alot about alot on Myspace, so I decided to interview him (with a current injury, he'll be out till next year). Great fighter in my opinion, apparently JUST missed out on a UFC contract due to broken leg in a fight.1.) what style did you start with and how did you learn about MMA, when did you start MMA, and where do you live? MRE: I was a freshman in College at a private Christian School called Grand Canyon University. The school is in Central Phoenix Arizona. My roomate at the time was Kyle Brees. Brees, already a pro fighter introduced me to MMA and I was instantly hooked. I trained while in college I trained with several "young up and comming fighters", including Joe Riggs, Edwin Dewees, Jamie Varner, and Kyle Brees.
2.) What org(s) do you currently fight for, and any titles you may hold? Believe it or not, some people DON'T know who you are, even MMA fans.
MRE: I've fought on PPV several times. I really have had a great experince fighting for different organizations. I fought in Juarez Mexico, for the Mexico Fight Night 170 belt in 2004, winning a one night 4 man tournament. I've literally fought from coast to coast. I'm a ROTR, KOTC, Kickdown, Total Combat, RITC veteran. I've fought some of the biggest names in the sport, including; UFC vets Charuto, Diego Sanchez, former RITC champion Rich Moss, Colorado state champion Donnie Liles, KOTC vet Paul Silva, Gladiator Challenge champion Erik Apple, Former KOTC champ Thomas Denny, KOTC vet Thomas Kenny, and Pac10 wrestling champ Eric Heinz.
3.) Now, you have a nice injury from your last fight. Broken leg, as I understand. How exactly did that happen, and how long can we expect you to be out of competition for?
MRE: While Fighting Erik Apple I suffered the broken leg late in the first round. I was attempting a strike when the pressure in my Tibia *shin bone* forced a fracture. I continued to fight, eventually turning the "fracture" into a sever break of the bone. I fought the entire 2nd round attempting to "pull gaurd" in hopes of keeping the fight going. Apple displayed great focus and avoided my BJJ like the flu. It truly was a great gameplan on his part. In the third round Ref. Herb Dean was forced to stop the bout because I could no longer stand on my left leg. It was a dissapointing loss, Dana White was in attendance, and I've heard Apple was rewarded a UFC contract after our bout. As far as "Rehab" I'm going to be stuck in a full leg cast until Thanksgiving. After the cast is removed I'm going to have to rebuild the loss muscle and work myself back into "fight shape". I'm hoping to return full strength in Jan/Feb of 2007.
4.) I know no one ever asks this… but did you go to college? If so, where, and what did you major in?
MRE: I actually graduated with a Degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Arizona. It took me about 4.5 years to get the degree, but I was able to maintain a 3.2 GPA while competing in a professional fighting.
5.) What do you think is your best skill in a fight(either specific technique or attribute, like an iron chin, or a good right hook… etc.)?
MRE: This is a tough one, especially if you want me to pick "one". I would probably say the ability to "keep focused". Lots of fighters get "too" angry, or caught up in the moment. Smart fighters can beat a guy who has better skills, or technique simply becuase they had a better gameplan.
6.) What's a typical day in training for you, provided you can use both legs?
MRE: I usually train pretty hard. I train 6 days a week.
Mon-Fri
10:30-12:30 is Mauy Thai or Boxing
2:30-4:00 weight training, or cardio workouts depending on the day.
6:00-9:00 BJJ, or Wrestling.
Sat
12:00 Run *Usually do a couple mile runs, and mix in wind sprints*
Sun
My day off!!
I also keep a very strict diet.
7.) What's a typical day in the life of a Magical Ray Elbe, minus training?
MRE: LOL…I am pretty busy with training. Usually during my off hours I take a nap or refill my body with fuel. I don't really have time or the luxury of "going out" when I'm preparing for a fight. If I'm "in between" fights you can find me at a ButtaSmooth.com event. They promote the hottest night life in Orange County, their events are always at the hottest night clubs in the Nation.
8.) Cats or dogs? Explain.
MRE: LOL…I'm not really an animal fan. I prefer to cuddle in a bed full of Asian Women over a bed full of cat and dog hair!
9.) What do you think was your toughest fight, and why?
MRE: I've had a ton of tough fights. I believe the Erik Apple fight is my toughest to date. I was really close on an armbar in the 1st round before the leg broke. After the injury I had trouble engaging on the feet, my leg literally kept giving out. People in the crowd during the 2nd round were booing the action, because they didn't understand the severatiy of the injury. I still believe I could have won that fight. I honestly feel that the injury changed the outcome of that match. Apple is a UFC caliber fighter and deserves more credit than he gets. He beat me with a solid game plan and exposed the injury throughout the bout. He's not 9-0 for nothing! Once the leg has healed I look forward to getting back on track, winning some more fights, and hopefully eventually earning a rematch with Apple in the UFC, or another "premier" organization.
10.) Any advice for people hoping to fight MMA someday?
MRE: Learn your BJJ, and don't "Rush perfection". There is no rush getting into a Pro career. Take your time, get with a good camp and work hard.
11.) That's right, I'm giving you more questions than I normally do. In HS, nerd, jock, hick, popular, floater, bully?
MRE: Hmmm..In Highschool I was kind of lost. I floated around different "groups" and eventually ended up with the wrong crowd. MMA actually saved me. I was headed in the wrong direction before finding fighting and discovering the emotional outlet it gave me.
12.) Hughes vs. Penn- who are you betting on and why?
MRE: I'll take Penn. I'm a BJJ guy, and don't really like seeing wrestlers win…lol. Not to mention BJ Penn kissing Hughes on the lips, like he did after beating him the first time would be priceless.
13.) Most interesting(not necessarily worst) injury you've ever fought with or gotten in a fight?
MRE: I've had a few bad injuries. I'd say the leg was probably the worst injury that I've "fought through". I've had a broken arm, fractured eye socket, and a few lost teeth, but this is the one that has set me back the most.
14.) Beerfest- Good movie or bad movie? Explain.
MRE: I've never seen the movie, but the previews looked funny. I'd have to say one of the funniest movies ever though, would have to be Meet the Parents.
I'd like to thank my sponsors. Nunya Fight Gear, Rage N' Glory fight store in Phoenix Arizona, SSFGear.com, ButtaSmooth.com, and Fight-Doc.com.
