Joe Ray, a Tiger Muay Thai and MMA training camp, Phuket, Thailand alumni and ESPN Martial Combat fighter, already 5-0 in MMA was recently named one of the top 10 prospects at Welterweight currently not signed to a major promotion by the popular bloodyelbow MMA news website. Looking to continue his climb to the top, Ray accepted a fight against the 8-1 South African fighter Jeremy Smith in the Middleweight division for the XFC promotion.
The event was broadcast on the Mark Cuban owned HD Net fights, with ‘the voice of MMA’ Michael Schiavello calling the play by play action for the telecast.
Joe Ray displayed amazing Muay Thai technique landing several spinning elbows and jumping knees. During the second round Joe Ray landed several power shots, one of which fractured the orbital bone of Jeremy Smith. Displaying good composure, the South African fighter kept pushing forward and bringing the fight to Joe Ray.
At the end of the fight, commentator of the year (according to the recent MMA awards held in Vegas) Michael Schiavello felt Joe Ray had won the fight. Shockingly, when the score cards were announced however, Joe Ray was on the losing end of a split decision.
Just another example of why the standardized scoring of MMA needs to be re-evaluated. At the end of the bout Joe Ray was mostly un-touched while Jeremy Smith was brought to the hospital to have his face X-ray.
Falling to 5-1 as a professional fighter, this was Ray’s first fight under the famed American Top Team. Formerly with team FFA, Joe Ray continues to seek quality training partners in his pursuit of becoming a more well rounded fighter. Look for Joe Ray ‘train’ to use this experience as motivation.
