Northwest Indiana’s Ray Flores heading across the pond for 10th Legion play-by-play gig
Jan 20, 2010 | by MattE | 1 CommentBy Matt Erickson
cagedin.mma@gmail.com
You’d be hard-pressed to find a bigger fan of mixed martial arts than Ray Flores.
The East Chicago native and current Munster resident, 23, has immersed himself in the sport for years now, doing ring announcing and play-by-play any time he can get a gig.
Next month, Flores will take the next step in his budding career when he becomes the play-by-play man for 10th Legion Championship Fighting, based in Hull, England.
10th Legion is a newcomer to the MMA scene in the U.K. with just two shows under its belt. But with four shows scheduled for 2010, Flores will be busy. His debut will come Feb. 21 at the “Decimation” card. That card has four amateur, eight semi-pro and four pro bouts scheduled, including a main event featuring Abdul Mohammed from Wolfslair — home training ground of Michael Bisping, Rampage Jackson and Cheick Kongo.
In May, though, 10th Legion ramps it up another notch with a main event showcasing former UFC fighter Jess “The Joker” Liaudin, who is riding a three-fight winning streak since his stint in the UFC.
Flores, who has always been a self-starter and go-getter extraordinaire, went after the play-by-play role himself.
“I learned of 10th Legion by reading a review of their event this past September,” Flores said. “And then shortly thereafter I contacted the organization. I was intrigued by their outstanding fight card and overall production. An opening presented itself regarding the play-by-play and post-fight interviewer positions, and here I am today.”
This won’t be the first time, though that Flores, a graduate of Columbia College in Chicago, has left the country pursuing his passion for MMA. Last summer, he worked the broadcast for Fite Nite’s lightweight tournament in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Locally, Flores has done ring announcing for big shows at the Hammond Civic Center, including Total Fight Challenge and Corral’s Combat Classic, the Duneland Classic, XFO, AFA and the Brawl at Bourbon Street. The talent he’s covered reads like a who’s-who of local MMA — Miguel Torres, Clay Guida, Eddie Wineland, John Kolosci, Jeff Curran and Keith Wisniewski all have been in front of Flores’ microphone at one time or another.
And while he’s not leaving the region behind, he’s looking forward to his next challenge.
“This is a terrific opportunity for me,” Flores said. “It has been a tremendous journey for me thus far. I believe every show, every fight, every fighter is special to me. MMA is just an amazing sport. Becoming the voice of 10th Legion is another terrific step for my career.”
And Flores said that while 10th Legion is one of the new kids on the block, he believes the promotion has the pieces in place to succeed in the rapidly growing world of mixed martial arts.
“I hear the fight fans in the U.K. are great fans that support MMA and 10th Legion immensely,” Flores said. “I cannot wait to walk inside the Gemtec Arena and feel the energy. Alan Orr and everyone at 10th Legion have a great vision of putting on tremendous fights with a world-class production. I look forward to being a part of it and seeing some amazing talent.”
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See some of Ray’s work online as he interviews Miguel Torres. And check out 10th Legion Championship Fighting’s home.
» Posted in: News
» Tagged: Local MMA
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Marisha G.
Good Job Ray! We will be praying for you and also Good Luck! There is not more of a deserving young man. He has a bright future and is so polite and sweet, and very professional. He will suceed in anything he does.
January 22nd, 2010 at 2:58 pm