No, it’s not the same Rachel Ray who has her own daytime talkshow. As far as we know, she’s not competing in MMA, but her Spinach and Artichoke Mac & Cheese is amazing, so props to her for making us look like we know what we’re doing in the kitchen when we have friends over to watch football on Sundays. This article is actually about Rachel Wray. It’s a subtle difference, but it makes her a whole other person.
I’m pretty disappointed in Jason High. The dude has been training Rachel Wray all this time and he never told us about her. Dude was holding out, and because of that, I’m rescinding my invitation to an all-expense-paid dinner at Momofuku the next time he visits NYC. I see how it is, Jason… I see how it is. Before today, we never knew who she was, but now that we do, we want to know more about her. Here are some excerpts from her interview with KCMMA discussing who she is, and what she’s all about.
Last year, I was a Chiefs Cheerleader. I have been a cheerleader or dancer my whole life and I moved here from Arkansas to Cheer for the Kansas City Chiefs. I started working out at Title Boxing Club with some of the girls for an alternative workout. I really enjoyed it and started taking private lessons after a little while. One day, I came in and they wanted me to spar. I was nervous about someone actually punching me in the face, but I did it.
I was absolutely horrible. This drove me to want it even more. I knew I had to make a choice between fighting and cheerleading. I chose fighting. I trained harder and took more private lessons. In the same shopping center was HDMMA and I wandered in there to see what was going on. Everyone was so nice and just not what I expected from a MMA gym. So, I started training there too. One thing led to another, and now I feel comfortable enough to compete in the cage.
Everyone says “I would never expect you to be a fighter. Being a cheerleader fits you more”. “Why would you give up cheerleading to roll around with sweaty boys?” Well, I have never enjoyed working out so much in my life. I love fighting and am having so much fun with it. I want to be an inspiration to other girls out there that want to fight but don’t think they can.
My idol is Ronda Rousey, but I would say my mom is who really inspires me. She is really successful at her job, she is beautiful, and she can still come home and be a great mom. Sometimes I think “she is just too good to be real”. Also, my coach Jason High, really inspires to me. He is such a great fighter and has taught me everything. He always eats healthy, trains, and is just someone I really admire.
And just like that, a new WMMA heartthrob has been born. While Rachel Wray is still new to MMA, there’s already footage of her knocking people out from earlier this year. Check out this video, no thanks to Jason High keeping it a secret from us.
