HOUSTON, TX, October 18, 2012 – As of sometime tomorrow evening way out in Shreveport, LA, young Blaine McDaniel will step into the cage for Ascend Combat and officially become the youngest MMA fighter out of Houston.
Despite his young age, Blaine is already no stranger to the sport and in many ways grew up around it.
As the son of Legacy Fighting Championship production director Ragan McDaniel, “Bring the Pain” (as Blaine is affectionately called by those in the community) can often be seen ringside at events all around the city.
With a martial arts background stemming back 7 years (six years old), he’s no stranger to competition and has already been busy competing in Jiu-Jitsu tournaments as part of Team Tooke.
Rest assured though, despite the fact that MMA is his passion, this young man considers school a first priority and plays other sports in addition to those that comprise MMA – like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
According to his dad it’s all about balance and having fun. This fight and competition in a good way for this young man to see what he can do and test his training in a safe yet practical situation. There’s no added pressure. This is just something he wants to do and has worked hard to realize. And much like making good grades, winning will be an added bonus that arrives as a reward through hard work.
As for Blaine, he has his own thoughts on the fight. We recently caught up with him to get his thoughts prior to stepping into the cage to fight for the inaugural Junior MMA title when he takes on fellow youth MMA practitioner Blane Wallace Jr. at Ascend Combat “Madness 2.”
We recently caught up with him earlier this week to talk about the exhibition bout.
Read on and learn more about this exceptional young man.
Interview – Blaine “Bring the Pain” McDaniel (Team Tooke / Jace Pitre MMA)
First of all Blaine, how are you feeling now that fight week is finally here?
I’m feeling pretty good. I’m a little nervous but excited to finally fight…I’ve been training really hard 5-6 days a week so I’m just ready to finally do it.
How did you get started training in the first place and why do you enjoy it?
Well Mike I started doing Karate back in ’05 and continued doing it for a few years and then I started Jiu-Jitsu ’07. I knew I had fallen in love with the sport…. Jiu-Jitsu is my whole life….. Jiu-Jitsu is one of the best things you can possibly do… It teaches you respect and how to defend yourself…. If you are new to the sport it may not be as fun but stay with it…. It will get better.
Do you play any other sports or participate in any other activities?
Yes sir. I currently play football (running back) for BBJH. I love all sports and play every one. I will be playing baseball soon once football is done.
How does fighting affect other parts of your life – like school for example?
Fighting doesn’t really affect school work…. Fighting is fun but school is #1….. You can’t succeed if you don’t have school first. I am on the honor roll but it is because I always put that first. Even when I have late nights from training I still make sure that homework and studying is all done before I go to the gym. I actually missed part of training tonight because I am working on my science fair project…..what is the best way to cool your mouth down after eating hot things like habanero peppers. My dad is the test subject.
You’ve been doing grappling for awhile. Do you feel any different taking an MMA fight?
Yes sir, it’s definitely different…. It’s a little more pressure than the grappling tournaments…. Although I definitely feel confident in both my Jiu-Jitsu and Stand-up training. I’m ready to take that next step. I get to punch and kick someone and then submit them.
What’s your mindset like heading into this? What do you want to accomplish?
Well I’m definitely excited. I’m focused and in my mind I visualize myself winning….. Like my Jiu-Jitsu Coach Jose Angel Llanas says “Visualized yourself winning the match….” Of course I am nervous but that doesn’t change my confidence. I know what I need to do to win but the main thing I want to do is have fun. It has been fun leading up to now and I want it to stay that way. Really excited that it is almost here.
Do you know anything about your opponent?
Yes sir, I know he has wrestled for a year or so… I also know he is a junior boxer….So he will probably use his jab a lot to try and keep me away… And if he gets me down he’s going to want to hold me there….. And stall….. That won’t work.
Any predictions for the fight?
Yes sir. I see myself winning the first round by using my jab and power punches to keep him against the fence and the in the 2nd round I see myself winning early by submission.
Where can fans who want to follow your journey interact with you more? FB? Twitter?
Yeah for sure….. You can find me on Facebook as “Bring the Pain” McDaniel or on Twitter @BTPBlaine.
Any last words to everyone that supports you?
Yes sir. I would like to thank ALL of my sponsors…. There are a LOT to list but I thank each one for supporting me and helping me with my dream. Thank you Mike and TXMMA. I’d like to thank Kru Bob and Jeremy at4oz fight club for getting me ready for my fight. They both are the BEST striking coaches in the world. I’d like to thank Jose Angel Llanas for helping me also prepare for my fight and for teaching me Jiu-Jitsu….the best Jiu-Jitsu coach ever. And I’d like to Thank Mrs. Kim Addison for allowing me to fight on her card! I love Ascend Combat and am happy to debut there. I’m proud to represent Houston, Texas….the BEST MMA city in the World… I’m bringing the Belt back to H-Town. Count on that!
Last and most important I would like to Thank Mr. Ragan McDaniel for being the best dad in the world. TEAM B3!!!
Thank you again Mike! Time to go to sleep before I get in trouble.