Joe Ray is a former ISKA Kickboxing Champion and veteran of Martial Combat and Strikeforce. Early in his career he’s been recognized for his heavy hands and striking prowess, as well as for scoring an impressive KO win over UFC vet Chad Reiner in just his fourth professional bout.

Ray comes from a striking background and certainly looks to keep the fight standing. He’s spent time training in Thailand at Team Tiger Muay Thai and does present a strong set of tools on his feet. His biggest weapon is his hands, as he’s blessed with very good hand speed and fantastic “one punch” knockout power (including an impressive fourteen second KO of Zorobabel Moreira Jr.). Although he is known as a power puncher, Ray fights with patience and composure standing. He’s shown good counter striking abilities, utilizing a quick left hook, a nice right uppercut, and a big overhand right. Ray also sneaks in low kicks and body kicks, as well as quick knees from close although he prefers to do his work from the outside and not the clinch. He’s shown good defensive awareness early on, and while he isn’t known as a flashy striker his technical skill and power makes him a very intriguing striking prospect going forward.

As a striker it’s encouraging to note that Ray will look to take his opponent down at times, utilizing an assortment of trips from in close. He’s careful not to leave himself open on the mat, working his ground and pound game steadily from the top. Technically Ray is still very untested on the mat and will need to work on his ground game. Ray’s overall BJJ and submission skills are still green and will require continued attention.