Ray Hewlett Ready to Make a Statement in Pro Debut at XFA 01

Ray Hewlett is set to make his long-awaited professional MMA debut on April 26th at XFA 01, where he’ll face veteran Brandon Grimmett in a flyweight bout. Fighting out of Knoxville Martial Arts Academy, Hewlett brings an 8-5 amateur record into the cage and is looking to make an immediate impact in the pro ranks. We caught up with him ahead of fight night to talk about the transition to professional MMA, his training, and what fans can expect when the cage door closes in Crossville, Tennessee:

XFA:  Ray, first off—congrats on making the jump to the pro ranks. What does this moment mean to you?

Hewlett:  Thank you! It means everything to me. It’s the culmination of a ton of hard work and sacrifice. And I’m excited to show the world who Rocket Ray is.

XFA:  You went 8-5 as an amateur. What do you feel you learned during that time that’s going to serve you well as a professional?

Hewlett:  Honestly, I’ve learned so many lesson, I can’t even count them at this point. But I think the main thing is going to be how comfortable I am in there. I’ve already been to the cage 15 times. I’m not new to this. And I feel very at home in the there.

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XFA:   You’re fighting Brandon Grimmett, who has a tough record but a ton of experience. How do you view this matchup?

Hewlett:  I’m better everywhere skill wise. But, nobody is more dangerous than someone who has nothing to lose. He’s been in this game a long time. I expect Brandon to get after it but I don’t believe he has anything I can’t handle.

XFA:  What’s it like training at Knoxville Martial Arts Academy, and how has that team helped prepare you for this next step?

Helwett:  It’s intense in the best way possible. Every day is fight camp at KMAA. So I stay ready, I stay in shape. And the years of knowledge between all of my coaches has me constantly learning.

XFA:  Do you feel like your style will translate even better in the pro ruleset, with longer rounds and elbows now in play?

Hewlett:  Yeah absolutely. I’m excited to have more time to work and more weapons. Amateur fighting is a bit of a sprint. Pro fighting is more of a marathon. So, I expect to do even better as a pro based on my style and how many of my opponents have been saved by the bell.

XFA:  Last one—what should fans expect from Ray Hewlett on April 26th at XFA 01?

Helwett:  Domination. I’ve been waiting a long time for this opportunity to become a pro and I’m coming to make a statement.

Ray Hewlett is focused, hungry, and ready to seize his moment when he steps into the cage for his professional debut at XFA 01 on April 26th. Whether you're watching from cageside or tuning in from home, it's a fight you won't want to miss. Tickets are available now at www.officialxfa.com, and fans can catch all the action live by purchasing the official pay-per-view stream through Millions.co. Don’t miss the start of a new chapter in Ray Hewlett’s career.