Hendersonville’s Jaysen Baker will make his MMA fighting debut on Aug. 19 when he faces Isaac Morris at Johnathan Ivey’s Cage Fighting Championships 2 at the MidTN Expo in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Pro MMA Now caught up with Jaysen to get his thoughts on the matchup and learn more about his journey and plans as he prepares to step into the cage for the first time.

Thanks for talking with us Jaysen, how has training been going for your upcoming fight?

No problem, thank you for interviewing me. Training has been intense, physically and mentally, and I’ve loved every moment of it. My coaches and I don’t mess around and am proud of the growth I’ve had for this fight.

How much do you know about your opponent Isaac Morris and what are your thoughts on the matchup?

I couldn’t really tell you much about my opponent, other than his name haha. I’ve got huge respect for anybody that puts an effort towards fighting professionally, as for stylistic matchups go I feel this has a win written all over it for myself. Not because of my opponent but the hard work I’ve put in for this, I couldn’t imagine any ordinary individual beating me.

Where do you train and who are some of the coaches/training partners helping you get ready for this fight?

I train out of the UFC Gym Hendersonville, day and night. A lot of my training is seen over by Logan Nash with close insight by Sean Patton and George King. All three of whom who have multiple achievements in the BJJ/MMA world and have definitely helped groomed me for this. I’ve had a various selection of sparring partners throughout, being a fighter I always have a huge target on my back so hungry guys are always trying to test themselves with me.

How do you see the fight playing out when you visualize it?

I envision a 1 round TKO via ground and pound. My reach will be too much for him and force him into uncomfortable situations.

This will be your debut inside the cage if I’m not mistaken, how excited are you about that?

I’m super excited for my debut! I’ve been dreaming so long for this that I almost can’t believe it’s actually happening…and it’s just the beginning of my journey!!!

I understand you work at the UFC Gym in Hendersonville, what has that experience been like?

Working here has been an amazing experience, having the luxury of training with my coaches day and night as well as teach others what I know really helps drill MMA into my brain and blood, this experience is one I couldn’t imagine trading away.

How did you get started in MMA?

I guess it all starts with a dream, right? I always imagined being a modern day warrior, a gladiator of sorts. I first tried to self train myself in boxing when I was 15, Sugar Ray Robinson was my favorite! My training in MMA all began when I first came to the UFC Gym, when it first opened. Nearly two years ago.

What are your goals in the sport?

I want to take myself to the highest degree that I possibly can in this sport. To become an icon, a figure for others to follow suit in. Don’t get me wrong, I do this for me first but I also do this for all the fighters that could have been but get sidelined with injury, disease, and just life interfering. I’m fortunate enough to do this, so I do it for those that can’t. That’s my goal, to be an inspiration to those few.

Thanks for your time Jaysen, any final words for the fans?

You’re very welcome, thank you for my first of many interviews! To the fans, thank you for the support it means a lot to me. I’ll repay you all with my hands raised in victory.

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