Former NFL Cheerleader Becomes MMA Fighter [Video]

A former NFL cheerleader has set her sights on an altogether different kind of profession: the MMA.

Rachel Wray — not to be confused with chef and TV personality Rachael Ray — is reportedly embarking on a career as a professional fighting. According to NESN, the former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader has already fought in a handful of matches.

Wray said she had a tough go of it the first time she stepped in the ring. However, these fights only helped fuel her desire to improve her skills.

She told the website:

“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.”

The Cage Potato explains that the former NFL cheerleader won her MMA debut with a second-round technical knockout. However, her last match ended abruptly when her opponent failed to show up for the fight. Wray’s next bout is presently scheduled for January 25.

Although she plans to continue working her way through the ranks, Wray isn’t sure where she’s headed next in the world of competitive fighting.

She explained:

“Right now I’m just focusing on getting some amateur experience, but if things keep going well for me then I may be able to go pro someday. It would be cool to fight for the UFC, obviously, but I wouldn’t say that’s my goal in life. I’ve been a dancer and cheerleader my entire life, and I’ve only been fighting for ten months. Right now all I can think about is winning my next fight.”

What do you think about the former NFL cheerleader who is working her way through the MMA?