The young fighter took out his last amateur bout on a technical knockout in the first round.

Blake defeated Andrew Chen in the Wollongong Wars Lightweight division on Friday, September 29. 

“It felt good to get it out of the way,” Blake said.

“It was my first fight in over a year, and now I feel like I’ve shaken the cobwebs off, and I’m ready.”

The event was co-ordinated by Freestyle Fighting Gym, Windang.

Blake has been training for six years, and after competing in some amateur boxing matches, made the shift to MMA about four years ago.

“I found MMA is a bit more creative,” he said.

“There’s a more fluid dynamic, due to the combination of different styles.

“I really enjoy having the opportunity to express yourself against your opponent.

“I don’t see it as fighting, in the way people might look at MMA as being similar to street fighting.

“I see it more as a highly competitive sport.

“You’re putting everything you have into it.

“It’s very honest and pure when you’re out there – it’s just you and your opponent.”

Blake recently moved to Canberra, and is training with the Stockade Training Centre while he’s there. 

He also travels back to the coast on a regular basis to work with coach Richard Fafie, at the Jungle Gym in Tomakin.

“Blake started with me at about 14,” Richard said.

“He’s been working on lots of Jiu Jitsu and grappling in Canberra, then doing Muay Thai and stand-up work down here.”

Blake said he initially felt more comfortable in stand-up fighting styles, but now enjoys stand-up and ground work equally.

Not content to compete solely at an amateur level, he has his first professional bout coming up on November 11, at the AIS in Canberra.

“I want to keep working my way up to bigger fights,” Blake said.

“I know it’s not a long term sport.

“I’m pushing myself to work hard and get as far as I can while I’m young and have the opportunity.”

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