Ray, a proud and devoted father, sits down to share the journey of raising two wrestlers — and the life lessons that came with it. He opens up about the challenges of supporting each of his sons differently, while still giving both the same unwavering foundation of love, structure, and belief. Through the highs and lows, Ray reflects on what it truly means to walk the path of “Dad.”
Ray learned early that he couldn’t treat both boys the same. Wrestling helped him understand that each son is his own individual, with his own personality, mindset, and way of approaching adversity. Through both wrestling and MMA, Ray watched his sons express themselves uniquely, using their own styles and identities to grow into the young men they are destined to be. From the front row, he witnessed their evolution — fueled by exposure, creativity, and the confidence to be themselves.
Ray also shares what it was like watching Saoul and Nat’aani Prado use their talents in completely different ways. The process wasn’t always easy, but his philosophy remained steady: support them fully, let them “sink or swim” on their own merits, and trust that they would rise. Even with the weight of not wanting to let his boys down, he always believed in their ability to accomplish whatever they set their hearts on.
While the Prado Brothers became the first brother state champions in SLAM history, Ray knows their greatest accomplishment isn’t found on a podium — it’s in the men they are becoming.
