Chasen Blair, an MMA fighter and alumnus of Rancho Bernardo High School, began his journey in martial arts at the age of four when his parents enrolled him in karate due to his childhood dream of becoming the Red Power Ranger. He took to karate naturally and started competing at a young age, traveling across the country for national tournaments by the time he was six or seven years old.
His father, who had wrestled in high school, got into Jiu-Jitsu after it was offered at the dojo where Chasen trained. Inspired by his father, Chasen also took up Jiu-Jitsu. The two would often compete in tournaments together, creating cherished memories of both winning their divisions. Martial arts became a family affair, with his parents and grandparents supporting his passion.
Growing up, Chasen was deeply committed to martial arts. In kindergarten and first grade, he would wake up at 6 a.m. to practice his katas and forms, with his father holding mitts for him. He was self-motivated, driven by a genuine love for the discipline rather than pressure from his parents. His family’s belief in his abilities reinforced his dedication, creating a positive feedback loop that fueled his ambition.
In middle school, wrestling became part of his school’s athletic program. Chasen transitioned to wrestling to gain camaraderie and shared experiences with his peers, which was something he missed in karate and Jiu-Jitsu. Wrestling at Bernardo Heights and later at Rancho Bernardo High School allowed him to build lasting friendships and be part of a team.
During high school, Chasen achieved significant success in wrestling, winning a California State title and a High School National Title as a sophomore. His accomplishments led to recruitment offers from various colleges. He chose the University of North Carolina (UNC) due to its strong combination of academics and athletics, joining a top-tier wrestling program with an elite coaching staff that included Olympic medalists and national champions.
The experience at UNC was challenging but rewarding. Chasen learned a great deal from competing with some of the best wrestlers in the country and training under renowned coaches. The rigorous schedule included early morning lifts, classes, practices, rehab, and academic responsibilities. Being far from his family in San Diego was difficult, especially since he couldn’t easily return home during holidays due to the demands of the wrestling season and the distance involved.
His college years were further complicated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Classes moved online, and the wrestling season was uncertain. Despite these challenges, Chasen remained focused on his goals. He had torn his ACL prior to the pandemic but was determined to return to wrestling and complete his degree.
After graduating from UNC, Chasen decided to pursue a career in MMA, returning home to San Diego in July 2021. Although he had been away from Jiu-Jitsu since eighth grade, he resumed training in mixed martial arts, building upon his lifelong foundation in martial arts. His father, who was also a professional MMA referee, had exposed him to the sport from a young age. Chasen recalled attending his first live MMA event in sixth grade, where the energy and atmosphere solidified his desire to become a professional fighter.
Chasen Blair is passionate about MMA because he loves the entire process—from training and refining his techniques to the moments of introspection during early morning runs. The fight itself is a reward for his dedication. He values the uncertainty of the sport, acknowledging that despite rigorous preparation, anything can happen in a fight. This perspective motivates him to train harder and appreciate each opportunity to compete.
Before fights, Chasen experiences nerves and self-doubt but combats these feelings by reminding himself of his thorough preparation and the support of his coaches and family. Once he steps into the arena, he enters a state of “no mind,” where he is fully present and reacts instinctively without overthinking.
Chasen Blair is half Filipino; his mother is Filipino, and his grandparents immigrated from the Philippines. He is proud of his heritage and maintains close ties with his family. His grandparents have always been supportive of his martial arts career, attending his competitions and celebrating his achievements. In 2019, he had the opportunity to wrestle for the Philippine national team at the Manuel Jeres Memorial Sports Complex, obtaining dual citizenship and competing internationally.
He treasures his visits to the Philippines, enjoying the culture, food, and the chance to connect with his roots. His favorite Filipino dishes include lechon, arroz caldo, and sisig from local restaurants like Aristocrat and Lydia’s Lechon.
Chasen Blair recently adopted the nickname “Mestizo” to reflect his mixed heritage and personal identity. The change from his previous nickname, “Chasin’ Paper,” aligns more authentically with who he is. He aims to represent the Filipino-American community in MMA, hoping to inspire young athletes by showing them that they can achieve great things regardless of their background.
His ultimate goal is to make it to the UFC and become a champion. He emphasizes the importance of loving what you do, as genuine passion makes hard work and discipline feel like a privilege rather than a sacrifice. Chasen is committed to his craft and aspires to serve as a role model for others, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with dedication and a positive mindset.
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