Big fight news has just been announced for Scotland’s Stevie Ray. It has been confirmed that the 32-year-old will take on former UFC Lightweight champion, Antony Pettis. With a stacked Lightweight bracket this year, any fighter would be big news. However, there’s no understating the star power Pettis will bring, and the massive name on Stevie’s resume should he get the job done. Scheduled to take place on June 24th, as the second fight of PFL’s 2022 Lightweight bracket. This match-up in particular should have MMA fans across the globe salivating with excitement.
Stevie Ray “Braveheart”
For those who are unfamiliar with the Scotsman. Stevie has been competing at the top of the game for many years. Entering the cage for organisations such as BAMMA, Cage Warriors, and The UFC, before finding his way to the PFL. A former champion in his own right, winning and defending Cage Warriors Lightweight gold back in 2014. With some impressive names already in his win column. The likes of Ross Pearson, Joe Lauzon and Michael Johnson have already fallen foul of Ray’s talents. Come June he’ll be looking to add Pettis’ name to that list.
Holding a professional record of 23-10 Stevie has seen it all. Looking to bounce back in a big way, after his extremely close decision loss to Alex Martinez last time out. There wouldn’t be a bigger way to make a statement than to beat Anthony and get his first points on the board. A complete martial artist who has won in a variety of ways. Stevie has six KO/TKO’s, eight submissions, and nine decision victories. 14 finishes in total see “Braveheart” as dangerous as they come. A BJJ brown belt, with two wins at Polaris 11 and 18 respectively, the latter against UFC’s surging Scouser Paddy Pimblett. Stevie unquestionably has an elite ground game. Not only a grappler but also a quality striker to match.
With all the UK talent making waves in the MMA world globally. Stevie is one of our flagship fighters who ply their trade in the PFL. Alongside fellow Brit Brendan Loughnane. While fighting and representing Scotland Stevie is very proud to be honouring the blue and white flag. Training out of Higher Level Martial Arts. Ray is in there with the best of the best Scotland has to offer.
Anthony “Showtime” Pettis
Without a doubt, one of the biggest Lightweight names in the sport. Pettis has been making waves in the MMA world for over a decade, bursting onto the scene with the WEC. A human highlight reel, if you’re an MMA fan you’ve seen some of the outrageous skills this man possesses. Pettis is a former UFC champion and has a huge legacy in the sport. Therefore he already has a big target painted on his back.
Despite seemingly being around forever, “Showtime” is still only 35. Over his years as a pro, Pettis’ record currently sits at 25-12. Obviously, with a who’s who of top fighters already on his record, Anthony will hope to add Ray’s name as a win. As high level as they come, the American has only seen the judges scorecards six times, out of his 25 wins. Boasting an unbelievable 19 finishes, 11 via KO/TKO and eight via submission. Always looking for the kill this was evident last time out.
Unsuccessful in the 2021 season, Pettis lost his only two fights via decisions. However, this year Pettis started with a bang. Taking on Ireland’s Myles Price, Pettis finished his opponent via triangle choke in the first. Currently sitting at the top of the leaderboard with six points, Anthony is the man to beat.
The Fight
Undoubtedly going to be an absolute cracker, this fight is a must-watch for you UK MMA fans. Two men who have plenty of finishes with a whole array of ways to get it done. In conclusion, the winner of this fight will propel themselves into being one of the favourites in the 155lbs bracket.
Can Stevie Ray claim a massive scalp and defeat “Showtime” Pettis?
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Featured image credits to pflmma on Instagram
