Clay Collard will get his chance at PFL championship gold in 2023 after missing out on the playoffs just last year. Coming off a unanimous decision win over Yamamoto Nishikawa, Collard rolled his momentum into a TKO win over Stevie Ray at PFL 6. His 2nd round finish of Ray advances his record to 23-10 and gives him 8 points in the 2023 regular season, securing a top 2 seed in the 2023 playoffs.
Collard vs. Ray Recap
Collard came out fast looking to land straight punches and leg kicks before being countered by a takedown. The takedown led to Ray taking Collard’s back where he threatened multiple submissions.
Collard was able to shake out and then showed off some awesome head movement. Collard stuck to the same game plan before being taken down again, getting up and punishing the body. Ray then shot a takedown that was quickly reversed countering with a heel hook to end the round.
The second round started off similar to the first, with Collard throwing 3 quick kicks before dropping Ray with a right hand just 20 seconds in. Ray invited Collard down but he didn’t oblige, throwing leg kicks before backing away. The two then met in the center where Collard continued his onslaught to the body and backed Ray to the cage. Once the fight was where he wanted, Collard swarmed and landed some big right hooks that dropped Ray. Ray attempted to go for another leg lock, but Collard didn’t budge and continued to land ground and pound until the ref stepped in. Ray immediately stood up to protest the stoppage, but it was too late as Collard advances to the 2023 playoffs.
In his post-fight interview, Clay Collard called for a fight with reigning champion Olivier Aubin-Mecier. With Aubin-Mercier expected to win later tonight, we may very well see this fight at some point in the playoffs. The loss moves Stevie Ray to 25-13, bouncing him from the playoffs with a possible retirement on the table.
What are your thoughts on Collard’s finish and chances against Olivier Aubin-Mercier? Let us know in the comments below!
Images via Ylly News
