Stevie Ray and Paul Craig started the week by getting the work in. Iron sharpens iron, as the old fight adage goes. So it makes sense that Scotland’s most successful MMA fighters are training together. ‘Braveheart’ took to social media to share an update of his session with ‘The Bearjew’ at Higher Level Martial Arts:
So what is coming up for Stevie Ray and Paul Craig in their MMA careers?
Stevie Ray
Following a second consecutive win over former UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis, Ray will compete for $1 million and the PFL Lightweight Championship. He will take on Olivier Aubin-Mercier on November 25th as part of the PFL’s inaugural pay-per-view event from Madison Square Garden.
Both fighters are UFC veterans, but this, without doubt, represents the biggest fight of their career. $1 million on the line, at the mecca of fighting. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Aubin-Mercier is undefeated in the PFL since making the move from the UFC. He’s won all five of his bouts, so Ray will have to be on top of his game to come out victorious. He certainly has a chance to do so if he continues to optimise his preparation with elite fighters such as Paul Craig.
Paul Craig
Paul Craig is yet to book his next fight following a lacklustre performance against Volkan Oezdemir. However, he is staying ready by helping Ray prepare for his PFL title bout.
Craig remains a challenge for any fighter in the top 15, especially if he puts more confidence in his offensive striking. That said, who makes sense for Craig to fight next? The options aren’t obvious because he’s still ranked ninth but coming off a bad loss. A fight up the rankings isn’t likely, but numbers #8, #10, #12, and #13 all have fights scheduled.
Jamahal Hill
Jamahal Hill doesn’t have an opponent booked either. Craig marks the only blemish on his otherwise perfect professional record. Since his gruesome submission loss, Hill has reeled off three KO wins. He might be looking ahead in the rankings, but a chance at revenge may prove too much to resist.
Jimmy Crute
Crute would be another rematch, but this time it would be Craig looking for revenge. He suffered a submission loss to Crute in 2018. Both are far better fighters now, and both are ranked in the top 15. Crute is coming off two losses, so fighting Craig would be a lifeline, but like Hill, he might want the chance to avenge the loss.
Tyson Pedro
After battling multiple injuries, Pedro has returned with two quick KO wins in his first action since 2018. He wants to stay active, and Craig would be the biggest test of his short career. Styles make fights, and these two fighters are complete opposites. However, Craig knows he has to offer more on the feet after his last bout, and Pedro will be wary of Craig’s elite submission skills.
Does Stevie Ray win the million? Who does Paul Craig fight next? Drop a comment to let us know your thoughts on these two Scottish warriors.
Featured image credits to Stevie Ray
