Stevie Ray has been nominated for submission of the year. The submission in question is his modified twister vs Anthony Pettis. Taking place at PFL 5 on June 24th.
In what could be the biggest win of his career. The finish happened in the second round and earned Stevie five points. This took him into the semi-finals, where he will once again face Anthony Pettis at PFL 7.
Needing a finish to advance, this was critical for Ray’s lightweight tournament hopes. As the first round went by neither man looked to be running away with it. This suited Pettis who had already confirmed his place in the next round.
The second round started as a mainly stand-up affair. Halfway through the round, a scramble ended with Stevie Ray taking Pettis’ back. He then worked his way into position keeping a tight body lock with his legs. As Pettis turned into him he hooked the head and began to squeeze. With one minute remaining he got the tap.
The Nomination
Not only was it a rare and quite spectacular submission. The circumstances surrounding it were monumental as well. Needing a win, against a legend like Anthony Pettis and pulling off a modified twister. Stevie Ray has earned his nomination and maybe even the award itself.
Up against some stiff competition, the rest of the list is as follows.
Jiri Prochazka vs Glover Teixeira – Rear Naked Choke – UFC 275
Oliver Enkamp vs Mark Lemiminger – Inverted Triangle Choke – Bellator 281
Jessica Andrade vs Amanda Lemos – Standing Arm Triangle – UFC Vegas 52
Charles Oliviera vs Dustin Poirier – Rear Naked Choke – UFC 269
Voting is open now, make sure you vote for Stevie Ray here: https://www.worldmmaawards.com/nominees/
Is Stevie Ray’s modified body triangle twister the best submission of 2022?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
