The 2022 PFL season has brought some of the toughest challenges to date. The lightweight division is, in fact, stacked with former UFC talent. PFL signees include Don Madge, Marcin Held, Jeremy Stephens, Clay Collard, Olivier Aubin-Mercier, and Anthony Pettis for the 2022 season. Last but certainly not least on the list is Stevie Ray, the number 4 seed in the PFL 2022 playoffs.
Named ‘Braveheart’ by his peers, the Kirkcaldy native aims to become the first UK world champion since Michael Bisping. He is facing former UFC world champion, Anthony Pettis in the semi-finals in a rematch. This time more is on the line as they gear up for a winner take all tournament. The prize is a million dollars. Their last matchup six weeks ago and ended in a submission victory for Stevie.
The 2nd round finish gave Stevie 5 points in the regular season, qualifying him for playoffs as the final number four seed. Although being the last fight of the regular season, Pettis secured the number one seed with his previous victory. Stevie’s submission victory saw him squeak into the number four seed, setting up an immediate rematch with the former champion.
Their rematch takes place tonight, Friday, August 5th, with the main card starting at 12:00 am UK time.
Who is Stevie Ray?
As a professional, Stevie Ray boasts a 24-10 professional record. Stevie’s career stretches over a decade and even includes 11 fights in the UFC, the pinnacle of MMA. in his time with the promotion. He had seven victories and four defeats. Among his wins are Ross Pearson, Joe Lauzon, and Michael Johnson. Before he could challenge for a UFC title, he was forced to retire due to visa issues and ongoing knee problems.
A year after Stevie had retired, he posted to Instagram to announce he was feeling healthy and ready for a comeback. After extensive talks with Brave CF and Bellator, Stevie signed with newly minted ESPN broadcast promotion PFL. Stevie was a decorated champion on the European scene, holding the lightweight titles for both Cage Warriors and BAMMA.
Upon his return, Stevie lost a unanimous decision to the number three seed Alex Martinez. Going into his bout with Pettis, Stevie needed a finish to qualify for the PFL playoffs. He managed to secure a modified twister late in the second round, injuring Pettis. Stevie’s win earns him a playoff appearance and a rematch with the number one seed and former UFC champion.
Anthony Pettis
Boasting a 25-13 professional record, ‘Showtime’ looks to secure another world championship in the PFL 2022 season. Anthony Pettis will be seeking revenge from a worthy contender in Stevie Ray. Pettis is a former UFC champion with an 11-9 record under the organization. With wins over former lightweight champions Charles Oliveira and Benson Henderson, Pettis is a proven tough matchup for anyone.
Pettis secured his spot in the playoffs at PFL 3 with a first-round submission victory over Myles Price. Before his fight with Stevie Ray, Pettis knew he clinched the number one seed. In a recent interview on The MMA hour, Pettis talked about his motivation heading into the matchup with Stevie Ray. “I was already guaranteed a spot, so I’m going into that fight like I don’t really have to do anything in this fight. It’s like I’m guaranteed this (next) fight.” he continued. “I probably could’ve fought through the body triangle, but this (fight) is what matters”.
Prioritizing health over the victory seems to have left Pettis flat in his first bout with Stevie Ray. Heading into his first ever PFL playoff appearance, ‘Showtime’ is sure to be more motivated this time around. With a million dollars on the line, everything is pointing to war.
Prioritizing health over the victory seems to have left Pettis flat in his first bout with Stevie Ray. Heading into his first ever PFL playoff appearance, ‘Showtime’ is sure to be more motivated this time around. With a million dollars on the line, everything is pointing to war.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
