The finish line could be nearing for Steven
Ray.
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The Professional Fighters League lightweight
initially announced his retirement from mixed martial arts in
2020, citing chronic knee issues as the reason behind the decision.
That was the end of Scot’s UFC tenure, but he made a triumphant
return last year, making the 2022 PFL Championships before losing
to Olivier
Aubin-Mercier in the finals.
After losing to Natan
Schulte in his first bout of the 2023 season, Ray is
considering calling it a career in the near future. Exactly when
that happens depends on how he fares against Clay
Collard at PFL 6 on Friday night.
“To be honest, I’m f—ing really excited for this fight. It’s less
pressure for me as well,” Ray said at a virtual PFL media day. “I’m
just going out there to enjoy it. Worst case scenario is still a
good scenario for me. (If I lose), it’ll be the first time I’ve
lost three fights in a row. That could be a message that it is time
to hang it up and it’s time to focus on something else. Obviously,
if I win and I don’t qualify, that’s good because I’ve won my last
fight. If I qualify…that is the best scenario.”
In Collard, Ray will face one of the PFL’s most notorious action
fighters. Ray is well aware of his opponent’s professional boxing
experience, but it’s not something that gives him pause.
“I’ve watched his boxing. I wouldn’t say he’s that great a boxer,”
Ray said. “I would say he’s more of a volume puncher. It’s not so
much his skill with the boxing, it’s more his numbers. I feel like
my grappling is going to be much better than his. I’m confident
everywhere.”
In an ideal scenario, Ray won’t be hanging up the four-ounce gloves
until later this year. No matter what the future holds, he gained
an appreciation for the PFL during his tenure. That includes those
at the top of the organization.
“Just my whole experience fighting with the PFL has been amazing,”
Ray said. “I never got a chance to get as close to UFC staff, even
the bosses. I’ve been able to chat and get close to Ray Sefo, Peter
[Murray] and Donn [Davis]. We’ve been treated absolutely amazing.
I’m just so grateful for the PFL giving me an opportunity and to be
part of the company.”
As his fighting career draws to a close, Ray has an idea of how
he’d like to be remembered.
“I always came to fight. I always tried to make it exciting. I
always showed a lot of heart,” he said. “A lot of people that know
my whole story know why I fight, the biggest reason is to provide
for my family. I’d like people to remember me as a hard worker,
that did what needs to be done.”