Stevie Ray Thinks He Can Beat Paddy Pimblett Again (Video)

Paddy Pimblett may be looking for a possible fight with a known opponent outside of the UFC.

PFL is back with the Lightweight and Light Heavyweight divisions kicking off with the start of two tournaments on Friday, August 5th. The map is headlined by a major rematch between Stevie Ray and the former UFC lightweight champion. Anthony Petti. Ray’s eyes are not only on the upcoming fight against Pettis, but he’s also keeping a close eye on another aspiring athlete, Paddy Pimblett.

“There are definitely some holes in his game, just like any fighter,” Ray told FanSided. “But the hype is real, he’s talking the talk and he’s backed it.”

They faced off in a popular grappling competition, Polaris, in which Ray claimed victory.

“I beat him in a grappling match, not quite MMA, but we’re the same weight. I’m probably biased, but I think I could beat him in an MMA fight, whether it’s on his feet or on the ground,” Ray said. “But never say never, I’m in my prime, I’m healthy and the reason I left the UFC was because of injury and if I was offered a fight with Paddy in the PFL or UFC or whatever and I was paid well I would be in.”

Pimblett has taken the MMA community by storm. Since joining the UFC, he has won three times in a row, most recently against him Jordan Levitt on the second round submission. His accomplishments and antics draw close comparison to another person who has exploded in MMA like wildfire, Conor McGregor.

Stevie Ray wants to defeat Anthony Pettis a second time

Ray was last seen at PFL 5 in June where he was able to stop Pettis in the second round. He used a modified body triangle technique to get the former champion to quit. This was his first win in promotion, raising his overall record to 24 wins and 10 losses.

“As for the fight, I think it was going well before the twister,” Ray said during media day. “I was the one pushing forward and landing the better shots. I’ll do the same, try to stop him by his feet or on the ground. No matter where it goes.”

Ray’s career has taken him through some of the largest mixed martial arts organizations. That includes 11 fights in the UFC, beginning in 2015 through 2019, where he defeated household names like Michael Johnson, Joe Lauzon and Ross Pearson. His run also included stints with Cage Warriors and BAMMA.

PFL Playoffs: Anthony Pettis vs. Stevie Ray takes place live at Madison Square Garden on Friday, August 5, 2022 in New York, NY. Follow FanSided MMA who is on site for all your news and highlights.