Another week and another promising British fighter joins the ranks of the UFC.
Scottish warrior Steven ‘Braveheart’Â Ray is the latest fighter from these islands to be signed up by Dana White after Tom Breese was snapped up by the organisation.
Former Cage Warriors world champion Ray will make his Octagon debut against Polish fighter Marcin Bandel when the UFC hits Krakow next month.
UFC legend Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping seems pretty chuffed about the news…
Well done to @stevenraymma who just signed with the UFC. Great things to come from this man!
— michael (@bisping) March 30, 2015
Ray has made a solid name for himself in the UK – coming off the back of two big wins against Kurt Warburton.
But he has got great all-round attributes to be a top UFC fighter.
Striking
The 25-year-old is not regarded as a pure knockout merchant – he only has 4 KOs on his 16-5-0 record. But he does possess real power and accuracy in his hands – and he’s not afraid to stand up and trade.
Ray is not afraid to use his legs either. He has got some pretty fearsome kicks in his arsenal.
Wrestling
Ray is a powerful wrestler. What’s not surprising is that he learned the trade with Tristar in Montreal alongside former UFC welterweight champion Georges St Pierre.
His take-downs are pretty spectacular too. Watch here as Ray fakes the jab and then lands a huge slam.
Submissions
This is where Ray really shines. You don’t want to go to ground with this guy. Half of his 16 wins have come by way of submission. The Scot doesn’t seem to care how they come – armbar, rear naked choke or triangle are all executed ruthlessly.
Flair
The UFC loves a showman who can pull a move out of nowhere – just look at Conor McGregor or Lyoto Machida, to name but a few. Well Ray has bags of flair – and he is constantly developing as a fighter. He’s not afraid to try something spectacular to catch an opponent off guard and change a fight.
Here’s Ray nailing a cartwheel pass…
Ray demonstrating why he is as dangerous standing up as he is on the ground with a spinning back kick…
His UFC debut comes on April 11. He will want to make a statement to Dana White and fans of the UFC.
With these skills in his locker we’ve no doubts that he will.
