Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Scotland’s Steven Ray as he takes on heel hook specialist Marcin Bandel at UFC Fight Night 64 in Krakow, Poland. Steven “Braveheart” Ray Hometown: Kirkcaldy, Scotland Age: 25 Height: 5’10” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Higher Level MMA Career Record: 16-5 Key Wins: Curt Warburton Key Losses: Ivan Buchinger, Nico Musoke Background The former Cage Warriors lightweight champion is the latest Scottish fighter to make his way to the UFC. At 25 years of age, the southpaw is already a veteran of the sport having been fighting professionally for over five years. Furthermore, he’s already fought into championship rounds twice in his career while with Cage Warriors. Strengths
- Decent all around fighter
- Good left hand with solid power
- Good double leg which he disguises well with his striking attempts
- Strong, aggressive top game combining ground and pound with submission attempts
Weaknesses
- Struggles against aggressive strikers
- Can be pushed against the cage
- Too willing to go for submission attempts that can cause him to lose dominant positions
Matchup with Marcin Bandel Cage Warriors lightweight champion Stevie Ray makes his UFC debut in Poland against hometown fighter Marcin Bandel. In this matchup, Ray is the much more well-rounded fighter. He’s the far better striker with a good left hand and a decent left leg kick. Furthermore, if he wants to take the fight to the ground he has superior wrestling ability. He’s a tough game to score takedowns against as well. In short, Ray has the ability to control where this fight takes place. Bandel’s only really advantage is his dangerous submission game. The majority of his wins are by heel hook. Look for Ray to keep this fight standing early on and do some damage on the feet. After Bandel tires, Ray can choose to either continue to stand and trade or score takedowns late in this fight. At time of publication, Ray (-170) is favored to beat the home country fighter. Unless he gets stuck in a heel hook, this is Ray’s fight to lose. Ray is the better fighter and the deserving favorite in this matchup. UFC Ceiling Stevie Ray is one of the better young European fighters to enter the UFC in the past few years. He has a solid skill set and should be able to compete right away in the UFC. Punching power is something that can hold him back as he’s the type of fighter who is able to wear out opponents over time as opposed to being able to score a quick finish. His skill set is rather complete and his room for growth is rather limited. While Ray can win a few fights in the UFC, I’d expect him to struggle against the top half of the lightweight division. He will need to develop an offensive that is dynamic and decisive to have an opportunity to have a long career within the UFC. Fight Film Check out Steven Ray in some of his recent fights: Steven Ray vs. Sean Carter
Steven Ray vs. Curt Warburton