A professional from 2000 until 2012, Ray competed for the UFC, King of the Cage, the Toronto Dragons of the IFL, and was featured on The Ultimate Fighter 4.
Born and raised in Chicago, Ray began training in martial arts from a young age.
Ray made his professional debut in 2000, competing primarily at Welterweight, he amassed a record of 8–1–1 before appearing for the UFC.
After picking up a win in the regional circuit, Ray returned to the promotion at UFC Ultimate Fight Night, facing Mike Swick.
The two later fought in a rematch at the World Grand Prix Semifinals later in November of that year, with Heleno winning again, this time via first-round armbar.