Steven Ray (born 25 March 1990) is a Scottish mixed martial artist who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), BAMMA and Cage Warriors, where he was the Lightweight Champion, as well as the BAMMA British Lightweight Champion.
Ray competed predominantly in the United Kingdom where he amassed a record of 16–5 before joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
[6][7] He also won a pro muay thai fight against Scott Morrison, class B rules, super middleweight division, by unanimous decision on 12 May 2012.
Ray made his promotional debut as a short notice replacement for an injured Jason Saggo against Marcin Bandel on 11 April 2015 at UFC Fight Night 64.
[14] However, Ray pulled out of the fight in early June due to visa issues and was replaced by Kevin Lee.
[24] As the first bout of his new four-fight contract, Ray faced Kajan Johnson on 17 March 2018 at UFC Fight Night 127.
[33] Ray was expected to face Marc Diakiese on 21 March 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Woodley vs.
Diakiese is expected to remain on the card against promotional newcomer Jai Herbert[35] However, due to COVID-19 pandemic, the event was cancelled.
[36] On 21 September 2020 Ray announced his retirement from competing in MMA due to ongoing knee injuries.
[45] Ray faced Olivier Aubin-Mercier in the finals of the Lightweight tournament on 25 November 2022 at PFL 10.
[52] Ray announced his return from retirement and would comeback to fight Lewis Long in the main event of PFL Europe 3 in his home country of Scotland on September 28, 2024.
[53] He would win via first round submission with another modified body triangle which Ray has named as being a Scottish Twister.
Ray made his return to the grappling scene on 19 August 2019 at Polaris 11, taking on former Cage Warriors champion Paddy Pimblett in a - 77 kg nogi bout, winning the match by inside heel hook.
[55][56] Ray competed against Craig Ewers, at Polaris 18, at 170 lbs/77 kg, on 27 November 2021, winning the match by submission via modified Twister.