Stevie Ray thinks Anthony Pettis ‘should look to go down a different avenue’ after another loss (video)
By Alec Arritola
In an emotional post-fight interview, PFL world title contender Stevie Ray voiced his opinion on Anthony Pettis’ future in MMA.
One of the lightweights on his way to the PFL championship had some choice words for former UFC sensation Anthony “Showtime” Pettis (25-14). In his PFL playoffs post-fight interview, Stevie “Braveheart” Ray (25-10) told FanSided MMA that he believes Pettis should look outside of fighting regarding his career choice.
After losing to Ray twice in a row, resulting in a PFL record of 1-4, Pettis’ decline has been the topic of much debate among the mixed martial arts community. A former UFC champin, Pettis has provided lackluster performances since joining the Professional Fighters League.
“He’s just lost his last two, but it’s both to me … I’m sure he’s pretty rich, he probably doesn’t have to fight. So, he’s got kids. I would maybe say that, maybe he should look to go down a different kind of avenue,” Ray said. “I mean, I’m sure he’s got his own promotion, he’s got his own management. He’s a pretty good-looking guy. I’m sure he gets married in November, so yeah, if anything I’ve probably done him a favor, by me beating him.”
With career wins over numerous MMA veterans including Benson Henderson, Joe Lauzon, Stephen Thompson, and Donald Cerrone, Pettis has garnered the respect of fight fans over the course of his 15-year career. However, on Aug. 5 it was another MMA veteran’s night to shine. Ray defeated Pettis in the PFL playoffs via unanimous decision, lining him up for the PFL lightweight championship and a shot at the $1 million prize.
Advancing to 2-1 in the PFL, Ray looks to capitalize on his win streak against “The Canadian Gangster” Olivier Aubin-Mercier (16-5) in the upcoming lightweight championship. Both fighters possess a solid fight resume, and the matchup will surely provide exciting results. Ray and Aubin-Mercier both share nearly identical ages, heights, and reach. Additionally, both fighters are highly accustomed to a prolonged ground-based war.
Next. PFL Playoffs: Anthony Pettis vs. Stevie Ray final results. dark