(London, United Kingdom | Thursday, July 10, 2014) – Cage Warriors Fighting Championship lightweight world champion Stevie Ray (15-5) has put pen to paper on a new contract with the promotion.
Ray has signed a fresh five-fight deal, which will see him compete exclusively for CWFC for an additional minimum period of 18 months.
The 24-year-old Scot has climbed seven places to fifth in the UK rankings since he first joined the Cage Warriors roster in June of last year.
“I’m very happy to have signed a new deal with Cage Warriors and I’m really looking forward to defending my belt again,” said Ray. “It’s not going anywhere this time. I’ll defeat anyone who steps in my way.”
Ray made his Cage Warriors debut as a welterweight at CWFC Fight Night 4 in Dubai back in March 2012, when he suffered a loss to top Swedish star Assan Njie.
Following a drop to lightweight which saw him put on some impressive displays on the UK’s domestic circuit, Ray was snapped up by CWFC in the summer of 2013.
In the promotion’s four-man lightweight title tournament at CWFC 60 in London last October, Ray overcame Jason Ball and Sean Carter in the same night to succeed Conor McGregor as CWFC’s 155lbs title-holder.
Despite dominating proceedings against Ivan Buchinger in his inaugural title defence at CWFC 63 in Dublin this past New Year’s Eve, however, Ray relinquished his crown after suffering a fourth-round submission defeat.
But, after Buchinger’s release earlier this year, Ray regained the vacant strap last month after edging out Curt Warburton via decision at CWFC 69: Super Saturday in London.
“We’re very happy to have yet another one of our top fighters deciding to extend their stay with the promotion,” said Cage Warriors CEO Graham Boylan. “I’m excited to see Stevie Ray begin his second spell as our lightweight world champion later this year.”
Photo: Mark Blundell
