PFL lightweight hopefuls Clay Collard and Stevie Ray stepped inside the Smart Cage on Friday night at PFL 6, looking to get one step closer to making the 2023 playoffs.
Collard made his second appearance of the season, coming off a unanimous decision win over Yamato Nishikawa in April. With the opportunity to clinch a playoff spot, Collard came into the bout determined to get the job done, while Ray walked into the bout desperate for a win after coming up short in his last two appearances inside the Smart Cage.
Round 1
Clay Collard comes out firing leg kicks early. Stevie Ray shoots in quickly, taking Collard to the mat. Collard gets back to his feet, but Ray has control of his back. Ray jumps on Collard’s back, but he’s too high, and Collard is able to shake him off before separating and returning to the center of the Smart Cage. Collard goes right back to working the leg of Ray. Both fighters start exchanging in the pocket, and Ray lands a glancing knee to the head of Collard. With just over a minute left, Ray shoots in, and Collard drags him down. Collard gives up his back in an effort to get up, and it pays off. With Collard moving in close, Ray attempts to secure a heel hook but is unable to get a solid grip as the round ends.
Round 2
Collard comes out once again, working leg kicks and going upstairs. Collard unleashes a right hand that drops Stevie Ray. Collard throws a few kicks targeting Ray’s legs before the referee lets him up. Smelling blood in the water, Collard moves in and unleashes a flurry of strikes that drops Ray once again. Ray goes for another heel hook in defense, but it leaves him open for ground and pound. Collard unloads a series of unanswered strikes forcing the referee to step in and call for the stoppage.
Official Result: Clay Collard def. Stevie Ray via TKO (strikes) at 1:04 of Round 2
Check Out Highlights From Clay Collard vs. Stevie Ray at PFL 6 Below:
1 minute in and Stevie Ray has Collard's back!#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 ESPN & ESPN+
🌎https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/3ZkQgZPq2S— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 24, 2023
Clay Collard is finding his rhythm!#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 ESPN & ESPN+
🌎https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/UEMwlaJQUu— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 24, 2023
Clay Collard DROPS Stevie Ray!#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 ESPN & ESPN+
🌎https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/lqFNViMKCl— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 24, 2023
CLAY COLLARD UNLOADS! He is heading back to the #PFLPlayoffs!#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 ESPN & ESPN+
🌎https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/PMpfplIin1— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 24, 2023
