Stevie Ray seals his career legacy with victory in PFL Europe, stunning everyone with a “Scottish Twister.”
At PFL Europe 3 in Glasgow, Scotland, Stevie Ray stunned the crowd with a modified Twister to tap out Lewis Long on a night full of passion and big stakes. In addition to ensuring Ray’s clear victory, this amazing maneuver—dubbed the “Scottish Twister”—also represented what might be the last chapter in his illustrious MMA career.
The Call of Redemption and the Pressure of Defeat
Before this crucial bout, Stevie Ray had lost his previous three fights. His recent PFL seasons had been clouded by his losses to elite opponents like Clay Collard, Natan Schulte, and Olivier Aubin-Mercier. Not only was Ray fighting Lewis Long as he entered the cage, but he was also facing doubt, legacy, and time itself. In his native Scotland, his ardent supporters eagerly anticipated what would be his last bout in the octagon.
Ray realised that, carrying the burden of his nation on his shoulders, this fight needed to be more than just a victory; it needed to make a message. And what a claim it made.
The Thrilling Scene: The “Scottish Twister” Returns
Ray showed off his amazing jiu-jitsu abilities right from the start, setting the tempo and forcing Long to defend. With just 36 seconds left in the first round, Ray executed a remarkable and elegant submission that forced Long to tap out with a modified Twister, a move that requires not just technical skill but also a fine sense of time and spatial awareness.
Not just any submission, though. It was Ray’s trademark Scottish Twister submission, which he had previously used to great effect, most notably in 2022 against Anthony Pettis, the former lightweight champion of the WEC and the UFC. Dramatically ending the evening, the victory in front of his home audience sent shockwaves around the arena.
Ray repositioned and locked in the hold while Long fought to get free, twisting his body to the point where it required instant submission. The atmosphere in the arena reached a fever pitch when the audience surged. It was evident to both in-person and global fans that this was more than just a fight—rather, it was a moment that would define their careers.
An Ending? Ray Hints, “Maybe One More Fight.”
Following the bout, a visibly upset Ray spoke to the boisterous Glasgow audience, raising the prospect that this would be his final cage appearance. “Perhaps one more [fight],” he whispered, leaving the door ajar for a parting swan song. Cheers erupted in response to his statement, and his supporters spurred him on, understanding that the “Braveheart” still had fire in his heart.
With his current MMA record of 26–13, Ray will go down in Scottish sports history as a legendary figure. He finished his UFC career with a 7-4 record, including victories over Michael Johnson, Joe Lauzon, and Ross Pearson. He battled bravely under the PFL flag, finishing with a 3-4 record.
Not only do Ray’s accomplishments stick out in his legacy, but also the distinct flair he brought to the cage. Ray’s ability to execute one of the rarest submissions in MMA twice in his career is a credit to his skill and inventiveness as a fighter, as is his strategic thinking and audacious fighting style. Only a select few fighters are able to execute the Twister because it requires both exceptional grappling skills and the ability to precisely interpret an opponent’s body language.
A Profession Based on Heart and Grit
During his career, Stevie Ray avoided grand entrances and emphatic declarations. Rather, it was based on tenacity, willpower, and a strong love for the game. His capacity to persevere in the face of difficulty and bounce back from setbacks makes him stand out as one of Scotland’s best MMA exports.
For his supporters, Ray embodies the spirit of a warrior—someone who, in the face of adversity, never gave up. His battle with Lewis Long perfectly captures the spirit of his career: unwavering, skilful, and persistent.
Regardless of whether this was Ray’s final fight, one thing is certain: the Scottish Twister, which captured the attention of the mixed martial arts community, will always be recognised as a technique that demonstrated the unpredictable nature of combat sports.
