Two of the most talented fighters to emerge from UK gyms in recent years have learned of some huge news this week.
Apparently, undefeated Welsh bantamweight Brett Johns and Scottish star Stevie Ray have both received massive opportunities to prove themselves over the next two months.
Johns is one of very few British fighters who currently sits in the UFC rankings and the world’s 14th best 135lber is set to clash with top contender Aljamain Sterling on April 21, according to a report in Newsday.
We most recently saw Johns pull off a rare calf slicer submission against former title challenger Joe Soto in December, a finish which saw the Swansea native’s stock soar.
CALF SLICER! Brett Johns pulls off an incredible submission vs. Joe Soto to kick off the #TUFFinale! https://t.co/xvnqiew1XQ
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) December 2, 2017
Johns had already announced himself to the UFC fanbase with unanimous decision victories over Kwan Ho Kwak and Albert Morales, with the latter win prompting a hilarious shout-out of Wales international Joe Ledley.
Johns’ clash with Sterling, who also remains one of the most promising fighters in the UFC despite the fact that ‘Funk Master’ has lost three of his last five outings in the Octagon, will go down in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Stevie Ray has much less time to prepare for his next fight than Johns, however, as the Scot has reportedly agreed to step in for the injured Rustam Khabilov on the UFC London card next month.
Khabilov was forced out of his fight with Kajan Johnson on March 17 and Ray, who was stopped by Paul Felder last summer, didn’t hesitate to answer the call.
Johnson confirmed the news via social media and while the UFC has yet to make it official, it would seem like Ray vs. Johnson is a formality.
It’s done guys, I’m fighting @StevenRayMMA in London. Just waiting on the contract now.
— Kajan Johnson (@IamRagin) February 8, 2018
‘Braveheart’ won his first three UFC fights before dropping a decision to Alan Patrick in 2016. He defeated a pair of veterans, Ross Pearson and Joe Lauzon in his next two bouts only to come unstuck against Felder.
Ray’s fighting future remained in doubt after the UFC failed to offer him a contract renewal last year but that issue seems to have been resolved.
He will be hoping to put a run together in 2018, starting with his short-notice decision to welcome Johnson to the UK.
