MMA star Stevie Ray ready to return from injury hell

It’s a surprising move from the 31-year-old as he announced the end of his career last September, having been plagued by a persistent knee injury.

But he says he’s worked hard duri ng lockdown on the problem and is feeling fighting fit once again.

He said: “During this whole period whilst the gyms have all been shut down, I was lucky because I have my own one where I coach [Braveheart MMA in Kirkcaldy] so I was able to go along and train myself.

“I just tried to add a bit of muscle to my legs and I think that was maybe part of the problem before.

“I used to have quite muscly legs, but then I got the injury and I don't think I've rehabbed my legs properly and had some muscle wastage. They just got worse and worse.

“I've also been doing a lot of yoga. Since I've started doing that and getting my body into alignment, my knee seems to be a lot better.

“It's been a mix of a few things. I think I was maybe a bit too emotional before and now I've realised that I miss it and I'm still young enough to be able to fight, so I'm going to give it a go and see how it goes.”

As well as gym work, Ray has also been studying to become a yoga instructor, having fallen in love with the discipline after first trying it seven years ago, and he credits it with helping in his recovery.

"The first session I ever did was 90 minutes of hot yoga and it was harder than my MMA training,” he said.

“I'm on the way to finish a 200-hour online course, and, of course, it gives me knowledge of how to maintain my own body too.”

Now Ray’s next move is to find a promoter.

“I’m not under contract with anyone. I'm open to fighting anywhere really as long as it's worth my while.

“I’ve built up a good reputation and I’ve got a good record, so I'm not going to fight for peanuts because a lot goes into a fight.

“My last fight [in the UFC against Michael Johnson] was the biggest of my career, but that was almost two years ago, so I just want to get back out there, maybe fight in the summer if it’s possible.

“I’ve got my life settled now and I’m in a good place both physically and mentally.”