2022 Professional Fighters League lightweight runner-up Steven Ray believes he is not alone in regarding the weigh-in scale as perhaps his most daunting opponent.

Things didn’t go according to plans for Ray (25-11, 2-2 PFL) last year, who fell short of capturing the $1 million prize and the PFL Championship after losing to Olivier Aubin-Mercier in November. Still, “Braveheart” scored back-to-back victories over former Ultimate Fighting Championship titleholder Anthony Pettis by making his foe tap to a twister before outpointing “Showtime” on all scorecards. Ahead of his first 2023 PFL Regular Season assignment, Ray confessed that being on a constant diet is one of the biggest challenges, especially for someone like him who loves food. The Scotsman has never missed weight in his career, but admits he strayed far above the lightweight limit during the offseason.

“You have good days and bad days, but yeah, it is tough. I'm not the smallest guy for 155. Over Christmas, I went to like 200 pounds, just eating good. I didn't go crazy, but I did eat. It's this unhealthy relationship we fighters have with it. I've done it in the past as well [...] when you have to diet so extreme for so many weeks, and then you get to eat what you want, you want to go crazy. Paddy Pimblett goes huge as well, especially when you're a person that loves food. I love pizza, I love burgers, I love chocolate and ice cream and all that, that I'm not allowed, that I've not had any this year. It's hard not to go crazy when we're allowed to. I got heavy over Christmas and obviously suffered for it this fight camp.”

(00:00) Intro

(00:51) Losing to Aubin-Mercier

(03:26) Being on good terms with Aubin-Mercier

(03:51) Postponing his plans to upgrade his gym

(04:34) His motivation for the 2023 Season

(05:36) The stress of being constantly in camp

(06:58) Whether he considered moving up a division

(08:21) Being constantly in a calorie deficit

(10:29) Preparing for Schulte

(11:20) Commenting on Schulte’s fighting style

(12:51) What he expects from Schulte

(14:46) Outro