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By Elias Cepeda



Controversial as the scores and decision may have been for his fight against Joe Lauzon Saturday night, Stevie Ray walked away with his fifth UFC victory in six appearances with the promotion. After getting his hand raised once again, a bruised but enthused “Braveheart” told media members that his record and popularity within his native Scotland warrant he now take the next step up in his career and officially become a headliner.



“I’ve already co-main evented a UFC card, and it was on short-notice,” he reasoned, speaking of his Nov. 19 2016 win over Ross Pearson.



“I co-main evented in Belfast, why not main event in Scotland?”



After all, according to the affable 27 year old, he can put fans in seats back home. The UFC returns to Glasgow July 16, and though Ray has some healing up to do after the roughing-up he survived to get the win over Lauzon, he’s optimistic that he can be ready in time to fight again on that card.



“I’m Scotland’s most popular fighter,” he declared.



“[I was] even before the UFC. I’m quite a popular guy.”



That last deadpanned quip elicited a knowing chuckle from one of the confident fighter’s nearby coaches.



“If I headlined that Scotland card, I know it would sell out.”