The third installment of PFL’’s regular season is set on the 2023 MMA fights schedule, and we have a few solid matchups to look forward to. One of them is the co-main event of this card between lightweights Natan Schulte and Stevie Ray.
Read further for an in-depth Schulte vs Ray betting analysis and prediction ahead of the event. Schulte is a two-time PFL lightweight champion, and Ray is a former Cage Warriors lightweight champion and a former BMMA lightweight champion.
Natan Schulte vs. Stevie Ray Information
Natan Schulte vs Stevie Ray
Location of the fight: The Theater and Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas, NV.
Date and Time: April 14, 2023. 7:30 PM ET.
How to Watch: ESPN, ESPN+
Natan Schulte vs. Stevie Ray Last Fight Record
Schulte is looking to keep the momentum going coming off an impressive win over UFC longtime great Jeremy Stephens over Thanksgiving last year.
Ray is fresh off losing in the lightweight title round last year to current champion Olivier Aubin-Mercier.
Natan Schulte vs. Stevie Ray Betting Analysis
Natan Schulte Facts to Know
Schulte is a former two-time PFL lightweight world champion and submission specialist out of Brazil. He has ten career submission victories, along with four KO wins as well. Over the years, Schulte has improved his striking a ton.
At the age of 31 years old, Schulte still has plenty of time to get that PFL title once again. He is looking healthier and potentially even better than ever as he is entering his prime.
Stevie Ray Facts to Know
The Scottish PFL champion runner-up is looking for a big year out of himself in 2023. The former Cage Warriors lightweight champion is looking to make a run at PFL gold while getting revenge for his loss to Aubin-Mercer at the end of last season.
Ray has two big wins over Anthony Pettis in 2022 and then dropped a big one to his Canadian foe. Don’t be surprised if we have another rematch of that fight later this year or even his next MMA fight.
Updates
No injuries have been reported to the UFC or NSAC.
Natan Schulte vs. Stevie Ray Betting Preview
While breaking down the betting lines for a Schulte vs Ray betting preview, we noticed MMA odds have Stevie Ray as a big +280 underdog this week. He has plenty of left in the tank, and it’s surprising the oddsmakers are giving Schulte such a huge chance of getting his hand raised.
Both of these guys have incredible grappling and submission skills, so will that lead to a standup fight? When two high-level guys on the ground fight each other, it tends to cancel out and turn into a kickboxing match.
There are currently no prop bets or method of victory lines available for this PFL event, but keep an eye on your sportsbooks for any great MMA predictions that become available before fight night.
Natan Schulte vs. Stevie Ray Betting Prediction
When making a Schulte vs Ray betting prediction, you have to take all aspects of the fight into account. I think that this will be a kickboxing fight because of the high-level grappling that both men have.
Schulte will try to get this fight on the ground more than Ray will, but Ray will be able to defend himself and start putting offensive output on the former two-time champion.
- Ray is going to get his hand raised and be the biggest underdog pick of the weekend.
- Most likely, this victory will be via unanimous decision.
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