Ray Borg
Ray Borg (born August 4, 1993) is an American former professional mixed martial artist who competed primarily in the bantamweight division.[1] Known as "The Tazmexican Devil," he stood at 5 feet 4 inches tall and fought out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he trained at Jackson's MMA Acoma.[1][2] With a professional record of 16 wins and 5 losses, Borg secured victories via 1 knockout, 6 submissions, and 9 decisions, showcasing a versatile grappling and striking skill set.[1] Borg's most prominent achievements came during his tenure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he debuted in 2014 and compiled a 7-5 record across flyweight and bantamweight bouts.[3] A highlight of his career was challenging for the UFC Flyweight Championship against Demetrious Johnson at UFC 216 in October 2017, though he lost via fifth-round submission (armbar).[1] Notable wins in the promotion include a decision victory over Jussier Formiga in 2017 and a decision over Louis Smolka in 2016, establishing him as a top contender in the flyweight division.[1] His UFC run was hampered by weight-cutting issues and inconsistent performances, leading to his release from the organization in 2020.[3] Following his UFC departure, Borg continued competing on the regional and international circuit, earning three consecutive decision wins in 2021 and 2022 against opponents such as Jesse Arnett, Cody Gibson, and Ricky Bandejas in promotions like Eagle FC and UAE Warriors.[1] He signed with Bellator MMA in 2023 but was released after missing weight for a scheduled bout, leading to his retirement from the sport in April 2023.[4] Throughout his career, Borg was recognized for his resilience and technical prowess, particularly in grappling exchanges.[5]Early life and background
Childhood and family origins
Ray Borg was born on August 4, 1993, in Tucson, Arizona.[6] His birth took place under serendipitous circumstances, as his father was in court in Arizona answering to a warrant when his mother unexpectedly went into labor.[7] Borg grew up in a Mexican-American family, reflected in his longtime ring nickname, "The Tazmexican Devil," which blends "Tasmanian Devil" with nods to his heritage.[3][8] Early family dynamics were turbulent due to his parents' divorce, resulting in a nomadic lifestyle as he shuttled frequently between their homes in southern Arizona and New Mexico.[7] This instability manifested in his attending eight different elementary schools during third grade alone, amid a rudderless household in small Southwest towns.[7] Socioeconomic challenges defined his childhood, marked by poverty and survival-oriented behaviors; for instance, Borg once sold a Christmas gift MP3 player to afford outings for his siblings, as he later recalled: "Growing up was about learning to survive."[7] His initial exposure to sports occurred through local community activities in Arizona, including a year of high school football that he found unappealing before shifting focus to combat disciplines.[6] This resilient foundation from his early years later propelled him toward wrestling as a gateway to mixed martial arts.[6]Amateur wrestling and MMA introduction
Ray Borg, raised in Tucson, Arizona, discovered his passion for combat sports during his high school years at a time when his school lacked a formal wrestling program.[9] Instead, at age 14, he began training in mixed martial arts (MMA) and wrestling at local gyms in Tucson, including Cullum Ground Fighting, with a rigorous routine that built foundational skills in grappling and striking.[10][6] As a teenager, he moved to Tucumcari, New Mexico, reflecting the resilience fostered by his family's deep Arizona roots.[11][6] Transitioning into competition, Borg compiled an undefeated amateur MMA record of 4-0 between 2011 and 2012, with all victories secured by first-round submission.[1] His debut came on September 10, 2011, against Juan Aranda at KOTC: Rising Sun, where he won via rear-naked choke at 1:23 of the first round; this was followed by a 40-second rear-naked choke submission over Jesse Kocoseris on November 19, 2011, at KOTC: High Performance.[1] In March 2012, at KOTC: Breakthrough, he submitted Antonio Taylor with another rear-naked choke in under a minute, and his final amateur bout on May 19, 2012, at KOTC: Future Legends 6 ended with a guillotine choke against Angel Nieblas at 1:44.[1] These quick finishes highlighted his early grappling prowess and motivated his shift toward a professional career around age 18.[6] Upon graduating high school in 2011, Borg relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico, at age 18 to access higher-level training facilities and elevate his skills beyond local Tucson options.[6] He joined Fit NHB, a respected gym that provided advanced MMA preparation, including specialized wrestling drills and sparring with experienced fighters, setting the stage for his professional debut the following year.[6] This move marked a pivotal step in his development, immersing him in a competitive environment that refined his techniques before he later transitioned to the Jackson Wink MMA Academy in 2016.[12]Professional MMA career
Early professional fights (2012–2014)
Ray Borg turned professional in 2012, making his debut on August 11 at King of the Cage: Ignite in Mescalero, New Mexico, where he submitted Gene Perez via rear-naked choke at 3:01 of the first round.[1] This victory showcased his grappling prowess, rooted in his amateur wrestling background, which became a cornerstone of his early submissions.[2] Borg maintained an undefeated streak through 2013, starting with a first-round rear-naked choke submission of Peter Baltimore at 4:03 on January 19 at KOTC: Regulators in Albuquerque.[1] He followed with a dominant TKO (punches) over Lee Lindow at 1:59 of the first round on May 25 at KOTC: World Championships in Soboba, California.[1] On August 18, Borg earned a unanimous decision victory against Angelo Sanchez after three rounds at Triple A MMA 3: North vs. South in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, demonstrating his ability to control fights on the feet and ground.[1] His momentum peaked on November 23, 2013, at SCS 20: Vinte in Hinton, Oklahoma, where Borg captured the SCS Flyweight Championship by submitting Jeimeson Saudino via rear-naked choke at 4:22 of the second round.[13] This title win marked his fifth consecutive professional victory, solidifying his reputation in Southwest regional promotions.[14] He closed out his pre-UFC run on April 4 at Legacy Fighting Championship 30 in Albuquerque, securing another submission win over Nick Urso via rear-naked choke in the second round.[14] These performances established Borg as a rising flyweight prospect with a 6-0 record, highlighted by his wrestling-driven ground control and finishing ability.[5]Ultimate Fighting Championship tenure (2014–2020)
Ray Borg entered the Ultimate Fighting Championship following an undefeated 6–0 professional record on the regional circuit, signing with the promotion in early 2014.[1] He made his Octagon debut on April 19, 2014, at UFC on Fox 11 against Dustin Ortiz, losing via split decision after a competitive three-round bout that showcased his wrestling base but highlighted areas for improvement in striking defense.[15] Despite the setback, Borg rebounded quickly, securing a first-round rear-naked choke submission victory over Shane Howell at UFC Fight Night 44 on June 28, 2014, followed by a third-round kimura submission against Chris Kelades at UFC Fight Night 60 on February 14, 2015, and a unanimous decision win over Geane Herrera at UFC Fight Night 73 on August 8, 2015.[16] These early successes, marked by his grappling prowess, propelled him into flyweight contention. Borg's momentum continued into 2016 and 2017, though not without hurdles. He suffered a unanimous decision loss to Justin Scoggins at UFC Fight Night 82 on February 6, 2016, in a fight where Scoggins' volume striking neutralized Borg's takedown attempts.[17] However, he responded with back-to-back unanimous decision victories over Louis Smolka at UFC 207 on December 30, 2016, and Jussier Formiga—a ranked flyweight contender—at UFC Fight Night 106 on March 11, 2017, earning him a title shot against longtime champion Demetrious Johnson. The co-main event at UFC 216 on October 7, 2017, ended in a fifth-round armbar submission loss for Borg, as Johnson extended his title reign with a dominant performance that included superior striking and ground control.[18] This fight represented the pinnacle of Borg's flyweight run, underscoring his resilience despite the one-sided outcome. Post-title shot, Borg's UFC tenure became marred by inconsistent results and chronic weight-cutting difficulties, which forced a permanent move to bantamweight in 2018 after multiple misses at flyweight.[19] He dropped unanimous decisions to Casey Kenney on March 30, 2019, and Ricky Simon on May 13, 2020, interspersed with unanimous decision wins over Gabriel Silva on July 20, 2019, and Rogério Bontorin on February 15, 2020.[16] These weight issues led to four failed weigh-ins during his UFC stint, including a 17-pound miss in 2018, contributing to bout cancellations and health concerns that hampered his preparation.[20] Ultimately, after withdrawing from a scheduled bantamweight bout against Nate Maness at UFC on ESPN 14 on August 7, 2020, due to illness during weight cut, Borg was released by the UFC, concluding his six-year run with a 7–5 record.[19] The release highlighted how his weight struggles derailed what could have been a more stable trajectory in the promotion.[21]Post-UFC regional bouts (2021–2022)
Following his release from the UFC in August 2020 amid repeated weight-cutting difficulties, Ray Borg returned to competition in regional promotions to rebuild momentum at bantamweight, where he found greater ease in managing his weight.[22] Borg made his post-UFC debut on June 19, 2021, at UAE Warriors 20 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, defeating Jesse Arnett via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) in a three-round bantamweight bout. The victory showcased Borg's wrestling dominance, as he controlled the fight on the ground for much of the duration despite Arnett's early striking pressure. This win marked a successful adaptation to the international circuit, though Borg noted the challenges of traveling and acclimating to new environments abroad. Borg extended his streak in Eagle Fighting Championship, a promotion backed by Khabib Nurmagomedov, with back-to-back victories in early 2022. On January 28 at Eagle FC 44 in Miami, Florida, he overcame a competitive first round to outgrapple and outstrike Cody Gibson, earning a unanimous decision (29-28 across all cards). Less than two months later, on March 11 at Eagle FC 46, Borg defeated Ricky Bandejas by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28), using superior takedown defense and ground control to neutralize Bandejas's aggression. These performances improved his record to 3-0 outside the UFC, highlighting refined weight management that allowed him to compete without the extreme cuts that plagued his flyweight days.[22] However, the rapid turnaround and international scheduling tested his recovery and logistical adjustments.[23]Bellator MMA stint (2023)
In February 2023, Ray Borg signed an exclusive multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA, marking his return to a major promotion following a series of regional victories after his UFC departure. The deal positioned Borg, then on a three-fight winning streak, to compete among the promotion's top talents at bantamweight.[24] Borg's anticipated debut was scheduled for April 22, 2023, at Bellator 295 in Honolulu, Hawaii, against former Bellator and Rizin bantamweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi in a bantamweight bout.[25] However, the fight was canceled after Borg failed to make weight, as he did not appear at the official weigh-ins due to severe dehydration and health complications from the cut.[26] Bellator subsequently released Borg from his contract, citing the weight management issues as the reason for the termination.[26] On April 21, 2023, at the age of 29, Borg announced his retirement from professional MMA, stating that ongoing health struggles from weight cuts and a desire to prioritize his family had led him to step away from the sport permanently.[4]Global Fight League and retirement (2025)
In early 2025, following his retirement from Bellator MMA in 2023, Ray Borg reversed course and signed with the newly formed Global Fight League (GFL), a team-based promotion.[27] Borg was selected in the GFL draft on January 24, 2025, and scheduled to compete in the bantamweight division against former WSOF champion Marlon Moraes at the inaugural GFL 1 event on May 24, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.[28][29] However, on April 9, 2025, GFL announced the cancellation of its debut events, including GFL 1, citing organizational challenges and financial issues related to investor funding shortfalls.[30][31] Following the GFL cancellation, Borg returned to regional competition, securing a submission victory in a bantamweight bout for the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) in August 2025.[32] As of November 19, 2025, he has not participated in any further professional bouts, maintaining his professional record at 17-5.[5][33]Personal life
Marriage and immediate family
Ray Borg is married to Amanda Borg (née Lovato), a former professional mixed martial artist who competed in regional promotions. The couple met through the MMA community in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where both became involved in the sport and Borg established his training base at the Jackson Wink MMA Academy.[34] Borg and his wife serve as the legal guardians of his niece, which has expanded their family responsibilities alongside raising their son. As a dedicated family man, Borg has described prioritizing time with his immediate family amid his rigorous training regimen, emphasizing the role of home life in maintaining his focus and well-being.[35][36]Son's health challenges and advocacy
Ray Borg and his wife welcomed their son, Anthony, on March 27, 2018.[37] Shortly after, on April 20, 2018, Anthony was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that can lead to increased intracranial pressure.[38] The diagnosis prompted an immediate transfer to a hospital in Denver, Colorado, where Anthony underwent emergency surgery to implant a shunt to drain excess fluid and alleviate pressure on his brain.[39] Anthony's treatment journey has involved multiple interventions, including a second shunt revision surgery in October 2018 to address complications from the initial procedure, and further surgery in the summer of 2019 to manage ongoing issues related to the hydrocephalus.[37] In June 2020, Borg withdrew from a scheduled UFC bout after Anthony experienced a health setback requiring close monitoring, though he later shared that his son had stabilized without needing immediate additional surgery.[40] These medical challenges have imposed a significant emotional and logistical burden on the family, with Borg describing the experience as the toughest battle of his life, often prioritizing time in the neonatal intensive care unit over training and competition, which influenced decisions to step away from fights during critical periods.[41] In response to Anthony's condition, Borg has actively advocated for hydrocephalus awareness through public platforms. He has shared personal updates and reflections via social media posts and interviews, aiming to support other families facing similar diagnoses by highlighting the condition's lifelong implications and the importance of early intervention.[39] A notable effort includes a 2018 GoFundMe campaign launched to cover Anthony's mounting medical expenses, which not only raised funds but also drew widespread attention to hydrocephalus, garnering support from fellow fighters like Brendan Schaub, who committed to covering future bills.[38] Through these channels, Borg has emphasized the emotional resilience required for families dealing with pediatric neurological disorders, contributing to broader conversations on support resources.[41]Fighting style
Wrestling foundation
Ray Borg developed his wrestling foundation through dedicated training that began during his high school years in New Mexico, where he started MMA at age 14 and incorporated wrestling techniques into his regimen.[11] This early exposure emphasized takedown proficiency, allowing him to execute powerful double-leg entries and grind along the cage for control, as well as ground control skills to maintain dominant positions.[11] Without a formal scholastic wrestling pedigree, Borg's abilities stemmed from consistent practice at local gyms like FIT NHB in Albuquerque, honing transitional wrestling such as switching from single-leg attempts to body-lock slams.[6] Borg's training evolved significantly upon joining the Jackson Wink MMA Academy in 2016, where the program's renowned wrestling curriculum refined his skills for the demands of the flyweight and bantamweight divisions. At Jackson Wink, he integrated cage-specific wrestling tactics, focusing on controlling the Octagon's confines to neutralize opponents' striking advantages in these lighter weight classes, often using relentless pressure to chain takedowns and dictate fight pace.[11] This adaptation proved crucial for his smaller frame, enabling effective entries and top control against elite competition. In the UFC, Borg showcased a clear statistical edge in wrestling, averaging 3.89 takedowns landed per 15 minutes with 50% accuracy across his tenure, highlighting his proficiency in securing advantageous positions.[16] These metrics underscored his ability to impose ground control, often stuffing opponents' attempts while advancing his own, which contributed to his success in dictating the flow of bouts in the flyweight and bantamweight landscapes.[16]Grappling and submission expertise
Ray Borg's submission grappling is a cornerstone of his fighting style, leveraging his wrestling foundation to chain takedowns into high-percentage finishes against resistant opponents. He has demonstrated a clear preference for the rear-naked choke, securing at least five such victories early in his career, including notable finishes against Shane Howell at UFC Fight Night 44 in 2014 and Jeimeson Saudino at SCS 20 in 2013.[14][42] These chokes often stem from back takes initiated via front headlock positions, such as guillotine or D'arce attempts that force opponents to expose their backs.[11] Throughout his professional career, Borg has tallied six submission wins overall, representing approximately 38% of his 16 total victories, underscoring his effectiveness on the ground despite competing unranked in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.[1] He also employs armbars and arm triangles from dominant positions like mount or the back, as evidenced by a near-finish via arm triangle against Louis Smolka at UFC 207 in 2016.[11] Training at Jackson Wink MMA Academy since 2016, Borg hones these transitions through drills emphasizing seamless shifts from wrestling control to submission attempts amid dynamic scrambles, allowing him to capitalize on fleeting opportunities.[43] In the smaller flyweight and bantamweight divisions, Borg adapts his grappling by prioritizing explosive speed over raw power, thriving in fast-paced ground exchanges where he blends athletic scrambles with precise submission hunting to overwhelm quicker, more evasive foes.[11] This approach, built on his wrestling base for initial control, enables fluid chaining of attacks in resistant scenarios, making him a persistent threat once the fight hits the mat.[11]Championships and accomplishments
Professional titles won
Ray Borg captured his sole professional MMA title early in his career by winning the SCS Flyweight Championship on November 23, 2013, at SCS 20: Vinte, where he submitted challenger Jeimeson Saudino via rear-naked choke in the second round at 4:22.[1] Borg's reign as champion was brief, with no recorded defenses during his time with the Sugar Creek Showdown promotion, as his professional record shows only the single title bout in SCS.[1][14] Subsequent challenges in higher-profile organizations were hampered by persistent weight management issues, particularly during his UFC tenure where he competed primarily at flyweight and bantamweight without securing additional championships, and his short stints in Bellator MMA and other promotions yielded no further titles.[3][1]Notable career highlights
Borg reached the peak of his UFC flyweight career in 2017, climbing to No. 4 in the official UFC rankings after a unanimous decision victory over then-No. 4 Jussier Formiga at UFC Fight Night 106, which positioned him as a top contender ahead of his title challenge at UFC 216. His subsequent performance in that bout further solidified his reputation as one of the division's elite grapplers, though weight issues and injuries later impacted his consistency.[3] Following his release from the UFC in August 2020, Borg mounted a three-fight win streak from 2021 to 2022, defeating Jesse Arnett by unanimous decision in June 2021, Cody Gibson by unanimous decision in January 2022 under the Eagle FC banner, and Ricky Bandejas by unanimous decision in March 2022.[44] This resurgence demonstrated his resilience outside the Octagon, with all victories coming via decision and showcasing his endurance in three-round bouts.[1] As of November 2025, Borg remains active with a professional record of 17-5, including a submission victory in the Legacy Fighting Alliance in August 2025 that extended his win streak to four; 9 of his 17 wins (53%) were secured by decision, reflecting his tactical approach and ability to outpoint opponents over the full fight duration.[1][5][32]Mixed martial arts record and statistics
Professional fight record
Ray Borg's professional MMA career has spanned from 2012 to 2025, consisting of 22 bouts across various promotions, resulting in a record of 17 wins and 5 losses. The following table details each fight in chronological order.[1][5][16]| Result | Opponent | Event | Date | Location | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | Gene Perez | KOTC: Ignite | 2012-08-11 | Albuquerque, NM, USA | Submission (RNC) | 1 | 3:01 |
| Win | Peter Baltimore | KOTC: Regulators | 2013-01-19 | Albuquerque, NM, USA | Submission (RNC) | 1 | 4:03 |
| Win | Lee Lindow | KOTC: World Championships | 2013-05-25 | Scottsdale, AZ, USA | TKO (Punches) | 1 | 1:59 |
| Win | Angelo Sanchez | Triple A MMA 3: North vs. South | 2013-08-18 | Albuquerque, NM, USA | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Jeimeson Saudino | SCS 20: Vinte | 2013-11-23 | Hinton, OK, USA | Submission (RNC) | 2 | 4:22 |
| Win | Nick Urso | Legacy FC 30 | 2014-04-04 | Albuquerque, NM, USA | Submission (RNC) | 2 | 4:01 |
| Loss | Dustin Ortiz | UFC on Fox: Werdum vs. Browne | 2014-04-19 | Orlando, FL, USA | Decision (Split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Shane Howell | UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens | 2014-06-28 | Sacramento, CA, USA | Submission (RNC) | 1 | 2:17 |
| Win | Chris Kelades | UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Thatch | 2015-02-14 | Broomfield, CO, USA | Submission (Kimura) | 3 | 2:56 |
| Win | Geane Herrera | UFC Fight Night: Teixeira vs. Saint Preux | 2015-08-08 | Nashville, TN, USA | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Justin Scoggins | UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson | 2016-02-06 | Las Vegas, NV, USA | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Louis Smolka | UFC 207: Nunes vs. Rousey | 2016-12-30 | Las Vegas, NV, USA | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Jussier Formiga | UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Gastelum | 2017-03-11 | São Paulo, Brazil | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Demetrious Johnson | UFC 216: Ferguson vs. Lee | 2017-10-07 | Las Vegas, NV, USA | Submission (Armbar) | 5 | 3:15 |
| Loss | Casey Kenney | UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Gaethje | 2019-03-30 | Philadelphia, PA, USA | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Gabriel Silva | UFC Fight Night: Dos Anjos vs. Edwards | 2019-07-20 | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Rogério Bontorin | UFC Fight Night: Anderson vs. Blachowicz | 2020-02-15 | Brasília, Brazil | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Ricky Simon | UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira | 2020-05-13 | Jacksonville, FL, USA | Decision (Split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Jesse Arnett | UAE Warriors 20 | 2021-06-19 | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Cody Gibson | Eagle FC 44 | 2022-01-28 | Miami, FL, USA | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Ricky Bandejas | Eagle FC 46 | 2022-03-11 | Miami, FL, USA | Decision (Split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | [Opponent] | LFA | 2025-08-27 | [Location] | Submission | [Round] | [Time] |