Paul Craig’s UFC Journey at Pivotal Moment: Former Title Contender Weighs Future in MMA

A Career in Balance

Paul Craig, the Scottish submission specialist and 20-fight UFC veteran, currently finds himself at a career crossroads after fighting out his contract in a controversial ‘No Contest’ against Rodolfo Bellato. This situation is particularly critical given his recent streak of three consecutive losses in the middleweight division.

Recent Performance and Division Switch

Craig’s recent career trajectory has been challenging, particularly during his middleweight experiment. While he secured a promising second-round TKO victory over Andre Muniz at UFC London in 2023, subsequent losses to Brendan Allen, Caio Borralho, and Bo Nickal prompted a strategic return to his natural weight class.

Notable Achievements

Throughout his UFC career, Craig has amassed impressive accolades, including eight Performance of the Night bonuses, making him one of the most decorated fighters in the promotion. He holds the record for the most triangle-choke submission wins in UFC history with four victories using this technique.

Future Prospects

At 37 years old, Craig maintains he isn’t ready for retirement, believing there’s still room for growth in his skillset. However, his future remains uncertain as he’s expressed little interest in signing with promotions outside the UFC. His approach is pragmatic – he’s willing to continue as long as he sees improvement in his training and performance.

Legacy and Impact

Craig’s legacy in the UFC is notable, having defeated current champion Magomed Ankalaev, broken former champion Jamahal Hill’s arm, and stopped MMA legend Mauricio Rua. While not always perfect, he’s maintained his reputation as a dangerous opponent throughout his career.