In his upcoming journey to France, UFC mild heavyweight Paul Craig finds himself together with his again completely up in opposition to the wall as he appears to quell his appreciable dropping streak.
Paul Craig Smarting From Three-Combat Dropping Streak
In 2022, Paul Craig was often called probably the greatest 205-lb rivals on the planet, having compiled a stellar six-bout unbeaten run, taking notable wins over divisional standouts akin to Maurício Rua, future champion Jamahal Hill and Nikita Krylov. Nevertheless, after dropping two fights in a row to Volkan Oezdemir and Johnny Walker, being completed by first spherical knockout in opposition to the latter, the Scotsman made the choice to drop all the way down to middleweight in 2023.
The transfer to 185-lb could be a primary for Paul Craig, as “Bearjew” had beforehand fought as a lightweight heavyweight for everything of his skilled profession up till that time. He managed to make a splendid impression in his categorical debut by starching André Muniz within the second spherical, incomes himself a Efficiency of the Evening bonus.
Sadly, his success at middleweight stopped right here, with Craig occurring to lose his subsequent three contests in a row Brendan Allen, Caio Borralho and Bo Nickal.
Paul Craig’s Atlanta Tilt vs. Rodolfo Bellato Ends In No-Contest
Following this disastrous stint, he then made his method again to mild heavyweight at UFC on ESPN 69, the place he confronted rising Brazilian prospect Rodolfo Bellato. The match wound up ending in controversy, although, as Craig would strike Bellato with an unlawful upkick to the face, rendering him unable to proceed combating, a lot to the chagrin of the viewers.
Paul Craig Turns Consideration to Modestas Bukauskas Saturday in UFC Paris
Hoping to get again into the winner’s circle for the primary time in over two years, Craig locks horns with Lithuanian striker Modestas Bukauskas.
Making his first go within the promotion again in 2020, Bukauskas compiled an excessively underwhelming UFC report of 1-4. His setbacks within the firm got here in opposition to among the prime athletes within the division in Jimmy Crute, Michał Oleksiejczuk and Khalil Rountree Jr. Subsequently launched from his contract, “The Baltic Gladiator” returned to the regional scene and gained two fights back-to-back in his outdated stomping floor, Cage Warriors, scoring their mild heavyweight strap within the course of.
This success introduced Bukauskas again into the UFC in 2023. Since then, the 31-year outdated has gone 5-1 in his previous six Octagon appearances, most lately competing at UFC 315, besting Moldovan veteran Ion Cutelaba by cut up resolution.
