Paul Craig, a UFC fighter who has fought both Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr., predicts Rountree will knock out Hill at UFC Baku, citing Rountree's power and evolution as a fighter. Craig also mentions his own recent struggles and potential retirement if not re-signed by the UFC.
UFC fighter Paul Craig called for fans not to persecute opponent Rodolfo Bellato after their fight ended in a controversial no contest due to Craig's illegal upkick, which Bellato was criticized for exaggerating his injury from. Craig admitted to using an illegal move but defended Bellato's actions, emphasizing the sport's competitive nature and the circumstances of the fight.
At UFC Atlanta, fighters accused Rodolfo Bellato of faking an injury after a controversial illegal upkick by Paul Craig, with many, including Justin Gaethje and Anthony Smith, calling it the biggest flop in MMA history and criticizing Bellato's actions as a cheap attempt to win by deception.
During UFC Atlanta, a controversial moment occurred in a fight between Paul Craig and Rodolfo Bellato, where Bellato appeared to fake unconsciousness after an illegal up-kick, leading to fan criticism and a no-contest decision. Legendary referee John McCarthy clarified the rules regarding grounded fighters, emphasizing that a knee on the ground makes a fighter grounded regardless of recent rule changes. Paul Craig expressed doubt about Bellato's supposed flop, despite widespread suspicion of faking.
Bo Nickal maintained his undefeated record with a unanimous decision victory over Paul Craig at UFC 309, despite boos from the crowd for the lack of action. Nickal, a former NCAA wrestling champion, focused on striking rather than takedowns, landing cleaner shots and securing a 30-27 score from all judges. The fight marked Nickal's first time going the distance in his professional MMA career, while Craig's future in the UFC is uncertain after his fifth loss in six fights.
Brendan Allen secured his sixth consecutive victory with a dominant submission win over Paul Craig at UFC Fight Night. Allen, who improved to 11-2 in the UFC, called for a No. 1 middleweight contender fight, stating that he has earned it by beating everyone in front of him. He expressed readiness to face top middleweights such as Robert Whittaker, Jared Cannonier, and Khamzat Chimaev, asserting himself as the No. 1 middleweight in the world. Allen showcased his skills against Craig, out-landing him in strikes and controlling the fight. He is now eyeing a shot at the title currently held by Sean Strickland.
UFC Vegas 82 featured a middleweight showdown between Brendan Allen and Paul Craig, with Allen emerging victorious by unanimous decision. In the co-main event, Michael Morales defeated Jake Matthews by unanimous decision. Chase Hooper secured a submission victory over Jordan Leavitt with a rear naked choke. Payton Talbott also won by submission, defeating Nick Aguirre with a rear naked choke. Amanda Ribas scored a TKO victory over Luana Pinheiro with a wheel kick and punches. Myktybek Orolbai defeated Uros Medic by submission with a neck crank. Joanderson Brito secured a submission win over Jonathan Pearce with a ninja choke. Jose Johnson defeated Chad Anheliger by submission with a rear naked choke. Christian Leroy Duncan won by TKO, defeating Denis Tiuliulin with punches and elbows.
UFC Fight Night 232 took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, featuring a middleweight clash between Brendan Allen and Paul Craig as the main event. Other notable fights included Rafael Estevam defeating Charles Johnson via unanimous decision, Trey Ogden vs. Nikolas Motta ending in a no contest due to a referee error, Ailin Perez defeating Lucie Pudilova via unanimous decision, Jeka Saragih knocking out Lucas Alexander in the first round, and Joanderson Brito submitting Jonathan Pearce with a ninja choke in the second round.
UFC Vegas 82's main event between Brendan Allen and Paul Craig could potentially determine a future challenger in the middleweight division. Allen, riding a five-fight win streak, has been calling for a rematch with Sean Strickland and a shot at the title. Craig, a former light heavyweight, has successfully dropped down to middleweight and could climb the rankings with a win over Allen. In other main card action, Michael Morales faces Jake Matthews, Chase Hooper takes on Jordan Leavitt, Payton Talbott debuts against Nick Aguirre, Luana Pinheiro fights Amanda Ribas, and Myktybek Orolbai faces Uros Medic.
Brendan Allen and Paul Craig faced off in the main event of UFC Vegas 82, with Allen emerging victorious. Michael Morales defeated Jake Matthews in the co-main event. Other notable results include Chase Hooper's submission win over Jordan Leavitt and Amanda Ribas' TKO victory against Luana Pinheiro.
Ahead of their main event at UFC Fight Night 232, Brendan Allen and Paul Craig engaged in a tense staredown, with Allen telling Craig "don't be pulling guard" during their face-off.
Paul Craig impresses in his middleweight debut at UFC Fight Night 224, securing a second-round TKO victory over Andre Muniz with a barrage of ground-and-pound elbows. Craig snapped a two-fight losing streak and showcased his grappling skills against Muniz, who is known for his high-level grappling.