Paul Craig (fighter)


Paul Craig is a Scottish mixed martial artist who competes in the Light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2013, he formerly competed for BAMMA, where he was the BAMMA World Light Heavyweight Champion.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Craig’s head coach Brian Gallagher took him from no martial arts experience to 8–0 as an amateur, all first round finishes. As a professional, Craig went 8–0 over the span of four years before being signed by the UFC.
In 2014 Paul won a K1 rules fight in Germany.
He won the BAMMA World Light heavyweight Championship at BAMMA 23 when he defeated Marcin Lazarz by submission. He was set to defend his title against Chris Fields in Dublin when it was postponed following the death of Portuguese fighter Joao Carvalho. The match up was rescheduled but failed to take place due to Craig damaging his ankle ligaments. Paul's first title defence was not rescheduled, as he signed a 4 fight deal with the UFC.

Brazilian jiu jitsu

Paul Craig is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor, competing in the Absolute and Super Heavyweight Divisions.
He took part in the 2013 Scottish BJJ Nationals, taking 1st place in the Advanced 97.5 kg Division.
Craig was also in the 2013 Scotia Cup Winter Leg, taking 1st place in both Purple Belt Super Heavyweight and Purple Belt Absolute Divisions.
He competed in the 2015 British Pro Jiu Jitsu Championship, taking 1st place in the Purple Belt 95+ kg Division, qualifying himself to the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship and also 3rd place in the Absolute Purple 75+ kg Division.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Craig made his promotional debut against Luis Henrique da Silva on 17 December 2016 at. He won the fight via submission in Round 2, for which he was awarded with a Performance of the Night bonus.
Craig faced Tyson Pedro on 4 March 2017 at UFC 209. He lost the bout via first round TKO.
Craig faced Khalil Rountree at on 16 July 2017. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.
Craig faced Magomed Ankalaev on 17 March 2018 at UFC Fight Night 127. He won the fight via submission at 4:59 in Round 3, resulting in the latest submission finish in a 3 round fight in UFC history. He was also awarded with a Performance of the Night bonus.
Following the win against Ankalaev, Craig signed a new, four-fight contract with UFC.
Craig faced promotional newcomer Jimmy Crute on 2 December 2018 at UFC Fight Night 142. He lost the fight via kimura in the third round.
Craig faced promotional newcomer Kennedy Nzechukwu on 30 March 2019 at UFC on ESPN 2. He won the fight via triangle choke in the third round. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.
Craig faced Alonzo Menifield on 29 June 2019 at . He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.
Craig faced Vinicius Moreira on 21 September 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 17. He won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.> This win earn Craig his fourth Performance of the Night award.
Craig stepped in on short notice against Maurício Rua on 16 November 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 22, replacing Sam Alvey who withdrew from the bout due to a broken hand. After three rounds, the back-and-forth fight was declared a split draw.
Craig was expected to face Ryan Spann on 21 March 2020 at. However, due to COVID-19 pandemic, the event was cancelled.
Craig faced Gadzhimurad Antigulov on 26 July 2020 at UFC on ESPN 14. He won the fight via a triangle choke in round one. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.

Personal life

Paul played football before becoming a MMA fighter. He also worked as a football coach before becoming a teacher for an educational charity.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts