Scotland’s “Bearjew” Paul Craig made a triumphant entrance to the middleweight division at UFC London, showcasing a dazzling display of skills that left fans and fellow fighters in awe. The decision to drop down from light heavyweight proved to be a tactical masterstroke, as Craig cited feeling undersized in his previous weight class.
Facing off against grappling specialist Andre Muniz, there was an air of uncertainty surrounding the match. Both fighters boasted a similar ground game, leading many to anticipate a battle of submissions. However, Craig had other plans in mind. With the spotlight shining bright, Craig put on a show that left the crowd on the edge of their seats. The Scottish fighter exhibited a well-rounded performance, demonstrating his prowess in striking as he secured a resounding TKO victory. It was only his fourth win by this method, but it showcased a newfound ferocity and confidence since moving down to middleweight.
Among those impressed with Craig’s performance was none other than the highly-touted Khamzat Chimaev, who is making the move to middleweight himself. Speculation about a potential showdown between the two electrified the post-fight discussions.
Craig declared in a post-fight interview that he is ready to face anybody in the division. “But anybody in front of me, that’s who I’m looking to take on and if it is Khamzat and he takes me down, there’s a good chance that he’s going to get triangled,” Craig said.
Confidence radiated from the Scottish fighter, and his willingness to take on anyone, regardless of weight class, adds a thrilling dimension to his journey in the UFC. The prospect of Craig fighting at both middleweight and light heavyweight only heightens the intrigue surrounding his future matchups and rankings.
As the dust settles from this momentous middleweight debut, Paul Craig has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC. Whether he faces Chimaev or any other top contender, fight fans can expect fireworks and unforgettable moments from the “Bearjew” in the coming months.