Paul Craig: The Submission Specialist in the UFC Light Heavyweight Division
Paul "Bearjew" Craig, born on November 27, 1987, in Airdrie, Scotland, is one of the most feared submission specialists in the UFC light heavyweight division. Craig is known for his ability to turn fights around from difficult positions and surprise his opponents with impressive submissions, often in the final moments of a fight. His toughness, fighting spirit, and strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu have made him a fan favorite and a constant threat to everyone in the division.
Early Life and Career
Craig started MMA at a later age, after a background in kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Before beginning his career as a professional fighter, Craig worked as a teacher in Scotland. However, his relatively late entry into the martial arts did not stop him from quickly rising to the top of the sport.
Craig made his professional MMA debut in 2013 and fought in regional promotions in the United Kingdom. He established himself as a dominant force by finishing fights early with submissions. His performances in regional competitions quickly caught the attention of international scouts, leading to his UFC debut in 2016.
UFC Career
Paul Craig made his UFC debut in December 2016 at UFC on Fox 22, where he defeated Henrique da Silva via submission in the second round. This fight immediately showed that Craig was a threat in the light heavyweight division, especially due to his strong ground skills.
Although Craig experienced some mixed results early in his UFC career, with losses to strong competitors like Tyson Pedro and Khalil Rountree, he remained impressive with his ability to finish fights with late submissions. One of his most memorable victories came in March 2018 at UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Volkov, where Craig defeated Magomed Ankalaev with a triangle choke in the final second of the third round. This fight demonstrated Craig’s never-give-up mentality and his ability to always find a finish, regardless of the circumstances.
Craig continued his dominant run with submissions, including wins over strong opponents such as Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Jamahal Hill, and Nikita Krylov. His victory over Hill in June 2021, where he defeated the rising star via TKO after an arm break, was one of the highlights of his career.
Style and Technique
Paul Craig is known for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and his ability to finish fights with submissions. He is particularly skilled at seeking triangle chokes, arm-triangles, and other debilitating techniques from both the guard and mount positions. Craig has secured multiple wins from seemingly precarious positions, and his constant search for submissions makes him a persistent threat at every stage of a fight.
Although his striking is not as strong as his grappling, Craig has developed into a versatile fighter who uses his long reach effectively to create openings for takedowns and ground fighting.
Future Ambitions
Paul Craig remains determined to break into the top of the UFC light heavyweight division. With his impressive string of victories and his ability to defeat big names in the division, he has established himself as a serious contender. Craig has set his sights on a title fight and continues to work on refining his skills to realize his ambitions.
Conclusion
Paul Craig is one of the most feared submission specialists in the UFC, known for his fighting spirit, impressive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and ability to win fights from difficult situations. His strong performances against some of the best fighters in the light heavyweight division make him a constant threat and a fan favorite. As he continues to work toward his goals, Craig remains a name to watch in the future of the UFC.