In the world of mixed martial arts, there are moments that fighters work tirelessly for, and for Paul Craig, one of those moments has finally arrived. The 35-year-old Scottish fighter is about to step into the spotlight as the first Scottish fighter to headline a UFC event. It’s a dream come true for Craig, and it’s a dream that has been years in the making.
Paul Craig’s journey in the UFC began in 2016, and since then, he has accumulated an impressive record, winning nine out of his 16 bouts. But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the determination and passion that Craig brings to the octagon. His upcoming bout at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas against 27-year-old American Brendan Allen is a pivotal moment in his career.
What makes this fight even more special is that it marks Craig’s second appearance at middleweight, a move that he made after a successful drop from the light-heavyweight division. His victory against Andre Muniz in July was a testament to his adaptability and determination to succeed in a new weight class.
“I’ve got a poster with my face on it, I’m going to be signing them later, which is amazing,” Craig exclaimed. It’s not just about the fame and recognition; it’s about seizing opportunities and embracing challenges. Craig’s philosophy on life is one of risk and reward, and he’s ready to ride the waves and face his fears.
“A ship is safe in the harbour, but that’s not what it’s built for. We’re not designed to be in a nice comfortable life,” Craig reflects. “What we should be doing is feeling the turmoil, feeling the waves crash, feeling scared and living every day as if it’s our last. Having the opportunity to headline the Vegas card is a dream come true.”
For a fighter who spent the entirety of his MMA career at light-heavyweight, this transition to middleweight is a game-changer. Winning eight out of 15 UFC bouts in the light-heavyweight division was impressive, but it was Craig’s willingness to take risks that brought him to this new chapter in his career. Now, he stands at the 13th spot in the UFC’s middleweight rankings, with Brendan Allen, his upcoming opponent, sitting at 10th.
But it’s not just about rankings and titles for Craig. It’s about legacy. “It’s legacy for me, I’m the first to do this,” he proudly states. From collecting football stickers and pictures of athletes as a kid to becoming a collectible card for the younger generation, Craig recognizes the privilege and responsibility that come with his newfound position.
Dropping down a weight class late in his career might seem counterintuitive, but for Craig, it’s been a strategic move. While many fighters tend to move up in weight as they age due to metabolism changes and weight-cutting difficulties, Craig has taken a different approach. He’s been working closely with a nutritionist to shed the extra pounds and prepare for the middleweight division.
“One of the things we had to do was increase animal proteins. So we had to add yoghurt and eggs,” Craig explains. “The first time eating these foods, I wasn’t enjoying them. Being off them for that amount of time, it can mess up your stomach. But now my body is used to taking this stuff because I’m regularly eating it.”
The discipline required to fight at middleweight wouldn’t have been possible for Craig in his younger years. “Middleweight is my weight class, and it’s taken me until I’m 35 to realize this,” he admits. “But I do believe being 35 has helped me. In my 20s, I don’t think I’d have had the knowledge to work with [a nutritionist]. I’d have a mindset of ‘I’ll just make the weight and reduce calories’ – I’d basically put my body in shock to make the weight. But now I’m coming at it as an adult and from a very scientific standpoint.”
Paul Craig’s journey to the top of the UFC is a testament to his perseverance, adaptability, and willingness to take risks. As he steps into the octagon to headline the Vegas card, he carries the hopes and dreams of not just himself, but of an entire nation of fans who have followed his remarkable career. It’s a dream come true for Paul Craig, and it’s a story that continues to inspire those who dare to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles in their path.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC Headliner
Q: Who is Paul Craig, and what is his significance in the UFC?
A: Paul Craig is a Scottish fighter who has made history by becoming the first Scottish fighter to headline a UFC event. His significance in the UFC lies in his remarkable journey from the light-heavyweight division to the middleweight division and his determination to succeed in a new weight class.
Q: How has Paul Craig’s career in the UFC progressed?
A: Paul Craig has had an impressive career in the UFC since his debut in 2016. He has won nine out of his 16 bouts, initially competing as a light-heavyweight, where he won eight of his 15 fights. He recently made the transition to the middleweight division, which has proven successful for him.
Q: Who is Paul Craig’s upcoming opponent, and what is his current ranking?
A: Paul Craig’s opponent for his upcoming bout is Brendan Allen, a 27-year-old American fighter. Brendan Allen currently holds the 10th spot in the UFC’s middleweight rankings, making this fight a significant matchup for both fighters.
Q: Why did Paul Craig decide to move from light-heavyweight to middleweight?
A: Paul Craig made the decision to move from the light-heavyweight division to the middleweight division after two successive defeats. This move allowed him to find his ideal weight class and has been beneficial for his career.
Q: What challenges did Paul Craig face during his transition to middleweight?
A: Paul Craig faced challenges during his transition to middleweight, including working with a nutritionist to shed the extra weight. He had to adjust his diet, including adding animal proteins like yogurt and eggs, which was a significant change from his previous vegan diet.
Q: What does Paul Craig consider the significance of headlining a UFC event?
A: For Paul Craig, headlining a UFC event is a dream come true and a significant milestone in his career. He sees it as an opportunity to leave a legacy and inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.
