UFC: Scottish Light Heavyweight Star Paul Craig Looks to Break Into the Top 10 With a Win in London
The biggest mixed martial arts promotion in the world, the UFC, returns to Europe for the first time in three years with another UFC London event, and Scotland’s very own Paul Craig squares up against the dangerous Nikita Krylov, as he looks to get his name in the mix and push for a title shot.
Craig has been on fine form recently and is unbeaten in over two years, with a flurry of finishes over some top names in the division. Sitting just outside of the top 10, in the official UFC rankings, a win at UFC London, would put him right up there with the elite of the stacked division.
The Coatbridge grappling specialist was set for a real step up in class as he was scheduled to face off against Alexander Gustafsson, however, the Swede was forced to pull out due to injury. ‘Bearjew’ now fights the number 9 ranked fighter in the division, Nikita Krylov. The pair have a mutual opponent in Russian up and coming star, Magomed Ankalaev, with Krylov losing via decision, and Craig, miraculously pulling off a last-second submission win.
Krylov versus Craig is a mouth-watering match-up for fans, with both fighters known for their elite-level of grappling. Krylov will be Craig’s toughest opponent to date and boasts a record of 27-8, meanwhile the Scot isn’t as experienced with his 15-4-1 record.
Paul Craig has hinted at retiring from the sport due to being 34 years old, much to his devoted fanbase dismay. However, after seeing current champion, Glover Teixeira, who is 43, win the belt and former champion, Jan Blachowicz, 39, still performing at the highest level, the Scotsman decided against retiring.