Paul Craig enters the cage this weekend carrying immense pressure. The Scottish grappling specialist is set for his 20th UFC bout early Sunday morning at UFC Vegas 106.
This upcoming fight comes after he`s lost his last three bouts, an unprecedented skid in his nearly nine years in the top MMA promotion.
Standing in the way of the Airdrie fighter and a crucial victory is the Brazilian Rodolfo Bellato. This fight also marks the end of Craig`s current contract.
Craig himself admits that his time in the premier MMA organization could be over if he doesn`t secure a win in the Las Vegas clash.
In an exclusive interview, he stated:
In the UFC, winning is essential. It`s about performance inside the octagon.
“The extra media appearances or ability to talk are minor aspects of the job,” he added.
“What truly matters is what happens in the cage. I believe that coming off three losses, especially against good opponents, it wasn`t like I lost to unknown fighters. I was defeated by Brendan Allen, who is a top 15 contender, and also by Caio Borralho, who is seen by some as a potential future champion in the division.”
“Regarding the Bo Nickal fight, I wasn`t beaten by him; I defeated myself,” Craig reflected. “You`re always concerned about your next contract.”
“This moment feels like one where if I don`t perform well on Saturday night against Rodolfo Bellato, there`s a high probability the UFC won`t re-sign me.”
“That fear is also a significant motivator for me.”
“We saw this previously when I secured a victory against Magomed Ankalaev in the final fight of that contract period.”
“I`m facing a similar all-or-nothing situation now.”
He questions himself: “`Do you want to remain a UFC fighter, or go back to a Monday-to-Friday job, like being a teacher or working in a gym? Is that the career you want?`”
His answer: “`You know what, I truly believe I still have what it takes to be a UFC fighter and even a light heavyweight champion.`”
“So, it`s make or break this Saturday.”
“I`d love to promise a completely different Paul Craig, but you never know how the night will unfold. However, I`m definitely going in there to fight with everything I`ve got, seeking a victory.”
Although Paul is in a difficult position, he has a history of performing well under pressure.
Two of his most notable wins occurred after suffering consecutive defeats: a dramatic late stoppage against the future light heavyweight title contender Magomed Ankalaev, and a dominant victory over middleweight standout Andre Muniz.
I believe the best version of Paul Craig emerges under pressure. Someone made a meme saying, `Paul Craig can beat anyone on any given night,` and it`s true – I can beat anyone.
“If someone is put in front of me, and I`m fully focused with sufficient external pressure, I tend to rise to the challenge.”
“I believe this fight will be one of those moments.”
To overcome Rodolfo Bellato, a powerful former LFA light-heavyweight champion and Dana White`s Contender Series alum, Paul will need to be exceptionally focused.
Paul is impressed by Bellato`s initial performances in the UFC but feels the Brazilian lacks mental toughness.
“He`s a very skilled MMA fighter,” Paul said about his 29-year-old opponent. “He recently had a draw. He trains with fighters like Alex Pereira, possesses a strong jiu-jitsu ground game, and has good stand-up striking.”
“However, what he lacks is the heart of a warrior. He doesn`t have that deep-seated Celtic fighting spirit.”
“And I believe that`s what I will demonstrate on Saturday night.”
“That ability to recover, keep pushing forward, and seek victory.”
A win against Bellato in this critical situation won`t just secure Paul`s place in the UFC; it could prevent him from retiring from the sport altogether.
The significance of this high-stakes bout in Las Vegas will remain a heavy burden until the fight concludes.
He stated: “This victory is necessary to save my UFC career. It`s the last fight on my contract, and I want to continue fighting.”
“I believe that even as I get older, my skills, particularly in jiu-jitsu, are improving. I`m always learning.”
“As long as I can continue improving, I will stay in this sport.”
“As I`ve mentioned, there`s immense pressure after three losses. I need this win, or my time in the UFC is over.”