![[Image Courtesy: @paulcraig on Instagram]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/11/06999-16999433980857.png)
Paul Craig, born on November 27, 1987, in Airdrie, Scotland, is a Scottish MMA fighter competing in the middleweight division (185 lbs) of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). Before being signed to the UFC, Craig became the BAMMA World Light Heavyweight Championship at BAMMA 23 after submitting Marcin Lazarz. Although he was scheduled to defend his title against Chris Fields in Dublin, the bout was postponed due to the tragic death of Portuguese fighter João Carvalho. Despite a rescheduled match, it didn't materialize as Craig suffered ankle ligament damage. Consequently, he didn't defend the title as he opted to sign a four-fight deal with the UFC.
Craig made his first walk to the UFC octagon on December 17, 2016, making his debut against Luis Henrique da Silva at UFC on Fox: VanZant vs. Waterson. He emerged victorious in the second round, securing a submission and earning a Performance of the Night bonus. Paul Craig is also a skilled Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner who has excelled in various divisions, winning gold in the Absolute category at the 2012 Scottish Grappling Challenge 4. Notable achievements include victories in the 2015 British Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship and promotion to black belt after defeating Jamahal Hill in 2021. However, he faced a setback at Polaris 21 on September 24, 2022, succumbing to an ankle-lock by Jed Hue in just 21 seconds. Currently, Craig holds a record of 17 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw (17-8-1).
Paul Craig's gym
UFC’s middleweight contender, Paul Craig, trains at Higher Level Martial Arts, an MMA gym in Whitburn, Scotland. Some notable fighters from this gym, along with Paul Craig, are Stevie Ray and Graham Turner.
Under the guidance of his head coach, Craig progressed from having no martial arts background to achieving an 8–0 record as an amateur, ending each fight in the first round. As a professional, he maintained an undefeated streak, going 8–0 over a span of four years before securing a contract with the UFC.
Where does Paul Craig fight out of?
Paul Craig fights out of Bathgate, Scotland, and the majority of his early career in both amateur and professional MMA occurred in Scotland, with occasional bouts in England and Ireland. To this day, Scotland continues to serve as Craig's training base, and he trains at the Higher Level Martial Arts gym located in Whitburn, Scotland.
Last Updated On November 12, 2024.
FAQs
A. Paul Craig is of Scottish nationality, as he was born in Airdrie, Scotland.
A. Craig trains at Higher Level Martial Arts gym in Whitburn, Scotland.
A. Paul Craig maintains a professional MMA record of 17 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw (17-8-1).
A. Paul Craig is 6 feet 4 inches or 1.93 m tall.
A. Paul Craig is nicknamed ‘Bearjew.’
A. Paul Craig fights in the middleweight division of the UFC, where the upper weight limit is 185 lbs.
