On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Scottish fighter Paul Craig returns to the Octagon at UFC Vegas 106, facing Rodolfo Bellato in a light heavyweight clash that could determine his future in the UFC. After a challenging stint at middleweight, Craig is back in his original weight class, aiming to halt a three-fight losing streak and secure his place in the promotion.
Return to light heavyweight after middleweight struggles
Craig’s venture into the middleweight division began promisingly with a TKO victory over André Muniz. However, subsequent losses to Brendan Allen, Caio Borralho, and Bo Nickal exposed the difficulties of the weight cut, which Craig admits led to health issues. Recognizing the toll, he has decided to return to the 205-pound division, where he previously achieved notable victories, including a submission win over current champion Magomed Ankalaev.
High stakes against rising contender Bellato
Facing Bellato, a former LFA light heavyweight champion with a 12-2-1 record, Craig acknowledges the high stakes. This bout marks the final fight on his current UFC contract, and a loss could jeopardize his tenure with the organization. Craig has expressed that the pressure serves as motivation, stating, “I do my best work when my back’s against the wall.”
Confidence in experience and resilience
Despite recent setbacks, Craig remains confident in his skills and experience. With a professional record of 17-9-1 and a history of overcoming adversity, he believes he can deliver a performance that secures his UFC future. “I think there’s still a few ‘Oh my God’ moments left for me in this sport,” Craig remarked, emphasizing his determination to continue competing at the highest level.
As UFC Vegas 106 approaches, all eyes will be on this pivotal matchup, where Craig aims to demonstrate his resilience and reaffirm his place among the light heavyweight contenders.
