In the world of MMA, moving up in a higher weight class is quite normal. Many have done this recently to achieve great success. The latest example of this is Alex Pereira, who is currently at the top of the airy heavyweight division. However, Paul Craig has decided to take a different path in his UFC career. While enjoying success at airy heavyweight, defeating former champions such as Jamahal Hill and Mauricio Rua, Craig suffered two losses that forced him to change course in MMA.
After the defeat against Johnny Walker, the Scot boldly decided to move to the middleweight division. This surprised many, but Craig explained the reason behind his decision. In an interview with Indiatoday.in, the 36-year-old revealed that as a fighter who relied on his grappling skills, he could not succeed against Walker, who was bigger than him.
“Yes, we had a great experience as a airy heavyweight. We beat some great names, including Jamahal Hill, a former and future champion. So we had some really good wins in the airy heavyweight division. But it was when we went and fought Johnny Walker, who was much bigger than us, and our game plan couldn’t work without size. We play very demanding and we lose the advantage when we are smaller than the opponent,” Craiga said.
What made his transition to middleweight easier? Well, Craig believes it’s down to his discipline and commitment to the sport of MMA, which he loves as a lifestyle.
“So we decided to move up to middleweight or go down to middleweight. And as you said, many players tend to go up rather than down. But because we are very disciplined and we are just getting into peak condition, it was much easier for us to go down than to go up. I train really demanding. I love this sport. I am dedicated to being the best version of myself that I can be and I believe that moving up to middleweight will make that possible,” Craig said.
Craig is soon scheduled to face undefeated Caio Borralho at UFC 301, and the Scot has a very peculiar winning record. They all went through KO, TKO or his patent applications. The Scot said he wanted to entertain fans by giving them a performance, something Tyson Pedro once told us when he said he would rather fight for the shield than run the distance.
“Yes, this sport is all about entertainment, and if the fans aren’t having fun, they won’t get behind you. And one of the things I care about is performance. And as Tyson Pedro said, we will win, lose or draw. We give our all, we don’t give 100%. As for my style, it is very unique, it is hard to replicate, and the trick is to be able to lure the opponent and catch the submission in a position where it is possible. I’m very good at it,” Craig said.
Love for the Triangle choke
As for his fights in the UFC, his victories came via triangle choke. This is a record that Paul Craig is proud of and he explained how he was able to set it thanks to his long limbs. As for his bout with Borralho, Craig was quick to predict another victory thanks to his favorite submission as well.
“You know, triangles. I learned one of my first moves as a jiu-jitsu practitioner and it just seems to suit me. Well, I have long limbs and I can position them the way I do, Hmm, as for seeing it on the show, like with any submission, I will be hunting for a submission finish, if the opportunity arises, I would like to add something to that record and just build it up. Triangles are one of those moves that I just feel. For me, they fit well with MMA. Holding the records in the UFC is something really special when you think about the caliber of people who came before me. I’m more of an MMA grappler who loves the sport and hopefully we can get a triangle submission victory on Saturday,” Craig said.
Operate your age as a weapon
Craig’s journey into MMA began when he was 24, an age when many would have fought in their name. Now, aged 36, the Scot believes he is just entering his best form and said his move up to middleweight is proof of that.
“Yes, I think I’m just coming out of my best form as a player. And if you look at the Matrix of Champions and the airy heavyweight and middleweight divisions, at 36 they are starting to peak. I truly believe I’m just getting into top shape, as we said earlier about losing weight. Plus, if I wasn’t peaking, I wouldn’t be able to get to that weight. So as a middleweight, I think that’s where I’m at, it’s my best sport, and moving up and down weight classes as an older fighter takes some effort. I also want to leave with my health,” Craig said.
The Scot does not believe that age will be a problem for him in sports and he will get better with each fight.
“There is no better time to learn, and just because you are vintage doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t become a champion. Glover Texeira was the best example of this. When he became champion after years of demanding work. Just because you have a number at your age doesn’t necessarily mean it’s negative. Operate it as a weapon. Like you said, I was 24 years vintage when I started this sport, it’s been a long journey, I’ve learned a lot from fighting in the UFC, and I’m only going to get better. Like I said, the best is yet to come for Paul,” Craig said.
Back to airy heavyweight?
Although Craig is content in his novel weight class, a return to airy heavyweight is not out of the question for the 36-year-old. Craig feels he could fight at airy heavyweight heading into UFC 304 in Manchester. He said he would jump at the chance if the opportunity arose because he wanted to fight in the UK, his home soil.
“It’s one of those things where there’s still a chance to be at airy heavyweight. It all depends on the situation. I know Manchester is just around the corner and it’s a quick turnaround to get back to middleweight. But there is a chance I will be able to fight at airy heavyweight on British soil again and I love fighting in the UK. “It means fans, friends, family can come and watch me on home soil, there’s a chance to become a airy heavyweight again, but right now it’s all about Caio,” Craig said.
Watch UFC 301 May 5, 2024 from 7:30 AM ET LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD and HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD and HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD and HD (Tamil and Telugu).
