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Paul Craig
Paul Craig
from Wikipedia

Paul Lindsey Craig[1] (born 27 November 1987) is a Scottish former mixed martial artist who competed in the Middleweight and Light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional from 2013 to 2025, Craig formerly competed for BAMMA, where he was the BAMMA World Light Heavyweight Champion.

Key Information

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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Craig's head coach took him from no martial arts experience to 8–0 as an amateur, with each of his wins coming via first-round stoppage. As a professional, Craig went 8–0 over four years before being signed by the UFC.

In November 2014, Craig won a K1-rules fight in Germany.[5]

Craig won the BAMMA World Light heavyweight Championship at BAMMA 23 when he defeated Marcin Lazarz by submission.[6] He was set to defend his title against Chris Fields in Dublin, although the fight was postponed following the death of Portuguese fighter João Carvalho. The match up was rescheduled, but failed to take place due to Craig's damaging his ankle ligaments.[7] Craig did not end up defending the title, as he signed a 4-fight deal with the UFC.[8]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Craig made his promotional debut against Luis Henrique da Silva on 17 December 2016, at UFC on Fox: VanZant vs. Waterson. He won the fight via submission in round 2[9] and was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.[10]

Craig faced Tyson Pedro on 4 March 2017, at UFC 209.[11] He lost the bout via first-round TKO.[12]

Craig faced Khalil Rountree at UFC Fight Night: Nelson vs. Ponzinibbio on 16 July 2017.[13] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[14]

Craig faced Magomed Ankalaev on 17 March 2018, at UFC Fight Night 127.[15] He won the fight via submission at 4:59 in Round 3, resulting in the latest submission finish in a 3-round fight in UFC history.[16] He was also awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.[17]

Following the win against Ankalaev, Craig signed a new, four-fight contract with UFC.[18]

Craig faced promotional newcomer Jimmy Crute on 2 December 2018, at UFC Fight Night 142.[19] He lost the fight via kimura in the third round.[20]

Craig faced promotional newcomer Kennedy Nzechukwu on 30 March 2019, at UFC on ESPN 2.[21] He won the fight via submission due to a triangle choke in the third round.[22] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[23]

Craig faced Alonzo Menifield on 29 June 2019, at UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. dos Santos.[24] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[25]

Craig faced Vinicius Moreira on 21 September 2019, at UFC Fight Night 159.[26] He won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.[27] This win earn Craig his fourth Performance of the Night award.[28]

Craig stepped in on short notice to face Maurício Rua on 16 November 2019, at UFC Fight Night 164, replacing Sam Alvey, who had withdrawn from the bout due to a broken hand.[29][30] After three rounds, the back-and-forth fight was declared a split draw.[31]

Craig was expected to face Ryan Spann on 21 March 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Woodley vs. Edwards.[32] However, the event was cancelled.[33]

Craig faced Gadzhimurad Antigulov on 26 July 2020, at UFC on ESPN 14.[34] He won the fight via submission in round one.[35] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[36]

Craig faced Maurício Rua in a rematch on 21 November 2020, at UFC 255.[37] He won the fight via technical knockout in round two.[38]

Craig was scheduled to face Jamahal Hill on 20 March 2021, at UFC on ESPN 21.[39] However, on 10 March, Hill withdrew from the bout after testing positive for COVID-19.[40] The match was rescheduled for 12 June 2021, at UFC 263.[41] Craig won the bout via TKO in round one after snapping Hill's elbow with an armbar.[42] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[43]

Craig was scheduled to face Alexander Gustafsson on 4 September 2021, at UFC Fight Night 191.[44] However, a week before the event, Gustafsson withdrew due to injury.[45]

Craig faced Nikita Krylov on 19 March 2022, at UFC Fight Night 204.[46] He won the fight via a triangle choke in round one.[47] With this win, he received the Performance of the Night award.[48]

Craig faced Volkan Oezdemir on 23 July 2022, at UFC Fight Night 208.[49] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[50]

Craig faced Johnny Walker on 21 January 2023, at UFC 283.[51] He lost the fight via technical knockout in the first round.[52]

Move to Middleweight

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Moving down to the middleweight division, Craig faced André Muniz on 22 July 2023, at UFC Fight Night: Aspinall vs. Tybura.[53] He won the fight via ground and pound TKO in the second round.[54] With this win, he received his eighth Performance of the Night bonus award.[55]

Craig faced Brendan Allen on 18 November 2023, at UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Craig.[56] He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the third round.[57]

Craig faced Caio Borralho on 4 May 2024, at UFC 301.[58] He lost the fight by knockout in the second round.[59]

Craig faced Bo Nickal on 16 November 2024, at UFC 309.[60] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[61]

Return to Light Heavyweight

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Craig was scheduled to make his return to the light heavyweight division against former interim LFA Light Heavyweight Champion Rodolfo Bellato on 17 May 2025, at UFC Fight Night 256.[62] However, on the day of the event, it was announced that the bout was cancelled as a result of Bellato's medical issue relating to a herpes infection but the bout was rescheduled to 14 June 2025, at UFC on ESPN 69.[63][64][65] The bout was ruled a no-contest after Craig hit Bellato with an illegal upkick at the end of the first round.[66]

Craig faced Modestas Bukauskas on 6 September 2025 at UFC Fight Night 258.[67] He lost the fight by knockout via an elbow at the end of the first round and announced his retirement from mixed martial arts after the fight.[68]

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

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Paul Craig is also a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner who competes in the Absolute, Middleweight, Heavyweight and Super Heavyweight divisions.

Craig won the gold medal on the Absolute division at the Scottish Grappling Challenge 4 in No Gi in 2012.

He took part in the 2013 Scottish BJJ Nationals, taking 1st place in the Advanced 97.5 kg Division. Craig was also in the 2013 Scotia Cup Winter Leg, taking 1st place in both Purple Belt Super Heavyweight and Purple Belt Absolute Divisions.

Craig competed in the 2015 British Pro Jiu Jitsu Championship, taking 1st place in the Purple Belt 95+ kg Division and qualifying for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. He also took 3rd place in the Absolute Purple 75+ kg Division.[69]

In June 2016, he won his classe in Gi and No Gi at Empire Grappling.

After defeating Jamahal Hill in 2021, Craig was promoted to black belt.[4]

On 27 August 2022, Craig defeated Sam Sweeney in a tough, back and forth sub only grappling match at Holytown Havoc 2.

On 24 September 2022, Craig faced Jed Hue in the main event of Polaris 21. Craig was submitted with an ankle-lock in 21 seconds.[70]

Professional wrestling

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Insane Championship Wrestling

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Craig performs as a professional wrestler. During his career, he has worked for Insane Championship Wrestling where he is a one-time ICW Tag Team Champion with Chris Bungard.[71]

Personal life

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Craig has two daughters, he worked at a factory to support his fighting career before becoming a full-time professional.[72]

Paul played football before becoming an MMA fighter. He also worked as a football coach before becoming a teacher for an educational charity.[73] Paul hosts a podcast called Leather'd, with fellow Scottish MMA fighter Ross Cooper.

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts

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Professional wrestling

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
29 matches 17 wins 10 losses
By knockout 4 6
By submission 13 2
By decision 0 2
Draws 1
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 17–10–1 (1) Modestas Bukauskas KO (elbow) UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs. Borralho 6 September 2025 1 5:00 Paris, France
NC 17–9–1 (1) Rodolfo Bellato NC (illegal upkick) UFC on ESPN: Usman vs. Buckley 14 June 2025 1 4:59 Atlanta, Georgia, United States Return to Light Heavyweight. An accidental illegal upkick rendered Bellato unable to continue.
Loss 17–9–1 Bo Nickal Decision (unanimous) UFC 309 16 November 2024 3 5:00 New York City, New York, United States
Loss 17–8–1 Caio Borralho KO (punches) UFC 301 4 May 2024 2 2:10 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss 17–7–1 Brendan Allen Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Craig 18 November 2023 3 0:38 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 17–6–1 André Muniz TKO (elbows) UFC Fight Night: Aspinall vs. Tybura 22 July 2023 2 4:40 London, England Middleweight debut. Performance of the Night.
Loss 16–6–1 Johnny Walker TKO (punches) UFC 283 21 January 2023 1 2:16 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss 16–5–1 Volkan Oezdemir Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Aspinall 23 July 2022 3 5:00 London, England
Win 16–4–1 Nikita Krylov Submission (triangle choke) UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall 19 March 2022 1 3:57 London, England Performance of the Night.
Win 15–4–1 Jamahal Hill TKO (elbows and punches) UFC 263 12 June 2021 1 1:59 Glendale, Arizona, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 14–4–1 Maurício Rua TKO (submission to punches) UFC 255 21 November 2020 2 3:36 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 13–4–1 Gadzhimurad Antigulov Submission (triangle choke) UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Till 26 July 2020 1 2:06 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Performance of the Night.
Draw 12–4–1 Maurício Rua Draw (split) UFC Fight Night: Błachowicz vs. Jacaré 16 November 2019 3 5:00 São Paulo, Brazil
Win 12–4 Vinicius Moreira Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Stephens 21 September 2019 1 3:19 Mexico City, Mexico Performance of the Night.
Loss 11–4 Alonzo Menifield KO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. dos Santos 29 June 2019 1 3:19 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Win 11–3 Kennedy Nzechukwu Submission (triangle choke) UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Gaethje 30 March 2019 3 4:20 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Nzechukwu was deducted one point in round 3 due to repeated eye pokes. Performance of the Night.
Loss 10–3 Jimmy Crute Submission (kimura) UFC Fight Night: dos Santos vs. Tuivasa 2 December 2018 3 4:51 Adelaide, Australia
Win 10–2 Magomed Ankalaev Submission (triangle choke) UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Volkov 17 March 2018 3 4:59 London, England Performance of the Night.
Loss 9–2 Khalil Rountree Jr. KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Nelson vs. Ponzinibbio 16 July 2017 1 4:56 Glasgow, Scotland
Loss 9–1 Tyson Pedro TKO (elbows) UFC 209 4 March 2017 1 4:10 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 9–0 Henrique da Silva Submission (armbar) UFC on Fox: VanZant vs. Waterson 17 December 2016 2 1:59 Sacramento, California, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 8–0 Marcin Łazarz Submission (triangle choke) BAMMA 23 14 November 2015 1 3:51 London, England Won the BAMMA World Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 7–0 Karl Moore Submission (guillotine choke) BAMMA 22 19 September 2015 2 0:48 Dublin, Ireland
Win 6–0 Adam Wright Submission (armbar) Animalistic MMA: Rise of the Alpha 20 June 2015 1 0:47 Preston, England
Win 5–0 Andrzej Bachorz Submission (brabo choke) FightStar Championship 5 11 April 2015 1 2:37 Coventry, England Won the vacant FightStar Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 4–0 Dan Konecke TKO (punches) First Fighting Championship: Resurgence 13 September 2014 1 4:18 Hamilton, Scotland
Win 3–0 Jon Ferguson Submission (triangle choke) Full Contact Contender 10 21 June 2014 1 1:50 Bolton, England
Win 2–0 Antonio Braga Submission (triangle choke) Underdog Xtreme Championships 2 1 March 2014 1 2:41 Belfast, Northern Ireland
Win 1–0 Brad Conway Submission (triangle choke) First Fighting Championship: Prepare for Glory 3 24 August 2013 1 2:00 Hamilton, Scotland Light Heavyweight debut.

[84]

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 3–0 Jeff Metcalfe Submission (guillotine choke) Supremacy Fight Challenge 8 11 November 2012 1 0:46 Gateshead, England
Win 2–0 Paul Bradshaw Submission (triangle choke) Total Combat 50 6 October 2012 1 2:41 Sunderland, England
Win 1–0 Gary Sivills Submission (armbar) Total Combat 48 21 July 2012 1 1:26 Sunderland, England

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Paul Craig (born 27 November 1987) is a Scottish retired professional mixed martial artist, renowned for his expertise in and his tenure in the (UFC), where he competed primarily in the light heavyweight division before moving to . A black belt in BJJ with a background as a former high school teacher, Craig earned the nickname "Bearjew" and built a reputation for submission victories, including a UFC-record four triangle chokes. He retired in September 2025 at age 37 following a loss to at UFC , capping a career that made him the most successful Scottish male fighter in UFC history with nine wins across 21 bouts. Craig's professional MMA journey began in 2013, amassing an overall record of 17 wins, 10 losses, one draw, and one no-contest, with 13 of his victories coming by submission and four by knockout. Prior to entering the UFC, he captured the BAMMA World Light Heavyweight Championship in 2016 and secured multiple titles in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, including bronze in the absolute division at the ADCC European Trials and five Scottish and British BJJ championships. His UFC debut on 18 December 2016 was marked by a stunning first-round arm-triangle submission over Henrique da Silva, setting the tone for his grappling prowess. Among his most notable achievements in the UFC were upset victories over future champions, including a second-round submission of in 2018—his only loss to date—and a first-round of Jamahal Hill in 2021. He also defeated UFC Hall of Famer Mauricio "Shogun" Rua via doctor's stoppage in 2020, earning Performance of the Night bonuses on multiple occasions for his finishes. Craig holds the second-most submission wins in UFC history with six, trailing only . Despite facing setbacks, including a loss in 2018 and a string of losses in 2023–2024, he remained a consistent presence in the top 15 rankings throughout much of his UFC tenure. In announcing his , Craig reflected on the relief it brought, stating it felt like "a massive weight lifted off my shoulders" after dedicating over a to the and helping elevate MMA's profile in . out of Higher Level in Airdrie, he stood at 6 feet 3 inches with a 76-inch reach, blending his BJJ foundation with striking improvements over time. His legacy endures as a pioneer for Scottish MMA, inspiring a new generation while leaving the with a reputation for heart, skill, and memorable finishes.

Early life and background

Childhood and education

Paul Craig was born on November 27, 1987, in Airdrie, , . Growing up in a working-class family in the Craigneuk area of Airdrie, he was shaped by the town's industrial heritage and community spirit, which contributed to his early development of resilience and determination. Details about his parents remain limited in public records, but his roots in this modest Scottish environment provided a foundation of toughness that influenced his later pursuits. As a , Craig was involved in football, playing for Hearts' youth team and aspiring to a professional career before shifting to coaching. Craig received his early education at local schools in Airdrie, including Caldervale High School. He later worked as a teacher at Clyde Valley High School, among others. After completing , he attended New College Lanarkshire's specialist sports campus at Broadwood, where he completed HNC and HND qualifications in fitness, health, and exercise. He subsequently pursued a teaching qualification, earning a Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) from the . This educational path led Craig to a career as a teacher, initially as a football coach and later with the educational charity SkillForce, where he helped young people develop vocational skills. During these teaching years, he began exploring as a to complement his fitness routine.

Entry into martial arts and teaching career

Paul Craig, raised in Airdrie, Scotland, developed a foundation of resilience during his childhood that would later influence his pursuit of combat sports. In his mid-20s, around 2011, Craig discovered Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) through encouragement from friends, who persuaded him to join classes at a local gym as a hobby with no prior combat sports experience. Within six months of starting BJJ, he entered his first competition and secured a submission victory, igniting his interest in grappling. At the time, Craig was employed full-time as a physical education (PE) teacher at Clyde Valley High School in Airdrie, where he also coached students in sports, fostering discipline and teamwork skills that paralleled his emerging martial arts training. He balanced this stable career with early MMA pursuits by training intensively after school hours, often starting sessions at dawn, while maintaining his teaching responsibilities until around 2016. Craig's amateur MMA experiences began shortly after starting BJJ, where he remained undefeated, building confidence through local bouts in that honed his skills in wrestling, , and alongside . Motivated by a deepening passion for the sport despite the security of his teaching income, he decided to turn professional in 2013, marking a pivotal shift toward dedicating himself fully to MMA.

Mixed martial arts career

Pre-UFC professional career

Paul Craig made his professional debut on August 24, 2013, at First Fighting Championship 3 in , , where he submitted Brad Conway via in the first round. Over the next two years, he competed in several regional promotions across the and , including Underdog Xtreme Championships, Full Contact Contender, and FightStar Championship, amassing an undefeated record through decisive victories that showcased his expertise. Craig's fighting style, heavily influenced by his Brazilian jiu-jitsu background, emphasized submissions, with four of his first six wins coming via , including first-round triumphs over Antonio Braga at Underdog Xtreme Championships 2 on March 1, 2014, and Jon Ferguson at Full Contact Contender 10 on June 21, 2014. He also secured a technical knockout against Dan Konecke via punches at First Fighting Championship on September 13, 2014, demonstrating versatility beyond pure . In 2015, Craig earned submission wins against Andrzej Bachorz via brabo choke at FightStar Championship 5 on April 11 and Adam Wright via armbar at Animalistic MMA on June 20, further solidifying his reputation for ground dominance in the light heavyweight division. Joining the British Association of Mixed Martial Arts () later that year, Craig submitted Karl Moore via in the second round at 22 on September 19, 2015. He then captured the Light Heavyweight Championship at 23: Night of Champions on November 14, 2015, defeating defending champion Marcin Lazarz via submission at 3:51 of the first round. Entering the Ultimate Fighting Championship with an unblemished 8-0 professional record—all but one by stoppage—Craig had established himself as a submission specialist in regional circuits.

UFC light heavyweight debut and early fights

Paul Craig made his UFC debut on December 17, 2016, at UFC on FOX 22: VanZant vs. Waterson in , following an undefeated 8-0 professional record built primarily through submission victories in European promotions. Facing fellow unbeaten prospect Henrique da Silva, the 6'3" Scottish fighter with a 76-inch reach quickly showcased his expertise, grounding his opponent and securing an armbar submission at 1:59 of the second round. This dominant performance earned Craig the Performance of the Night bonus, marking a strong entry into the promotion and highlighting his advantages in against taller light heavyweights. Craig's next bout came at on March 4, 2017, against Australian wrestler , where his ground game was tested early. Pedro capitalized on a scramble to land ground-and-pound elbows, forcing a first-round TKO stoppage at 4:10 despite Craig's attempts to pull guard. Four months later, at UFC Fight Night: Nelson vs. Ponzinibbio on July 16, 2017, in , , Craig faced streaking knockout artist . in front of a home crowd. Rountree overwhelmed him with striking volume, landing a clean right hand followed by punches for a first-round at 4:56, exposing vulnerabilities in Craig's stand-up defense. Despite the setbacks, Craig rebounded emphatically in his fourth UFC appearance at UFC Fight Night: vs. Thompson on March 17, 2018, in London, England, against undefeated Russian prospect . Trailing on the scorecards after absorbing significant damage over three rounds, the resilient grappler latched onto a last-second from the bottom at 4:59 of the third round, forcing the tap in one of the promotion's most dramatic finishes. This upset submission victory, achieved through superior jiu-jitsu positioning against a favored wrestler, earned another Performance of the Night award and reaffirmed Craig's reputation as a submission threat in the division. Craig continued his UFC tenure at light heavyweight with mixed results. On November 16, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Błachowicz vs. Jacaré in , , he fought UFC Hall of Famer Mauricio "Shogun" Rua to a split draw after three competitive rounds. In the rematch on November 21, 2020, at in , , Craig defeated Rua via TKO (doctor stoppage due to a cut) at the end of the second round, earning Fight of the Night honors. On June 12, 2021, at in , Craig secured a first-round TKO (punches) over Jamahal Hill after dislocating Hill's arm in a position, earning of the Night. He followed with a third-round submission (arm-triangle choke) victory over on March 19, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall in . However, on January 21, 2023, at in Rio de Janeiro, , Craig lost to Johnny Walker via second-round TKO (punches).

Transition to middleweight and key bouts

In May 2023, Paul Craig announced his intention to drop from the division to , citing successful medical tests confirming he could safely cut to 185 pounds and a desire to revitalize his career after recent setbacks at 205 pounds. The move was strategic, aiming for better size matchups in a division where his 6-foot-3 frame and 76-inch reach could provide an advantage against shorter opponents, while reducing the grueling weight cuts he had endured as one of the smaller . This transition followed a strong run at light heavyweight, including a first-round TKO of (June 12, 2021) and a second-round TKO (doctor stoppage) of Mauricio "Shogun" in their rematch (November 21, 2020), following a split draw with Rua in 2019. Craig made a strong impression in his middleweight debut on July 22, 2023, at UFC Fight Night: Aspinall vs. Tybura in , where he faced submission specialist . After a competitive first round, Craig capitalized on a exchange in the second, transitioning to top position and unleashing ground-and-pound elbows that forced a stoppage at 4:40, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus. The victory improved his overall record to 17-6-1 and marked his first win at 185 pounds, validating the division switch as he weighed in lighter but rehydrated to feel stronger on fight night compared to prior bouts. Subsequent middleweight bouts presented significant challenges, testing Craig's adaptability in the faster-paced division. On November 18, 2023, in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. , he lost via submission (rear-naked choke) to rising contender in the third round at 0:38 after being controlled on the ground for much of the fight. This defeat snapped his momentum but showcased his resilience, as he survived early pressure from Allen's wrestling. Craig faced another setback on May 4, 2024, at UFC 301 against , where he was stopped by TKO (punches) in the second round following a knockdown. His final middleweight outing came on November 16, 2024, at UFC 309 versus undefeated wrestler , resulting in a unanimous decision loss after being dominated on the mat, underscoring the division's depth and elite. Despite the 1-3 record at 185 pounds, the experiment highlighted Craig's versatility and willingness to evolve, even as the weight class proved more punishing than anticipated due to its technical demands.

Return to light heavyweight and retirement

After a four-fight stint at middleweight that yielded one victory and three defeats, Paul Craig returned to the light heavyweight division in 2025, seeking to leverage his experience and grappling prowess in a more familiar weight class. His first bout back at 205 pounds came on June 14, 2025, against Rodolfo Bellato at UFC Fight Night in Atlanta, but the contest ended in a no contest after an accidental illegal upkick from Craig struck Bellato in the final seconds of the first round, rendering Bellato unable to continue. The unusual finish drew controversy, with some questioning whether Bellato had exaggerated the impact, though Craig later defended the outcome as legitimate and expressed frustration over the inconclusive result. Craig's final appearance in the occurred on September 6, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 258 (also known as UFC ) against at the . The matchup saw Craig engage in a competitive opening round, trading strikes and attempting takedowns, but Bukauskas capitalized in the dying seconds with a devastating from the top position at 4:59, securing a victory. At 37 years old, Craig immediately announced his retirement in the cage, removing his gloves and placing them on the mat in a symbolic gesture. In post-fight interviews, Craig reflected on the relief of ending his career, citing the cumulative physical and mental toll of 18 years in professional MMA, including multiple knockouts and the pressures of consistent weight cuts and demands. He emphasized his desire to avoid returning as a diminished "MMA shadow," as he had observed in other veterans, and expressed gratitude for his accomplishments while prioritizing family and health moving forward. Craig's professional record concluded at 17-10-1 with one no contest, highlighted by his reputation as one of the division's most dangerous submission artists.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu career

Training and belt progression

Paul Craig began training in in 2012 at the age of 24, initially through an MMA class at the Scottish Hit Squad gym in , where he was introduced to the art by local coaches. This marked the start of his dedicated focus on , which quickly became the foundation of his career despite his late entry into the discipline as an adult. Under the guidance of Scottish coaches, including head instructor Brian Gallacher, Craig progressed steadily through the belt ranks, earning his blue belt within the first year of consistent training. By 2015, he had advanced to purple belt, reflecting his rapid development through rigorous drilling and sparring sessions tailored to both gi and no-gi formats. His training emphasized foundational techniques and positional control, honed at Scottish facilities like the Scottish Hit Squad before transitioning to Higher Level Martial Arts in Whitburn, where he continued under Gallacher's mentorship. Craig's promotion to brown belt followed his purple belt phase, solidifying his expertise after years of immersive practice. In June 2021, shortly after his armbar submission victory over at , Gallacher awarded him his black belt in a casual post-fight , recognizing Craig's technical proficiency and competitive application of jiu-jitsu principles. This milestone came after approximately nine years of dedicated training, underscoring his commitment to the art amid a demanding MMA schedule. Throughout his progression, Craig integrated deeply into his MMA regimen, incorporating daily drills of key submissions such as armbars, arm triangles, and leg locks to enhance his ground game effectiveness. This focus on fundamentals not only elevated his personal skill set but also established jiu-jitsu as his primary weapon in bouts.

Major competitions and achievements

Craig's competitive career gained prominence during his colored belt progression, highlighted by his victory in the Absolute category at the 2012 Scottish Challenge 4. This achievement underscored his early dominance in no-gi within Scotland's regional scene. Building on this success, Craig captured first place in the purple belt 95+ kg division at the 2015 British Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship, demonstrating his technical prowess and adaptability in gi competitions against established practitioners. As a purple belt, he also won the European Jiu-Jitsu Championship. He is a five-time Scottish BJJ champion and a five-time British BJJ champion. His performances in these events established him as a rising talent in the UK community, with consistent finishes across national tournaments that reflected his dedication to the art beyond MMA applications. After earning his black belt in June 2021 from coach Brian Gallacher following a UFC victory, Craig transitioned to elite-level submission matches. He competed at 21 in September 2022, where he was defeated by Jed Hue via ankle lock in just 21 seconds, marking a challenging test against a top-tier opponent. Later that year, in the main event of the ADCC Invitational 1, Craig faced ADCC champion Mariusz Domasat under 99 kg rules and lost by heel hook, yet the bout highlighted his resilience in professional no-gi formats. Throughout his post-black belt phase, Craig secured multiple podium positions in European IBJJF-sanctioned events and UK national championships, solidifying his reputation as one of Scotland's premier . These accomplishments, combined with his submission expertise, have cemented his legacy in the sport. Following his MMA retirement in September 2025, Craig has indicated intentions to pursue further jiu-jitsu competitions, aiming to extend his competitive footprint in .

Professional wrestling career

Debut and involvement with Insane Championship Wrestling

Paul Craig made his professional wrestling debut in November 2016 at Insane Championship Wrestling's (ICW) Fight Club event in Glasgow, Scotland, where he leveraged his rising status as a UFC fighter to create crossover appeal for the local promotion. During the show, Craig, known for his aggressive style in mixed martial arts, intervened in a match by laying out The Wee Man and clashing with wrestler Davey Blaze, drawing significant crowd reactions from Scottish fans familiar with his UFC performances. This appearance capitalized on Craig's MMA fame to boost attendance and excitement at ICW events, blending real fighting credentials with wrestling entertainment. From 2016 to 2023, Craig maintained regular guest spots with ICW, often appearing as a special attraction to interfere in matches and enhance storylines involving submission-based confrontations. In April 2017 at ICW's BarraMania 3, he was targeted by another MMA crossover figure who delivered a low blow, further integrating his real-life toughness into the promotion's narratives. These sporadic but consistent involvements allowed ICW to highlight Craig's grappling expertise, with him frequently applying armbars and other holds reminiscent of his Brazilian jiu-jitsu background during altercations. By 2023, his role expanded to include high-profile entries like the Square Go battle royal, where his surprise participation electrified the audience and solidified his status as a bridge between MMA and Scottish wrestling. Throughout his ICW tenure, Craig adopted his established "Bearjew" persona from MMA, emphasizing brutal submission techniques to differentiate himself in the and appeal to fans who appreciated the authenticity of his fighting skills. This character focus on joint locks and ground control not only entertained but also showcased how his UFC experience translated to dynamics, making him a unique draw for the promotion without pursuing a full-time schedule.

Tag team success and championships

In early 2023, Paul Craig formed a tag team partnership with fellow MMA fighter Chris Bungard in (ICW), building on their prior interactions in the promotion, including a brief clash during Craig's surprise solo entry into the 11th Annual Square Go match in . The duo, managed by Rudo Lightning, quickly earned a title opportunity when ICW announcer Rudo revealed them as challengers to the reigning ICW Champions KOE (Adam King and ) on April 13, 2023. On May 14, 2023, at the Get The F Out event in , , Craig and Bungard captured the ICW Tag Team Championships in a submission-only match against KOE, with Bungard forcing to tap out to an armbar. Their 91-day reign featured high-energy defenses that blended spectacle with authentic submission techniques, such as retaining the titles against The Manifesto (Eddie Castle and Grant McIvor) on June 18, 2023, at ICW tapings by submission. These matches emphasized rapid transitions between strikes, takedowns, and joint locks, drawing crowds with the novelty of UFC-caliber fighters adapting their ground game to the ring. The championship run concluded on August 13, 2023, at Shug's Hoose Party 8, when the titles were vacated due to Craig and Bungard's absence from the event, as announced by Rudo Lightning following discussions with ICW management; a new championship match saw The Young Team (Logan Smith and Jimmy Pierce) defeat Arcade Violence to claim the belts.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Paul Craig is married to Arbuckle, whom he proposed to in the ring after winning the Scottish light heavyweight title in 2013. The couple has kept many details of their relationship private, though Craig has occasionally mentioned Arbuckle's support in interviews during his MMA career. Craig is the father of two daughters, Millie, born around 2007, and , born in 2015 and named after Brazilian UFC fighter . To stay motivated during fights, he has a personal ritual of taping photographs of his daughters onto his gloves before entering the . Prior to his full-time commitment to MMA, Craig's role as a high school teacher in provided financial stability for his growing family. His daughters have been involved in family celebrations following his victories, reflecting the close-knit support system that underpinned his professional journey.

Post-retirement activities and legacy

Following his final MMA bout, a first-round loss to at UFC on September 6, 2025, Paul Craig announced his retirement from the sport, confirming he had no intention of returning. He cited the cumulative health impacts of a long career, including the risk of prolonged physical decline similar to that of , as a primary factor, alongside a shift in priorities toward family life. In the wake of his retirement, Craig expressed plans to resume teaching in Airdrie schools, where he previously worked as a high school educator supporting at-risk youth through vocational and physical activities. He has highlighted the role's fulfillment in providing positive guidance, particularly for children from unstable backgrounds, as a meaningful next chapter. Craig also intends to remain active in , pursuing further competitions as a black belt while expanding his coaching efforts. Post-retirement, he has returned to Higher Level in Airdrie to mentor young grapplers, focusing on youth programs to foster the next generation of Scottish talent. Craig's legacy endures as Scotland's most accomplished UFC submission specialist, with six submission victories in 21 appearances that showcased his elite prowess. His achievements have inspired a surge in local MMA participation and talent development in , while his ventures into professional wrestling, including tag team success in , demonstrated versatility and broadened combat sports appeal in the region.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts titles

Paul Craig captured the BAMMA Light Heavyweight Championship on November 14, 2015, at 23: Night of Champions, defeating defending champion Marcin Lazarz via first-round submission. This victory marked his first professional MMA title and solidified his reputation as a submission specialist in the regional promotion. Throughout his UFC tenure, Craig has earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses, primarily for highlight-reel submissions that showcased his grappling prowess. Notable among these was his March 17, 2018, performance against at UFC Fight Night 127 in , where a dramatic third-round at 4:59 earned him the $50,000 award. He secured another bonus for a first-round submission over Gadzhimurad Antigulov at UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Till on July 26, 2020, in , extending his streak of UFC finishes by submission. Craig's armbar attempt against at on June 12, 2021, in , resulted in a first-round TKO after dislocating Hill's , again netting a Performance of the Night honor. His reliance on chokes and joint locks from the bottom position has consistently highlighted his ability to turn defensive scenarios into decisive victories, contributing to eight such UFC bonuses overall.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu accolades

Paul Craig has achieved several notable accolades in competitions throughout his career.
  • Gold medal in the Absolute division at the 2012 Scottish Grappling Challenge 4 (No-Gi).
  • European World Champion in the purple belt division.
  • Five-time Scottish BJJ Champion.
  • Five-time British BJJ Champion.
  • Promoted to black belt in in June 2021 by coach Brian Gallagher following his performance.
These accomplishments highlight his status as one of Scotland's top grapplers, built on a strong foundation of consistent training at Higher Level .

Professional wrestling honors

Paul Craig's transition from to garnered recognition as a prominent crossover talent in Scottish promotions, leveraging his UFC profile to draw significant fan interest and acclaim within (ICW). A key honor came on , 2023, when Craig partnered with Chris Bungard to defeat KOE (Adam King and ) in a submission match at ICW's Get The F Out event in , , capturing the ICW Tag Team Championship. They defended the title successfully against challengers including The Manifesto before it was vacated on August 13, 2023, marking a 91-day reign that underscored Craig's impact in competition. Craig also participated in the 11th Annual Square Go battle royal on February 26, 2023, at The Garage in , entering as a surprise competitor in the 30-person match and further solidifying his reputation for blending MMA intensity with wrestling entertainment. This appearance highlighted his role in elevating ICW's crossover appeal, with his entry generating widespread buzz among fans familiar with his combat sports background.

Career records

Mixed martial arts record

Paul Craig retired from professional mixed martial arts following his final bout in September 2025, concluding his career with an overall record of 17 wins, 10 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no contest. Of his victories, 13 came by submission and 4 by TKO, with no decisions; his defeats consisted of 6 TKOs, 2 submissions, and 2 decisions. Notable among his wins were submission victories over ranked contenders like , and a knockout victory over , underscoring his grappling prowess. The following table details his complete professional fight record, listed in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
ResultRecordOpponentMethodRoundTimeEventDateVenue/Location
Loss17-10-1Modestas BukauskasKO (Elbow)15:00UFC Fight Night 258 - Imavov vs. BorralhoSep 06, 2025Accor Arena, Paris, France
NC17-10-0Rodolfo BellatoNo Contest (Illegal Upkick)14:59UFC on ESPN 69 - Usman vs. BuckleyJun 14, 2025State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Loss17-10-0Bo NickalDecision (Unanimous)35:00UFC 309 - Jones vs. MiocicNov 16, 2024Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, USA
Loss17-9-0Caio BorralhoKO (Punches)22:10UFC 301 - Pantoja vs. ErcegMay 04, 2024Farmasi Arena, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss17-8-0Brendan AllenSubmission (RNC)30:38UFC Fight Night 232 - Allen vs. CraigNov 18, 2023UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Win17-7-0Andre MunizTKO (Elbows)24:40UFC Fight Night 224 - Aspinall vs. TyburaJul 22, 2023O2 Arena, London, England
Loss16-7-0Johnny WalkerTKO (Punches)12:16UFC 283 - Teixeira vs. HillJan 21, 2023Jeunesse Arena, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss16-6-0Volkan OezdemirDecision (Unanimous)35:00UFC Fight Night 208 - Blaydes vs. AspinallJul 23, 2022O2 Arena, London, England
Win16-5-0Nikita KrylovSubmission (Triangle)13:57UFC Fight Night 204 - Volkov vs. AspinallMar 19, 2022O2 Arena, London, England
Win15-5-0Jamahal HillTKO (Elbows and Punches)11:59UFC 263 - Adesanya vs. Vettori 2Jun 12, 2021Gila River Arena, Glendale, Arizona, USA
Win14-5-0Mauricio RuaTKO (Punches)23:36UFC 255 - Figueiredo vs. PerezNov 21, 2020UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Win13-5-0Gadzhimurad AntigulovSubmission (Triangle)12:06UFC on ESPN 14 - Whittaker vs. TillJul 25, 2020Flash Forum, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Draw12-5-0Mauricio RuaDraw (Split Decision)35:00UFC Fight Night 164 - Blachowicz vs. JacareNov 16, 2019Ibirapuera Arena, São Paulo, Brazil
Win12-5-0Vinicius MoreiraSubmission (RNC)13:19UFC Fight Night 159 - Rodriguez vs. StephensSep 21, 2019Arena CDMX, Mexico City, Mexico
Loss11-5-0Alonzo MenifieldKO (Punches)13:19UFC on ESPN 3 - Ngannou vs. Dos SantosJun 29, 2019Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Win11-4-0Kennedy NzechukwuSubmission (Triangle)34:20UFC on ESPN 2 - Barboza vs. GaethjeMar 30, 2019Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio, USA
Loss10-4-0Jimmy CruteSubmission (Kimura)34:51UFC Fight Night 142 - Dos Santos vs. TuivasaDec 01, 2018Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, Australia
Win10-3-0Magomed AnkalaevSubmission (Triangle)34:59UFC Fight Night 127 - Werdum vs. VolkovMar 17, 2018The O2 Arena, London, England
Loss9-3-0Khalil RountreeKO (Punches)14:56UFC Fight Night 113 - Nelson vs. PonzinibbioJul 16, 2017SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland
Loss9-2-0Tyson PedroTKO (Elbows)14:10UFC 209 - Woodley vs. Thompson 2Mar 04, 2017T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Win9-1-0Henrique da SilvaSubmission (Armbar)21:59UFC on Fox 22 - VanZant vs. WatersonDec 17, 2016Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California, USA
Win8-1-0Marcin LazarzSubmission (Triangle Choke)13:51BAMMA 23 - Night of ChampionsNov 14, 2015Copper Box Arena, London, England
Win7-1-0Karl MooreSubmission (Guillotine Choke)20:48BAMMA 22 - Duquesnoy vs. LoughnaneSep 19, 20153Arena, Dublin, Ireland
Win6-1-0Adam WrightSubmission (Armbar)10:47Animalistic MMA - Rise of the AlphaJun 20, 2015Glasgow, Scotland
Win5-1-0Andrzej BachorzSubmission (Brabo Choke)12:37FSC 5 - FightStar Championship 5Apr 11, 2015Rzeszów, Poland
Win4-1-0Dan KoneckeTKO (Punches)14:18First Fighting Championship - ResurgenceSep 13, 2014Paisley, Scotland
Win3-1-0Jon FergusonSubmission (Triangle Choke)11:50FCC 10 - Full Contact Contender 10Jun 21, 2014Ballymena, Northern Ireland
Win2-1-0Antonio BragaSubmission (Triangle Choke)12:41UXC - Underdog Xtreme Championships 2Mar 01, 2014Belfast, Northern Ireland
Win1-1-0Brad ConwaySubmission (Triangle Choke)12:00First Fighting Championship 3Aug 24, 2013Kilmarnock, Scotland

Professional wrestling matches

Paul Craig made his professional wrestling debut in (ICW) on November 19, 2016, at , where he interfered in a match by attacking and engaging in a brawl with Davey Blaze. This appearance marked the beginning of his sporadic crossover involvement in wrestling, often partnering with fellow MMA fighter Bungard in action. Craig has competed in several ICW events up to 2023, primarily in and multi-man matches, achieving mostly victories via pins or submissions without a maintained formal record. His notable wrestling matches are highlighted below, focusing on key ICW appearances:
DateEventMatch TypeOpponentsOutcome
November 19, 2016ICW Interference/Angle & Davey BlazeInterference; attacked opponents post-match.
May 22, 2021ICW Event (unspecified)Singles ClashChris BungardUnsanctioned brawl in the ring.
February 26, 2023ICW The 11th Annual Square Go30-Man (Square Go)Multiple (29 others, including Aaron Echo, Ashton Smith)Participated; eliminated before the final.
May 14, 2023ICW Get The F Out Championship Submission MatchKOE (Adam King & ) (c)Win by submission with Chris Bungard; new ICW Champions.
June 18, 2023ICW Tapings Championship MatchThe (Eddie Castle & Grant McIvor)Win by pinfall with Chris Bungard; retained ICW Championships.
Craig and Bungard held the ICW Tag Team Championships for 91 days until they were vacated on August 13, 2023. These matches showcase Craig's integration of MMA techniques, such as submissions, into wrestling contexts, contributing to successful title reigns and high-profile crossover events.

References

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