Scottish fighter Paul Craig is heading into the octagon this weekend under significant pressure. Sunday morning`s fight at UFC Vegas 106 will mark his 20th appearance in the promotion.
Craig faces an unprecedented situation in his nearly nine-year UFC career, having lost his last three fights consecutively.
His opponent, Brazilian powerhouse Rodolfo Bellato, stands between the Airdrie native and a crucial victory needed as this is the final fight on Craig`s current contract.
Craig openly admitted in an exclusive interview with SunSport that a loss in the upcoming Las Vegas showdown could potentially mean the end of his career in the top MMA promotion.
“In the UFC, you have to win. That`s the essence of this sport and what matters in the octagon,” he stated.
He continued, “The extra activities like media are minor parts of this job. The real measure is your performance in the octagon. Coming off three losses, even against tough opponents like Brendan Allen (top 15) and Caio Borralho (seen by some as a future champion), puts me in a difficult spot.” Regarding the Bo Nickal fight, he added, “I wasn`t beaten, I defeated myself in that fight. You`re always concerned about your next contract.”
Craig is acutely aware of the stakes. “This is one of those moments where if I don`t perform Saturday night against Rodolfo Bellato, there`s a significant chance the UFC won`t re-sign me,” he admitted. “That fear is a major motivator for me.”
Drawing a parallel to a past crucial fight, he mentioned, “It`s a similar situation to when I fought Magomed Ankalaev and secured a victory in the final fight of that contract period. I`m at another all-or-nothing point in my life.”
“It`s a question of, `Do you want to be a UFC fighter? Or do you want to return to a nine-to-five job, perhaps teaching or working in a gym?`” he reflected. “And I genuinely believe I still have what it takes to be a UFC fighter and potentially a light heavyweight champion. So, Saturday is everything.”
While hoping to show his best form, Craig acknowledged the unpredictability of fight night. “I`d love to promise you`ll see a completely different Paul Craig, but you never know what happens in the moment. However, I`m definitely going out there fighting with everything I`ve got, seeking that win.”
Despite his current losing streak, Craig has a history of overcoming adversity and delivering standout performances when under pressure. Notable examples include his last-second submission victory over future light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev and his dominant TKO win over middleweight contender Andre Muniz, both occurring after previous losses.
“I truly believe that pressure brings out the best in Paul Craig,” he asserted. “There`s a meme online that says, `Paul Craig can beat anyone on any given night.` And it`s true; I have the capability to defeat anyone placed before me. As long as I`m fully focused and there`s sufficient external pressure, I rise to the challenge. I anticipate this being one of those moments.”
To overcome Bellato, a strong contender and former LFA champion who earned his spot through Dana White`s Contender Series, Craig acknowledges he needs to be exceptionally sharp. While impressed by Bellato`s early UFC performances, Craig feels he has identified a potential weakness in the Brazilian fighter.
“He`s a fantastic mixed martial artist,” Craig said of the 29-year-old. “He recently had a draw. He trains with top guys like Alex Pereira. He possesses a very solid jiu-jitsu game and strong stand-up striking.”
However, Craig added, “What he lacks is that warrior`s spirit, that deep-seated determination. He doesn`t have that fighting blood flowing through him that I believe I possess. And that`s what I plan to demonstrate Saturday night.”
That ability to pick ourselves back up and keep driving forward and looking for our victories.
Securing a victory against Bellato with his career on the line won`t just ensure his continued presence in the UFC; it will prevent him from stepping away from the sport altogether. The gravity of this must-win fight in the desert will undoubtedly remain a heavy burden on his mind until the outcome is decided.
“This needs to be a win for my UFC career`s survival,” he emphasized. “It`s the last fight on my contract, and I absolutely want to continue being a fighter. I honestly believe that I`m improving with age, especially in my jiu-jitsu skills. I`m constantly learning.”
“I feel I`m a much better version of a mixed martial artist now compared to when I started. That`s what drives me to stay in this sport,” Craig explained. “As I mentioned, there`s considerable pressure coming off three losses. I need this win, or this game is over for Paul Craig in the UFC.”
Elton Marrow 
Gideon Holt