UFC London: Paul Craig Is The Dark Horse Of The Light Heavyweight Division

Let’s be honest: everyone loves Paul Craig, including the fans, the UFC roster, and even his adversaries for the most part. However, the matchmakers seem to have an itch for booking Craig against nothing but absolute killers.

I can confidently say that Paul Craig might be the most underrated contender across all weight classes in the company. And a jaw-dropping fact seems to be flying across every fan’s radar: Paul Craig has never won by decision. You read it correctly. Sixteen wins. Sixteen finishes.

Another thing that seems to be forgotten about Craig’s career trajectory is that “Bearjew” is on a six-fight unbeaten streak. What’s most impressive is that everyone knows what Paul Craig will do ahead of every fight, Pulling guard then actively and aggressively hunting for submissions off his back. However, no one seems to be able to do anything about it.

Craig had everything but an easy start to his UFC career, going 2-5 in his first seven bouts. However, the dicy start forced Craig to dig deep and find a potent reason to elevate his game.

When the thirty-four-year-old was asked about his newfound purpose, he said: “I just want to be remembered as a legend in Scotland. Who knows, with all my comeback wins, I might be remembered as a legend worldwide. I don’t care about money. I just to be remembered as a legend.”

When you think of the most promising contenders in the light heavyweight division, names like Jamahl Hill and Magomed Ankalaev would probably top any list. Guess what? “Bearjew” has wins over both contenders, making him the only man to ever finish both fighters. That speaks volumes about the underrated skillset of Craig.

This Saturday, Paul Craig squares off against the heavy-handed “No Time” Volkan Oezdemir. When I look at this matchup, one word sums it all up, momentum.

Oezdemir has lost five of his last seven fights. On the other hand, Craig is entering this matchup riding a six-fight unbeaten streak. Moreover, Volkan hasn’t won a fight in over three years. Also, Oezdemir holds one victory over one fighter in the top fifteen. That one win over Aleksandar Rakic was a controversial split decision win that most writers and fans scored in favour of Rakic.

That being said, Oezdemir is more than capable of upsetting the apple cards with one shot. So, in all actuality, you have to favour Craig heading into the matchup even though he is currently the betting underdog(+138).

Aside from Oezdemir landing a flush shot early, I can’t see him outclassing Craig over three rounds, mainly because he hasn’t been in the best form since losing to Daniel Cormier almost five years ago. Activity is priceless, and Craig has been active, finishing his last four bouts in dramatic, spectacular fashion.

Paul Craig has never won by decision, and Oezdemir hasn’t won a fight by decision in almost six years. So, more than likely, someone is going to sleep in this one.