Wednesday, March 27

Paul Craig eyes Glasgow homecoming against Anthony Smith after clinching big win at UFC London


Paul Craig eyes Glasgow homecoming against Anthony Smith after Scot caught Nikita Krylov in his spider’s web to move closer to a light heavyweight title shot at UFC London – and fan-favourite downs a PINT on his way out of the Octagon!

Paul Craig was the Briton least likely to emerge from UFC London with a victory – according to the bookies – but the feisty Scot upset the odds with a sensational victory over Nikita Krylov at the O2 Arena. 

Craig, ranked No 11 in the light-heavyweight rankings, was just a couple of wins away from a title shot prior to Saturday night’s affair, so it came as a surprise when he told media that he was looking to wrap up his career by the end of the year.

But Bearjew showed absolutely no intent of winding things down as he put in a terrific performance to defeat No 9 ranked Krylov in a thrilling first round which saw the Scot in real trouble.

The powerful Ukrainian looked to have Craig right where he wanted him in the opening five minutes, with the Scot flat on his back and taking damaging shots to the head that appeared to rock him.

Yet the 34-year-old weathered the storm and used his world class jiu jitsu to catch Krylov in his spider’s web, securing a triangle choke from his back and forcing the Ukrainian to tap.

It was a seismic result that sees Craig well in contention for a shot at the title further down the line, with a fairly open light heavyweight division in front of him. On his way backstage, Craig was seen downing a pint handed to him from a fan, further endearing himself to the masses.

Craig was the betting underdog as he took on No 9 ranked Nikita Krylov on the prelims

Craig was the betting underdog as he took on No 9 ranked Nikita Krylov on the prelims

However, he weathered the storm to secure a triangle choke submission to wild fanfare

However, he weathered the storm to secure a triangle choke submission to wild fanfare

And the Scot has urged the UFC to give him a Glasgow homecoming this summer against No 8-ranked Anthony Smith.

‘This is an entertaining sport. Were you entertained?’ Craig asked the London crowd to much fanfare. ‘Hulk Hogan, he used to get pumped off all that [taking big shots].

‘Glasgow. June. Anthony Smith. Five rounds.’  

He later said backstage: ‘I’ve been in the sport a long time, it sets you up for this stuff. Emotionally, I’m ready. When I joined I was very green, very naive. Now I can control my emotions and use them in fights. 

‘What a sport, one minute you’re taking heavy ground and pound, the next you’re whispering in his ear. I told him: “It’s over”. Sitting here right now, this is something people never experience and I get to do it regularly. 

‘I believe the UK have the demand for MMA. We see this on this card. It’s stacked with European and UK talent. Why would we not come back? This sport is meant to be watched live, not on the couch the next morning. 

‘It’s not meant to be up at 5 in the morning feeling knackered. I am a massive advocate for more UK fights, I am pushing this.’ 

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