The UFC will be landing in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil as UFC 301 is set to happen. During the event, Brazil’s Caio Borralho will look to impress his home crowd when he takes on Scotland’s Paul Craig.
Paul Craig Overview
Paul Craig will be able to add another impressive name to his record this weekend. This is due to the Scotsmen having defeated former and future champions. This has included Jamahal Hill who clinched the UFC Light Heavyweight Title but had to vacate the title due to injury. Hill also failed to reclaim his title back at UFC 300 when he lost to Alex Pereira.
Craig started his career in the light heavyweight division by defeating some big names. These names include Jamahal Hill, Mauricio Rua and Nikita Krylov. However, Paul Craig was never able to be consistent with his victories which led him to move down to the middleweight division. Since moving down to the middleweight division he was able to get a stoppage victory against André Muniz in the 2nd round. However, in his 2nd fight down at the middleweight he was submitted by title contender Brendan Allen in the 3rd round. However, Craig will look to get back on the right track when he takes on Caio Borralho this weekend.
Craig’s Skillset
Paul Craig’s defence isn’t the greatest. This is due to Paul Craig only able to defend 45% of significant strikes and absorbing 2.86 strikes per minute. With his grappling as well he falls to his knees when he goes for a double leg takedown. On average, Craig secures 1.76 takedowns per fight and has a takedown accuracy of 23%. While Craig isn’t the greatest at the takedowns he does have a good grappling record as 13 (76%) of his victories coming by way of submission. Craig has shown he does have the skills that are needed as he was able to get into the Top 10 in the rankings in 2 different divisions.
While the match-ups in the past have never looked good on paper, this match-up isn’t an impossible fight for him. This is due to Caio Borralho not being a fearsome puncher. This means that Paul Craig will be able to feel more comfortable in advancing behind his combinations and kicks. During his UFC Career, we haven’t seen Borralho’s takedown defence tested. As of so far Borralho takedown defence is currently at 57% so there is a chance Craig is able to muscle him down to the floor to use his ground game.
If this doesn’t go according to plan then, Craig will be able to hit his opponents reasonably hard. This is due to him being the light heavyweight division before. Paul Craig’s aggression could even draw a takedown attempt out of Borralho which would get Paul Craig onto the floor which is where he wants to be.
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