Paul Craig: The British UFC Star You Need to Follow

If you’ve been scrolling through UFC fight cards, you’ve probably seen Paul Craig’s name pop up a lot lately. The 31‑year‑old from Liverpool has built a reputation as a crafty submission specialist who can finish a fight out of nowhere. In this guide we break down his background, recent performances, training habits and what’s coming up next, so you’ll know exactly why he’s a must‑watch on every event.

Who Is Paul Craig?

Paul Craig started training in martial arts at the age of 12, mixing judo, Brazilian jiu‑jitsu and boxing. He turned pro in 2014 and quickly earned a reputation for pulling off slick arm‑triangle chokes and rear‑naked submissions. After a strong run in the European circuit, the UFC signed him in 2018. Since then he’s racked up a mix of knockout power and slick grappling that keeps opponents guessing.

Recent Fight Highlights

Craig’s last three UFC appearances show why fans love him. In March 2024 he stunned Yushin with a third‑round arm‑triangle, earning a Performance‑of‑the‑Night bonus. A month later he survived a dangerous scramble against Rashid and secured a split‑decision win, proving he can grind out tough fights when the submission isn’t there. His most recent bout against Anderson ended in a first‑round knockout – a reminder that he’s also got the striking to finish fights standing.

Those results push his record to 16‑5, with 10 wins coming by submission. That ratio places him among the top British grapplers in the UFC light‑heavyweight division.

What’s next? The UFC has hinted at a possible showdown with Jimmy Crute at the upcoming London event. Both fighters love the ground game, so fans are expecting a tactical battle that could end in another highlight‑reel finish.

Outside the octagon, Craig runs a weekly open‑mat session at Gotham Fight Club in Liverpool. He’s known for breaking down complex BJJ concepts into simple drills, which makes him a popular guest coach on local MMA podcasts. If you’re looking to improve your own submission game, his YouTube tutorials on arm‑triangles are worth a watch.

Training wise, Craig follows a three‑phase routine: strength‑focused weightlifting on Monday and Thursday, high‑intensity striking on Tuesday and Friday, and rolling sparring on Wednesday and Saturday. He swears by a protein‑rich diet – chicken, sweet potatoes, and a lot of leafy greens – and limits processed carbs a week before a fight to keep weight cuts smoother.

Fans often wonder why Craig stays so calm before big fights. He credits mindfulness and a short meditation practice he picked up from a former wrestling teammate. A 10‑minute breathing session the night before a bout helps him stay focused and avoid pre‑fight anxiety.

For anyone tracking his career, the key stats to watch are his submission accuracy (currently 55%) and his significant strike accuracy (around 47%). Both numbers have been trending upward since his 2022 breakout win, indicating a well‑rounded evolution from pure grappler to a more balanced mixed‑martial artist.

Bottom line: Paul Craig isn’t just a one‑trick pony. His blend of grappling, knockout power and disciplined preparation makes each of his fights feel like an event you can’t miss. Keep an eye on the UFC schedule, and you’ll likely see Craig back in the spotlight sooner rather than later.