“That’s what I need. I do my best work when my back’s against the wall. That’s why this fight is ideal for me,” Paul Craig stated during the UFC Fight Night 256 media day. He’s well aware that the sword of being cut from the promotion hangs closer than most realize. The spirit, however, hasn’t died. Still, there’s an underlying fear that going without a win this weekend is not an option.

The Scotsman has carried the tag of being a veteran for many years. He still holds a submission win over the current UFC light heavyweight champion, Magomed Ankalaev, and is set to make his 20th appearance for the promotion, a feat worthy of legend. However, Craig’s career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. His last victory came against André Muniz back in 2023, which itself followed two consecutive losses. Now, he’s on a three-fight losing streak, only adding to the pressure. 

The 37-year-old is set to face Rodolfo Bellato at this weekend’s Fight Night’s co-main event, fully aware that the stakes are sky-high, with potentially his UFC contract on the line. Speaking to Chisanga Malata on his YouTube video, Craig said: “100% The way UFC works, you need to be [keep] winning. This sport is about what you do in that octagon. It’s not about the extra media you do or all the ability to chat. It’s a very small part of the job. It’s about what happens in that octagon. 

That’s absolutely right. Media duties are part of the job, but they must match what happens inside the Octagon in a light heavyweight bout. Paul Craig has had several chances to pull ahead, but setbacks have followed him. His move to middleweight was seen as smart, and while losses came against tough opponents, it was the Bo Nickal fight that stung most, the one he truly felt he shouldn’t have lost. 

He added: “It wasn’t like I got beaten off by no names. I mean, I was beat off my Brendan Allen, who is in the top 15, he’s right in the mix. I got beat off Ciao Borralho the same, some say he’s gonna be the next champion in that division. And when you look at Bo Nickal, I was never beat, I beat myself in the Bo Nickal fight. So, you’re always worried about your next contract. That is kind of one of these moments where if you don’t perform at the Saturday night against Rodolfo Bellato, there’s a good chance the UFC won’t take me back up.”

Losses to top middleweight contenders like Caio Borralho and Brendan Allen are generally seen as respectable. But the Bo Nickal fight may have actually hurt Craig’s standing even more. Entering as a +730 underdog, it was a golden opportunity to flip his career trajectory with an upset. However, Nickal just stood up with his hands, knowing the Scot won’t shoot himself, and won the fight without scoring a single takedown. 

Since that didn’t happen, the fight against Bellato becomes even more critical. It’s hard to say if he’ll be cut, but a standout performance, even without a win, might just keep him in the game. However, his opponent looks strong and focused, eager to score the biggest win of his career against a legend like Paul Craig. 

Rodolfo Bellato is confident of a win over Paul Craig

Rodolfo Bellato, still relatively new to the UFC, is a rising prospect. His last fight against Jimmy Crute ended in a draw, but it hasn’t shaken his confidence. Now, he’s preparing to face Paul Craig in the 205 lbs weight class. The Scot still holds the record for most submission wins in the division, so the danger remains, even if he’s not in peak form. Still, the Brazilian believes victory is within his reach.

During the UFC Fight Night 256 media day, he said: “The fight starts standing. It starts on our feet, and there’s a whole process for him to be able to take me down. I know he’s got submission wins and he’s a jiu-jitsu guy, but you can’t forget that I’m also a black belt, so it’s not going to be that easy for him, either.”

With just two UFC fights under his belt, the Brazilian is already stepping into a tough, high-stakes matchup. One that could significantly boost his place in the rankings. He’ll no doubt be ready for the challenge. His second-round ground-and-pound win over Ihor Potieria shocked many and showcased his potential. He’ll be looking to replicate that performance, though it hasn’t stopped him from showing respect for Craig as a veteran. 

He continued: “It’s a great matchup for me. We can create a good strategy around him, a good game plan. He’s got a great name, so it’s all good for me. He was ranked No. 8 in this division. He’s a guy that’s got a big name, so I’m so sure this is a fight that’s going to get me closer to the rankings and is going to get my name out there, too.”

The Apex card is looking solid in its own right with some awesome fights. And with a veteran vs prospect co-main event, it’s turning about to be even more eye-catching. With that being said, do you think Paul Craig will be able to revive himself? Or will Bellato prove to be more than a tough challenge? Comment your thoughts below.