November 15, 2023 7:00 pm ET
LAS VEGAS– Paul Craig understands what his UFC Fight Night 232 centerpiece match vs. Brendan Allen appears like on paper, however he does not see it going that method.
Craig (17-6-1 MMA, 9-6-1 UFC) and Allen (22-5 MMA, 10-2 UFC), who fulfill in Saturday’s middleweight headliner that streams on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex, are 2 of the most tested unsafe fighters in the department when it concerns grappling abilities.
That would result in the presumption they will go tit-for-tat on the mat up until one dominates, however Craig does not see it that method.
“This is among those fights where individuals state, ‘It’s going to be a grappling fight’– I do not think that,” Craig informed MMA Junkie and other press reporters at Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 232 media day. “I think this fight is quite going to be a stand-up fight. Who is going to manage the range? Who is going to manage the octagon? From that, who is going to capitalize with these heavy shots. Enforcing damage, enforcing will, and from that, it’ll be then ended on the ground. It’ll be won on the feet, ended on the ground.”
If it does show to be a stand-up affair, Craig is positive he’ll prosper there. His striking has actually been dismissed as low-level in the past, specifically from an important analysis from UFC light-weight Renato Moicano.
Craig hears those who minimize his capability in that location, he stated he understands what he’s really capable of, and anticipates to reveal it versus Allen.
“When fighters provide you any criticism, you certainly wish to reveal them that they’re incorrect,” Craig stated. “But till you’ve had any of the smoke, you sort of simply sit there despite the fighter. If you capture these hands, you’ll understand how great the striking is. We’ve revealed twinkles of hope in our striking. We do not require to be an excellent striker, you simply require to be an excellent jiu-jitsu specialist. We’ve revealed that as a light heavyweight. We’ve beaten numerous of the leading grapplers in the light heavyweight department. And after that we clearly beat (Andre) Muniz, who is an extremely top-level grappler. When it comes to showcasing my skill, I’ve currently showcased that. The number of guys’ arms has he broken?”
After investing the totality of his UFC profession at light heavyweight, Craig moved down to 185 pounds in July and won his launching with a second-round TKO of Andre Muniz at UFC Fight Night 224.
Craig stated the 2nd weight cut to the department has actually just been smoother, and from that point of view, his physical shape ought to just be much better this time around.
At 35, Craig stated he just has “6 to 8” battles left in his profession, and he understands this is the time to make a run. He’s being client in his method, and plans to go detailed up until he arrives.
“It’s now about resetting brand-new objectives and getting to that title,” Craig stated. “I understand it’s close. I understand I’m in the mix. I’ve been provided a chance, however what you can’t do, is appearance previous your challenger who is standing in front of you. … So I require to be concentrated on Brendan Allen.”
For more on the card, check out MMA Junkie’s occasion center for UFC Fight Night 232
Make certain to check out the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of blended martial arts.
Discover more from CaveNews Times
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.