Making an attempt to rebound in enemy territory is just not excellent for Paul Craig, however he’s used to beating the percentages.
Craig (17-7-1 MMA, 9-7-1 UFC) meets Brazil’s Caio Borralho (15-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) on Saturday’s UFC 301 (Pay-per-view/ESPN/ESPN+) most important card opener at Farmasi Area in Rio de Janeiro.
Craig is a giant underdog in opposition to streaking rising contender Borralho. He admits that he sees the matchup as an try by the UFC to make him lose, however relishes the chance to play spoiler.
“You’ve bought to be trustworthy with your self if you have a look at the opponent you’re up in opposition to,” Craig informed MMA Junkie. “He’s youthful. He’s Brazilian. They’re taking a Scottish man to Brazil.
“After all it’s not going to be a good battle, however we have now constructed our profession within the UFC over upsets. I’ve had just a few upsets over individuals who I’ve anticipated to lose to, and risen to the event and bought the victory, and that’s what I’m going to do that weekend.”
These names occur to be the likes of none apart from former champion Jamahal Hill and prime contender Magomed Ankalaev, each whom Craig completed throughout his gentle heavyweight tenure.
Craig praised Borralho’s heavy arms and grappling expertise, however thinks one main factor separates them.
“He doesn’t have that Paul Craig grit,” Craig stated. “He doesn’t have that Paul Craig loopy jiu-jitsu – take a few pictures and get a submission. That’s what he doesn’t have, and I don’t consider he’s got here up in opposition to an opponent like myself. He’s got here up in opposition to good wrestlers, good jiu-jitsu, good boxers, and he’s risen to the event.
“He’s had 5 fights within the UFC, and now he’s bought a chance to just about – I’d deem myself the gatekeeper of most divisions. If he can beat Paul Craig, you get to progress up the division. I’m going to go on the market and provides it my all.”
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