The UFC have today announced that the main event for UFC Vegas 82 will feature Brendan Allen against Paul Craig.
The pair will headline the UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas on November 18th in what is likely to be an absolute barn-burner. So let’s take a closer look at both men, prior to their now scheduled matchup.
Paul ‘Bearjew’ Craig
Paul Craig will make his second appearance at middleweight as he aims to continue his climb through the rankings. Craig, ranked number thirteen, will look to move into the top ten with a win over Allen, who is ranked at number ten.
‘Bearjew’ made an extremely impressive start to his middleweight campaign with a second round demolition of Andre Muniz. The Scot, is widely known for his exemplary jujitsu skills but has faced some criticism in the past, particularly in his lacklustre performance against Volkan Oezdemir. On that night in London of July last year, Craig’s tactics were negative, to say the least. He was often seen, layed on his back, hoping for Oezdemir to follow him to the ground so that he could implement his preferred forte. On that night, his tactics well and truly backfired.
Craig returned to face Johnny Walker but was caught by a huge shot as can happen in any Johnny Walker fight. That appeared to bring a closure to the Scot’s light heavyweight campaign and a new chapter was opened at the weight division below. Many were sceptical about Paul moving down in weight but all doubts were put to bed on July 22nd. Craig was relentless, wasting no time going to work on Muniz. It was a ruthless display. A heavy on pour of elbows gave the referee no choice but to stop the fight.
Paul’s performance that night put the whole division on notice that there was a new player in town and his name is Paul ‘Bearjew’ Craig.
Brendan Allen
As far as tough competition for Paul Craig goes, this is right up there. Brendan Allen has been on an absolute tear of late. Allen is on a five fight winning streak with his last three all coming by rear-naked choke.
Last time out, Allen wasted no time whatsoever, dispatching Bruno Silva in round one. Prior to that, he defeated Andre Muniz late in the third and final round. Another of Allen’s other marquee wins came against Kevin Holland, whom he submitted, again by rear-naked choke.
Allen agreeing to face Craig, who is further down the rankings may surprise some. However, the numbers are only part of what is important. If Brendan Allen is able to beat Paul Craig and do so in style, then it is sure to increase his popularity and drive within the organisation. Craig has gotten quite the name for himself and holds wins over Magomed Ankalaev, Nikita Krylov and former light heavyweight king Jamahal Hill. His resume has gained him extreme popularity and limelight. Allen will be hoping to snatch all of that away and continue his ascent towards the middleweight title.
Rear-Naked or Triange?
Both of these men are extremely high level jujitsu specialists. They are in their element when the fight hits the mat. However, both men are much more than that. Both are capable on the feet and we may well see a stand-up battle to begin with. However, it will only be a matter of time before this fight hits the floor and when it does… Do not blink.
These two are rapidly quick at throwing up submission attempts and we are likely to see a very high level grappling match for the most part. However, both men are killers on the ground so don’t be surprised if this one goes early.
Will we see Paul Craig snatch the triangle on Brendan Allen. Will we see Brendan Allen take Paul Craig’s neck? One thing is for certain, this fight will be high level. It will be full of excitement. This is a case of both men wanting to test their jujitsu against the others. Keep your eyes open. Do not take a toilet break, make a cup of tea or grab a beer. Until this fight is over.
