The main card of UFC 301 opens with a middleweight bout between Paul Craig and Caio Borralho. This matchup brings together two skilled fighters with contrasting styles and recent career trajectories.
Caio Borralho Starches Paul Craig Cold at UFC 301 (VIDEO)
Paul “Bearjew” Craig, “Bearjew,” holds a record of 17-7-1, with a reputation for dramatic finishes, particularly via submission. He has secured numerous Performance of the Night bonuses and has shown his ability to turn fights around when least expected. Although Craig is 1-3 in his last four fights, his background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and his height and reach advantage in the middleweight division makes him a dangerous opponent. Craig’s experience and strategic ground game will be key components he’ll look to use against Borralho.
Caio Borralho
Caio Borralho enters this fight with an impressive record of 15-1, maintaining an undefeated streak since his early career loss. Since joining the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series, Borralho has shown versatility and resilience, compiling a series of wins that have rapidly ascended him up the rankings. Known for his striking and ability to finish fights, Borralho has been equally effective on the ground with multiple submission victories. He will look to use his striking and agility to keep the fight in his favour against the taller Craig.
Fight Analysis
This fight poses sees a clash of styles, with Craig’s dangerous submissions vs Borralho’s striking ability. Craig’s strategy will likely involve using his ground game to neutralize Borralho’s stand-up. Borralho will probably aim to keep the fight standing, where he can use his striking to control the pace and possibly secure a finish.
Round 1s and 2 saw Craig completely outclassed and outgunned on the feet. The Bearjew was constantly being pinged by jabs and crosses every time he went for the bodykick. Craigs technical limitations on the feet have once gain been shown . Borralho’s striking proved to be the difference scoring a 2nd round KO after wobbling Craig multiple times in rounds 1 and 2. After this Craig should really reconsider retirement or moving back up to 205.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
