Paul Craig heads to Rio De Janeiro on May 4th to fight Caio Borralho at UFC 301
The UFC returns to Brazil for the first time in over a year for UFC 301 Alexandre Pantoja V Steve Erceg. Whilst the card may lack in current stars, there are plenty of names to look forward to like Antony Smith, Michel Pereira, Paul Craig and the return of UFC hall of famer Jose Aldo.
Paul Craig Prefers Wild Brazil Crowd to Hometown in Scotland
Paul ‘BearJew’ Craig (17-7-1) has been somewhat of a household name in the UFC known for upsetting rising prospects with his relentless submission threats. When it comes to Craig’s grappling prowess the wins speak for themselves defeating Magomed Ankalaev, Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua and former Interim Light-Heavyweight Champion Jamahal Hill. He has however shown difficulty dominating when the fight stays on the feet. He decided to move down a division to Middleweight last year after a KO loss to Johnny Walker at UFC 283, the last time the a UFC Pay-Per-View went to Brazil.
Caio ‘The Natural’ Borralho (15-1) has been an unstoppable force in the UFC Middleweight division with a perfect 5-0 record since joining from Dana White’s Contender Series in October 2021. Displaying that Grappling is his forte it will be interesting to see how he fares against BJJ specialist ‘BearJew’.
Craig on Brazil vs. Scotland
When speaking with TalkSport MMA Paul Craig said that he prefers to fight in Brazil despite it being “one of the worst places you can go”.
“They chant this phrase that means ‘you’re going to die’ and they just keep chanting it. It’s hard because you’re going out there looking for the upset, you’re trying to not allow the emotions to get above themselves, it’s difficult in Brazil.”
Though Brazilian fans are quick to show that you are not welcome, the Scottish veteran claims that fighting in his native country of Scotland is “worse”.
“But even worse than fighting in Brazil, is fighting in Glasgow. It’s the polar opposite, too much love. People are chanting and want you to do so well and it’s like if you’re a homegrown talent fighting in your hometown, and that night in Glasgow, I was consumed by the love.”
The last time he fought in Glasgow he suffered a devastating finish at the hands of MMA marauder Khalil Rountree Jr. showing that being the crowds favorite is not always an advantage.
Will Paul Craig flip the script yet again by upsetting another rising talent in the UFC as he returns to enemy territory of Brazil.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
