Attempting to rebound in enemy territory shouldn’t be perfect 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+) predominant card opener at Farmasi Area in Rio de Janeiro.
Craig is an enormous underdog towards 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 received to be sincere with your self while you take a look at the opponent you’re up towards,” Craig advised 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 combat, however we’ve got constructed our profession within the UFC over upsets. I’ve had a number of upsets over individuals who I’ve anticipated to lose to, and risen to the event and received the victory, and that’s what I’m going to do that weekend.”
These names occur to be the likes of none aside from former champion Jamahal Hill and prime contender Magomed Ankalaev, each whom Craig completed throughout his gentle heavyweight tenure.
Craig praised Borralho’s heavy fingers 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 photographs and get a submission. That’s what he doesn’t have, and I don’t imagine he’s got here up towards an opponent like myself. He’s got here up towards 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 received 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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