UFC Sacramento: Scotland’s Paul Craig makes dream debut with submission win
Former BAMMA light-heavyweight champion steps into the Octagon after a one-year hiatus to score a memorable win on his UFC debut
UNDEFEATED Scot Paul 'Bearjew' Craig announced himself as a dangerous new prospect in the UFC's light-heavyweight division with an eye-catching debut win at UFC on FOX 22 in Sacramento on Saturday night.
Craig put his undefeated 8-0 record on the line against fellow undefeated prospect Henrique da Silva (12-0) in the night's featured preliminary bout.
And the teacher-turned-fighter took the Brazilian knockout artist to school with a dominant display, culminating in an armbar submission in the second round.
Craig dominated the opening round, using his underrated striking game to bust up the Brazilian, leaving da Silva with a cut over his eye.
And in the second the Scot turned to his grappling skills, pulling guard and allowing da Silva to achieve top position.
But Craig had plans for 'Frankenstein' on the mat, however, as he looked to lock up a triangle choke then, as the Brazilian tried to scramble free, transitioned into an armbar, forcing da Silva to tap out.
"My ground game is where it’s at," Craig told UFC analyst Brian Stann after his impressive win.
"Anyone who takes me down is going to get subbed."
That's no empty boast, with Craig possessing a remarkable career full of fight finishes.
The 'Bearjew' has nine career bouts, with all nine finishing victorious inside the distance with EIGHT of them coming by way of submission. The only other fight finishing by first-round TKO.
