UFC Sacramento: Paul Craig Interview “I always fight to finish”

Scottish Hit Squad fighter, Paul Craig, makes his long awaited UFC debut this Saturday night in Sacramento, California at UFC on Fox 22. We caught up with him just before the fight to see how the transition to the UFC has been, talk about his upcoming opponent and see what his goals are for 2017.

Last time we spoke, I think we were talking about your opponent’s pulling out and trying to get fights, now you are in the UFC, what is the excitement/anticipation like knowing that you have the best fighters in the world there for you to compete against.

I have found some of the best fighters are not in the UFC yet. These guys are working hard to get to that point. It’s just another day in the office.

How has the transition from being the BAMMA light heavyweight champion to UFC light heavyweight fighter been, seamless or has it been a stressful time? 

Once the paper work and visa has been taken care off. It’s pretty much clean sailing. Really enjoying the experience being over in sac.

With the move to the UFC do you feel any more pressure to perform on your debut or is it a case of get in, get the job done and get settled.

 I always fight to finish I’m here to get the job done in the most effective fashion. I’ll do my best to entertain all the Scottish fans.

 Your opponent is Brazilian Luis Henrique da Silva, some fans may expect two big grapplers going at it but Silva has been knocking people out recently, do you feel your high-level ground game is going to be a good counter to his stand-up? 

I believe my striking is going to the counter to his striking. Don’t be surprised if he attempts his first takedown in the UFC.

 Have you been working on anything different for this fight camp? 

If it’s not broke don’t try and fix it. Just constantly improving in all areas. Working my ass off.

 How does it feeling traveling to California in December for your UFC debut, Christmas come early?

 Yeah, it’s great we have been treating like a holiday but I miss my family back home. Looking forward to seeing my girls. 

Obviously, you have been training constantly for this fight but how has life outside of the gym been, has being signed to the UFC opened up any new doors for you

 I’m the same as everybody else I put my pants on one leg at a time. I go to work on a Monday train morning noon and night.

 With 2016 coming to a close, what are your goals for 2017? 

 Headline UFC Scotland and break into the top 10 UFC rankings.

 

I would like to thank Brian, James Gallacher, Lawrence Murphy, Marcos Nardini, Steven Houston, Davie McDonald and Andrew Cameron.

Nathan Jessimer, James and Gerry Green for coming over.

Kings management for making this happen.

My sponsors:

• Liam Rafferty Hell Cat graphics
• Strefford and Tulips lawyers
• Currie joinery
• Premier stores
• Nadeem Sarwar
• The dapper gent
• Lanarkshire life insurance

And all the Scottish Hit Squad team members that helped me with this camp.

 

 

Catch Paul at UFC Fight Night: VanZant vs. Waterson live on BT Sport 2 from 10pm GMT on Saturday, December 17, early Prelims on UFC Fight Pass from 8:30pm GMT.

Follow Paul @PCraigmma