Inspa Kyoto – Craig, the revered Scottish UFC fighter, has officially retired from mixed martial arts after a dramatic knockout defeat at UFC Paris. His clash against Modestas Bukauskas ended with a crushing elbow in the final second of the first round, marking the end of a 29-fight career that captivated fans worldwide. Known for his grappling dominance and fierce finishing ability, Craig exits the sport as Scotland’s most successful fighter in UFC history. Throughout his UFC tenure, he secured nine wins, most of which came through spectacular stoppages. Notably, he holds submission victories over current champion Magomed Ankalaev and former champ Jamahal Hill. Though he was defeated in his final bout, the Accor Arena erupted in applause as he left his gloves on the canvas and offered heartfelt thanks to the crowd. This emotional farewell sealed the legacy of a warrior who never backed down, whether in victory or defeat.
Craig carved out his legacy as a grappling phenom, establishing his submission game as one of the most dangerous in the UFC’s light-heavyweight division. With six of his UFC wins achieved via submission, only Glover Teixeira surpasses him in that category within the weight class. Craig’s signature triangle choke became a feared weapon, with four of his UFC victories ending through that maneuver. His aggressive approach and fearless ground game made him a fan favorite.
Craig rarely depended on decision wins, and he consistently delivered action-packed bouts that usually ended before the final bell. He launched his submission attempts with clinical precision and explosive transitions that thrilled fans. In his final fight, he aimed for a triangle choke during the last seconds of the round, but Bukauskas defended effectively and responded with a knockout strike. Craig’s techniques shaped his legacy and showcased his lasting influence on the sport.
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Craig’s peak years between 2019 and 2022 were filled with excitement and dominance. During that period, he enjoyed a five-fight win streak that elevated his reputation and brought him close to title contention. His victory over Jamahal Hill, where he broke Hill’s arm before finishing with strikes, stands out as one of the most brutal and memorable moments in UFC history. Craig’s performances during his prime showcased his unique ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, making every appearance must-watch entertainment.
However, after that impressive run, a sharp decline followed. Coming into UFC Paris, Craig had only one win in his last eight outings. His form dipped, and opponents increasingly found ways to counter his grappling. The sport evolved rapidly, and younger, faster fighters began to close the gap. It became evident that Craig’s time in the sport was nearing its natural conclusion as the toll of nearly a decade of battles began to show.
Craig’s final moment in the octagon was as emotional as it was dramatic. In the last 10 seconds of the opening round against Bukauskas, Craig pulled guard in search of a submission — a move that had brought him glory in the past but would become his downfall this time. On the ground, he attempted to secure his famous triangle choke, but Bukauskas remained composed and avoided danger.
With just one second left, a sharp elbow landed cleanly, knocking Craig out cold. Doctors immediately attended to the dazed and bleeding veteran while Bukauskas showed respect, kneeling beside him in a touching moment of sportsmanship. Once Craig regained composure, he removed his gloves and placed them solemnly on the canvas. The crowd inside Accor Arena rose to their feet and responded with thunderous applause. His farewell speech, delivered with dignity, echoed the sentiments of a proud fighter who knew his time had come.
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Craig’s retirement marks the end of an era for UK MMA, as he becomes the second major British fighter to retire in 2025, following Molly McCann’s decision to step away in March. Fellow fighters and fans across the MMA world expressed admiration and respect for Craig’s contributions. UFC bantamweight star Aljamain Sterling praised the Scotsman’s career, while heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall took to social media to highlight Craig’s impact. Aspinall emphasized that Craig had accomplished feats that many only dream of in the UFC. Across the UK MMA scene, Craig’s name is synonymous with perseverance, grit, and thrilling finishes. His journey from unknown beginnings to headlining international events has inspired a new generation of fighters. While titles may have eluded him, the legacy Craig leaves behind cannot be measured in belts but in the passion, excitement, and respect he brought to the cage throughout his career.
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