Paul – I’m not done

Beaten Paul vows to fight on

Defeated UFC fighter remains determined

Airdrie UFC star Paul Craig insists his “adventure isn’t over” despite losing in the dying seconds of a hardfought bout in Australia at the weekend.

The 31- year- old took on Jimmy Crute in UFC Adelaide on Saturday and was forced to tap out with just 10 seconds of the final round remaining.

The 22- year- old from Melbourne closed the show with a reverse arm lock on Craig, who admitted he was “exhausted” by that point of proceedings.

Paul last fought in March against Magomed Ankalaev, when he won in a similar way.

But after tasting defeat down under, he is motivated to make the most of the three fights remaining on his UFC contract.

Paul told the Advertiser: “Someone has to lose and unfortunately this time it was me.

“I controlled the fight but just didn’t have the energy to burst out of the submission at that point.

“It took some time to acclimatise in Australia and the travelling took a bit out of me with regards to preparation.

“I felt great on the day of the fight though.

“I gave everything for 15 minutes and he was just happy to lie on top of me.

“He realised my stand- up fighting was a lot better than he expected, so that’s what he turned to.

“You learn from your fights though and this is the best condition I’ve been in, so I’ll be looking to make amends.”

Paul travelled to Australia to face Crute who was making his UFC debut.

The young Aussie responded to a raucous home crowd who got right behind their man.

Paul, who was about to depart Australia when he spoke to the Advertiser on Monday, continued: “He put his hand in to shake before the fight and I thought I’d rather do that after the bout as we’re about to do battle.

“That got him a big cheer from the crowd, while I was getting booed.

“Someone has to be the bad guy and this time he was the good guy with the home support.

“I’ve not watched the fight back yet but I’ve been told I was up on rounds.

“The travelling was hard and even after nine days over there I was still getting used to it.”

With a few months to prepare now before his next apperance in the octagon, Paul added: “I have three fights to go on my contract.

“I have UFC London in March so I want to rectify this defeat there.

“My adventure definitely isn’t over.

“You’ve got guys out there who are taking easier fights just to pad out their record.

“I’m trying to fight the best of the best – Crute was an Australian champion.

“I’ll learn from this one.”