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First round loss for Craig in UFC clash
MARK PIRIE
Airdrie UFC star Paul ‘Bearjew’ Craig suffered a brutal first round knock-out loss in Minnesota last Saturday.
The Scottish Hit Squad lightheavyweight was knocked out in the early stages at the Target Centre by unbeaten American Alonzo Menifield.
The 31-year-old went into the ‘UFC on ESPN 3’ televised card looking confident and kept his distance from his opponent.
He endured some early punches against the cage wall, as well as some heavy knees dished out by Menifield.
Craig, who has gained a reputation in the company as a submission specialist, attempted to lure his opponent to the ground but was eventually drawn back onto his feet.
He then went for a spinning kick in the first round of the bout inside the Octagon, which was well blocked by the American.
He then hit a spinning back heel kick to the body but it didn’t seem to have the impact the Scot had hoped for.
The Monklands favourite bravely went for a third spinning kick in succession. However, the gamble didn’t pay off and it was telegraphed by Menifield, who dodged the kick.
That resulted in a stumble by ‘Bearjew’ which was jumped on by his opponent, who had come through UFC ownever Dana White’s Contender Series.
A thunderous right hand appeared to knock Craig out before he landed a further two follow up blows before the referee called the fight after just three minutes and 19 seconds.
Menifield, who now has a 9-0 record, said after the fight on ESPN: “It went as planned.
“I was a little flustered with his movement, but I was able to get control of it and ultimately I got him. “The right hand did it.” Following the loss, Craig vowed to continue to fight on after his fourth loss in seven UFC bouts.
After the clash, he took to social media to post: “Life is 10 per cent what happens to you and 90 per cent how you respond to it.”