Paul Craig Returns to Light Heavyweight to take on Rodolfo Bellato on May 17th

Paul Craig is set to return to the light heavyweight division, a weight class where he has previously enjoyed significant success. Craig, known for his formidable grappling skills and knockout power, will face off against Rodolfo Bellato at a UFC Fight Night event scheduled for May 17 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This matchup marks a crucial moment in Craig’s career, as he seeks to revive his fortunes after a series of setbacks at middleweight.

Paul Craig will fight Rodolfo Bellato at #UFCVegas106 on May 17th. (first rep. @MagicM_MMABets) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2025 pic.twitter.com/LXgWMACczx

— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) March 18, 2025

Paul Craig, a Scottish mixed martial artist with a record of 9-9-1 in the UFC, has experienced a rollercoaster ride in his career. Initially competing at light heavyweight, Craig achieved notable victories, including a win over current champion Magomed Ankalaev. However, after consecutive losses to Volkan Oezdemir and Johnny Walker, he decided to drop down to middleweight in search of a fresh start.

Craig’s debut at 185 pounds was promising, as he secured a TKO victory over Muniz on July 3. However, his success was short-lived, as he suffered three consecutive losses to Brendan Allen, Caio Borralho, and most recently, Bo Nickal at UFC 309. These setbacks have prompted Craig to return to the light heavyweight division, where he hopes to rediscover his form and competitiveness.

Paul Craig Looks Revive Career Back at Light Heavyweight

Craig’s opponent, Rodolfo Bellato, is a rising star in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. The 29-year-old Brazilian made a stunning entry into the UFC by capitalizing on his second chance at Dana White’s Contender Series. Bellato secured a TKO victory over Ihor Potieria during his UFC debut on December 3. In his subsequent fight, he faced Jimmy Crute, resulting in a majority draw at UFC 312 in February.

Bellato’s impressive start in the UFC has generated significant interest among fans and analysts alike. His aggressive fighting style and ability to finish fights with strikes make him a formidable opponent for Craig. The matchup between Craig and Bellato promises to be an exciting clash of styles, with Craig’s grappling expertise pitted against Bellato’s striking prowess.

The upcoming fight between Craig and Bellato is significant for both fighters. For Craig, it represents an opportunity to revive his career and prove that he still belongs in the light heavyweight division. A win would not only boost his confidence but also place him back in contention for higher-profile fights.

For Bellato, this matchup offers a chance to build on his early success in the UFC. A victory over a seasoned fighter like Craig would cement his status as a rising talent in the division and potentially lead to more prominent matchups in the future.

The UFC Fight Night event on May 17 is shaping up to be an exciting card, with several intriguing matchups already announced. The addition of Craig vs. Bellato adds depth and interest to the lineup, providing fans with a compelling reason to tune in.

As the UFC continues to evolve and new talent emerges, veterans like Paul Craig must adapt and prove their relevance. Craig’s return to light heavyweight is a strategic move aimed at revitalizing his career, and his performance against Bellato will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

In conclusion, the return of Paul Craig to the light heavyweight division is a significant development in the UFC. His matchup against Rodolfo Bellato promises to be an electrifying encounter, with both fighters having much to gain from a victory. As the combat sports world looks forward to this event, one thing is clear: Craig’s journey back to the top will be closely followed, and his fight against Bellato will be a pivotal moment in his career.