UFC middleweight Paul Craig hasn’t lost confidence despite falling to another defeat this past weekend.
Craig marked the latest challenge for undefeated prospect Bo Nickal at Saturday’s UFC 309 pay-per-view. The Scotsman joined the likes of Cody Brundage and Val Woodburn on the list of those unable to blemish the decorated wrestler’s MMA record.
The two grappling specialists remained standing throughout their three-round affair, with Nickal edging a striking-only contest that frustrated the crowd in attendance at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
For Craig, the result marked his third straight loss, leaves him 1-5 across his last six, and has pushed his middleweight record to a negative 1-4.
But although things may not have gone his way on fight night, “Bearjew” remains in good spirits and happy with the “progress” he felt was in display.
“Saturday night didn’t go as I envisioned, but every setback is just a setup for a comeback,” Craig wrote. “Progress is happening, and my resilience is my fuel. Here’s to the relentless pursuit of greatness! #bearjew #bearjewjitsu#setbacks #comebacks”
Craig, a formerly ranked light heavyweight contender, initially made a strong start at 185 pounds when he knocked out Andre Muniz. But a main event loss to Brendan Allen and brutal knockout setback at the hands of Caio Borralho left him out of the top 15.
Having fallen short of having his hand raised again, “Bearjew” is in desperate need of a rebound result next time out. And judging by his post-fight statement, he’s evidently confident that he’s moved in a good direction toward achieving that.
