Paul Craig called an end to his MMA career earlier today (Sat., Sept. 6, 2025) at UFC Paris LIVE on ESPN+ from inside Accor Arena in Paris, France, after getting knocked out with an elbow as time expired in the first round.
After some misfortune in UFC’s middleweight division (1-3, 1 NC), Craig was moving back up to 205 pounds this weekend in an attempt to right the ship. Unfortunately, resurgent light heavyweight, Modestas Bukauskas, was standing in his way and proved too much for “Bearjew” from
the opening moments of the fight.
Craig, who isn’t known for having the best of chins, was getting tagged early on. He remained dangerous in some clinch exchanges along the fence but nothing that was doing any real damage. Bukauskas eventually ended up in top control with a few seconds left on the clock. That’s when he unloaded ferocious ground-and-pound, which included an elbow from hell that left Craig out cold as the bell sounded.
Check out the finish below:
After the loss, Craig announced his UFC retirement. It was an emotional moment for the Scottish veteran, but likely a good call considering he’s captured just three wins in his last 10 trips to the Octagon since 2021.
Craig’s post-fight retirement speech can be seen below:
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