Craig admits to 'illegal move' in controversial 'no contest'
Scotland's Paul Craig has urged UFC fans not "to persecute" Rodolfo Bellato after he was accused of "hamming it up" by "flopping" to the canvas following a kick to the face during their light-heavyweight contest in Atlanta.
Craig admits it was "an illegal move" that resulted in the fight being ruled a no contest.
Advertisement
The fight had been postponed from 14 weeks ago when the 29-year-old Brazilian pulled out with a cold sore - and this time it was cut short seconds before the end of round one.
"A few people have messaged me regarding this and are saying that it looked a bit floppish - like he was maybe hamming it up," said the 37-year-old Craig.
"I don't want to think any fighter is looking for an easy way out in this sport. We're all fighters, we're all in the UFC - the pinnacle of of our careers - and we're looking to put on performances. But I can see where people are looking at it and think it looks a bit floppish, like he's maybe taking a dive."
Craig admitted it was "raw at the moment" but did not want to think that might be the case.
Advertisement
"I was in the neutral corner, I was looking over and I was seeing him kind of flop like he was trying to wrestle the referee and he was in a daze, but when I spoke to him, he seemed pretty compos mentis and he was like, 'I don't know what happened'," he added.
"You know what, it's my fault as much as it is his fault. We shouldn't be looking to persecute him if he's taking taken the knee - it was an illegal move."
To make matters worse for Craig, he had moved back up a weight hoping to put a three-loss streak behind him in what was the final fight of his current UFC contract.
"I'm now in the best shape I've ever been in," he said. "I was wanting to make a stamp in that division and say, hey, I am back.
Advertisement
"I've got to take positives from it. I felt good in there and I was moving well. I was landing my shots and my shot selection was perfect.
"But, in the heat of the moment, I thought he was standing up, so I throw my axe kick, looking to land a heavy upkick to his face."
Craig pointed out that a no-contest was at least not as bad as another defeat and is hopeful of a rematch with Bellato.
If not, he is willing to go up against "any light-heavyweight the UFC offers" and believes he could even repeat his 2018 win over current champion Magomed Ankalaev if given the chance.
More MMA from the BBC
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
34 minutes ago
- USA Today
UFC on ABC 8 predictions: Jamahal Hill or Khalil Rountree in Azerbaijan\u00a0debut?
The UFC makes its first visit to Azerbaijan this week with a former champions in the main event. UFC on ABC 8 (ABC, ESPN, ESPN+) takes place Saturday at Baku Crystal Hall in Baku. Get pick results from our 11 editors, writers, radio hosts and videographers, as well as additional analysis, below. Bogdan Grad vs. Muhammad Naimov Nikolas Motta vs. Nazim Sadykhov Tofiq Musayev vs. Myktybek Orolbai Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev Ignacio Bahamondes vs. Rafael Fiziev Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. Individual staff member picks, main card Readers 75-51: Rountree (66%), Fiziev (57%), Blaydes (84%), Orolbai (78%), Sadykhov (92%), Naimov (75%) Preliminary card picks Although they don't count toward the standings, MMA Junkie staff members still pick the fights on the prelims. Here are the results:
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Jets Predicted to Trade for $180 Million QB
Jets Predicted to Trade for $180 Million QB originally appeared on Athlon Sports. One of the biggest moves the New York Jets made this offseason was signing free-agent quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract to replace Aaron Rodgers. His addition has brought some hope. Advertisement Last year, he was solid for the Pittsburgh Steelers in limited playing time, making six starts and 10 appearances, completing 106-of-161 passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and one interception, as well as 289 rushing yards and five touchdowns. However, there's a chance this Fields experiment doesn't pan out, which is why Brad Gagnon predicts in an article for Bleacher Report that the Jets will trade for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. "Any contender that loses its QB to an injury could be in on the 37-year-old, despite the high price tag," Gagnon wrote. "Since it's impossible to speculate on injuries, though, let's instead throw out a Jets team that has a considerable amount of salary-cap space and could well give up on Justin Fields by November. If the increasingly desperate Jets are competitive in spite of Fields at that stage, dealing for an established veteran from the NFC could make some sense." Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins© Brett Davis-Imagn Images Cousins is in an interesting position, as he was benched during the first season of his four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta to sit behind then-rookie Michael Penix Jr. Advertisement It wasn't a surprising decision, though, as he struggled heavily, starting 14 games, completing 303-of-453 passes for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, 16 interceptions (tied for most in the NFL) and an 88.6 passer rating. However, if Fields does truly disappoint, then Cousins would at least become an extremely experienced option. Cousins has seen a solid amount of success in his 13-year career, making four Pro Bowl appearances. One of the biggest question marks surrounding a potential deal is whether he would waive his no-trade clause. He could do that to become a starter once again if his situation with the Falcons doesn't change. Related: Lions Predicted to Make Trade Deadline Move for Former 11.5-Sack Edge Rusher This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Campaign shines light on women and girls in football
Shannon Ghee is backing the campaign (Image: Powerleague Cardiff) A new campaign is shining a light on women and girls in football. Powerleague Cardiff has launched She's Got Game in response to research showing that 46 per cent of women and girls in the UK have felt judged or excluded for wanting to play football. Advertisement The initiative aims to celebrate, support, and promote female players across Wales and the UK. Christian Rose, CEO of Powerleague, said: "This survey confirms what we've long believed, that women and girls in Cardiff and across the UK are not only passionate about football, but ready to play. "Yet too many still face barriers that simply shouldn't exist. "At Powerleague, we're committed to breaking those down by creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive, no matter their background or ability. "Football should be for everyone, and we're proud to be part of the movement making that a reality." Advertisement The campaign also includes a competition inviting women and girls to share their football skills and favourite moments. Entrants will receive a free off-peak five-a-side pitch voucher and the chance to win one-to-one coaching with freestyle footballer Shannon Ghee. Powerleague Cardiff will also screen live matches throughout the UEFA Women's Euros, offering fans a safe place to gather while encouraging new audiences to take part in the game. Shannon Ghee said: "Football has given me confidence, community, and so much joy, and I want every girl and woman to feel that too. "She's Got Game is about celebrating skill, creativity, and passion, no matter your level. Advertisement "Whether you're just starting out or have been playing for years, this is your moment to have fun, and show the world what you've got. "I encourage everyone across Cardiff to have a go at a trick, or share their favourite football bit, this summer."
