Paul Craig, the most successful Scottish fighter in UFC history, has officially retired from mixed martial arts following a knockout loss to Modestas Bukauskas at UFC Paris. The 37-year-old veteran, known for his grappling prowess and thrilling fights, closed his career with a record of 17 wins and 12 losses, including nine victories in the UFC.

Craig's final fight ended in dramatic fashion as Bukauskas delivered a brutal elbow strike on the ground, knocking out the Scottish legend just one second before the end of the first round. Despite the loss, Craig's legacy in the sport remains untarnished, with notable victories over current light-heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev and former champion Jamahal Hill.

A Career Defined by Excitement

Craig's career was marked by his ability to entertain fans, with 27 of his 29 fights ending in stoppages or submissions. He was particularly renowned for his triangle choke, a move he used to finish four of his UFC opponents. His six submission wins in the light-heavyweight division rank second only to Glover Teixeira's seven.

The Final Chapter

After a five-fight win streak between 2019 and 2022, Craig's form began to decline, and he entered his final bout with only one victory in his last eight fights. Despite his struggles, Craig remained a fan favorite, known for his resilience and fighting spirit.

In his emotional post-fight speech, Craig reflected on his career, stating, "This sport, the young eat the old, and I'm old. Thank you for the memories." He removed his gloves and placed them in the center of the octagon, symbolizing his retirement, as the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

Tributes from the MMA Community

Craig's retirement has drawn praise from fellow fighters and UFC stars. Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall hailed Craig's achievements, saying, "Special shoutout to Paul Craig on his retirement. He's done things in his career that the majority dream of." Aljamain Sterling also commended Craig for his "amazing career" in the UFC.

Craig's retirement marks the end of an era for Scottish MMA, leaving behind a legacy of thrilling fights and unforgettable moments. His contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.

Career Highlights

• UFC Debut: Submission win over Henrique da Silva in 2016.
• Signature Move: Triangle choke, used to finish four opponents.
• Notable Wins: Victories over Magomed Ankalaev and Jamahal Hill.
• Final Win: Submission victory over Andre Muniz in 2023.

Craig retires having never won a fight by decision, as all his victories came via submission or stoppage. His career will be remembered as one of the most exciting in UFC history.