UFC Paris Star Set to Showcase Overhauled Fighting Style Ahead of Key Bout Against Current Champion

September 5, 2025

Paul craig Set to Unveil Striking Evolution at UFC Paris

Paris, France – A Scottish Mixed Martial Arts competitor, Paul Craig, is preparing to showcase a revamped skillset at UFC Fight Night in Paris this Saturday. His teammate,Stephen Clancy Simmons,suggests fans should anticipate a notable shift in Craig’s approach,moving beyond his renowned grappling expertise.

Craig’s Evolving Game: A New Threat Emerges

Paul Craig, nicknamed ‘Bearday,’ has built a formidable reputation as a submission specialist, securing 13 of his 17 professional victories via tap-out. He has previously defeated current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Magomed Ankalaev and former titleholder Jamahal Hill, establishing himself as a notable contender in the division.However, Simmons indicates Craig has been diligently working to broaden his offensive capabilities.

“I’ve been watching him and he looks sharp. His game has completely changed. I think he’s going to show it and he’s an absolute legend,” Simmons stated,emphasizing the transformative nature of Craig’s training.

Simmons attributes this evolution to consistent effort over the past few years, acknowledging that altering a seasoned UFC fighter’s style is a gradual process. He believes Craig’s established grappling prowess allowed time to cultivate new striking techniques.

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Bukauskas prepared for a Well-rounded Opponent

Craig is scheduled to face Modestas Bukauskas, a teammate of Tom Aspinall, in a light heavyweight clash. Bukauskas acknowledges the danger Craig poses and the need to prepare for all facets of his game.

“I’ve just got to do what I do best. Ultimately, play towards your own strengths and play to their weaknesses.We’re just going to take it to him,” Bukauskas said. “I understand that he’s very dangerous. I understand that he’s got a very high skillset in many areas. I mean, even some of his striking, you can see he’s got good knowledge and he throws some flamboyant stuff as well. He’s got good skills everywhere so you can’t take him lightly anywhere.”

Fighter	Nickname	Fighting Style	Key Wins
Paul Craig	Bearday	Submission Grappling, Evolving Striking	Magomed Ankalaev, Jamahal Hill
Modestas Bukauskas	The baltic Gladiator	Well-Rounded	TBA

Did you Know? Paul Craig’s victory over Magomed Ankalaev was a significant upset, as Ankalaev was considered a top contender in the Light Heavyweight division at the time.

Pro Tip: In mixed martial arts, fighters often work to develop skills outside of their primary strengths to become more unpredictable and difficult to prepare for.

The Importance of skill Diversification in MMA

The modern landscape of Mixed Martial Arts increasingly favors well-rounded fighters. While specialization can lead to success, athletes who can effectively integrate multiple disciplines – striking, grappling, wrestling, and clinch work – possess a distinct advantage. This allows them to adapt to different opponents and exploit weaknesses across various stages of a fight. The emphasis on skill diversification is a response to the high level of competition and the need to remain unpredictable.

Frequently Asked Questions about Paul Craig’s Evolution

• What is Paul craig known for? Paul Craig is primarily renowned for his extraordinary submission grappling skills,with 13 professional wins coming by submission.
• What changes is Paul Craig making to his fighting style? Paul Craig is reportedly focusing on improving his striking game, aiming to become a more versatile fighter.
• Who is Paul Craig fighting at UFC Paris? Paul Craig will be facing Modestas Bukauskas at UFC Fight Night in Paris on September 6th.
• What does Paul Craig’s teammate say about his progress? Stephen clancy simmons believes Craig has made significant strides in his striking and is prepared to showcase a more complete skillset.
• Why is skill diversification crucial in MMA? Skill diversification allows fighters to adapt to different opponents and exploit weaknesses,increasing their chances of success.

Will Paul Craig’s enhanced striking prove to be the key to victory against Modestas Bukauskas? What are your predictions for this exciting light heavyweight bout? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How does Rountree’s improved jab advancement contribute to neutralizing Alex Pereira’s striking power?

The Evolution of Khalil Rountree Jr.: A Striker’s Renaissance

khalil Rountree Jr.is poised to unveil a dramatically refined fighting style at UFC Paris, a pivotal moment in his career as he prepares to face the reigning champion, Alex Pereira. For years,Rountree has been known for his raw power and explosive striking,earning him a reputation as a dangerous finisher. However, recent training shifts and strategic adjustments suggest a more calculated and versatile approach is on the horizon. This isn’t just about adding tools to the toolbox; it’s a complete stylistic overhaul.

Deconstructing Rountree’s Previous Style

Historically, Rountree’s gameplan revolved around overwhelming opponents with powerful combinations, especially his signature overhand right. While effective in securing early finishes – boasting a high knockout rate in the UFC – this reliance on power left him vulnerable to counter-attacks and grappling exchanges.

strengths: Devastating knockout power,aggressive pressure,unpredictable striking angles.

Weaknesses: Susceptible to counters, limited grappling defense, tendency to overextend.

Key Stats (as of Sept 5, 2025): 8 career knockouts, 60% striking accuracy, 40% takedown defense.

Analysts noted a pattern: Rountree often initiated exchanges without sufficient setup, telegraphing his attacks and leaving openings for skilled opponents.This is a common issue for power punchers, but one Rountree’s team has actively addressed.

The Influence of Coach Eric Nicksick & Xtreme Couture

The move to Xtreme Couture and working with head coach Eric Nicksick has been the catalyst for this transformation. Nicksick, renowned for his work with fighters like Sean Strickland, emphasizes technical precision, fight IQ, and strategic adaptability.

Key Changes in Rountree’s Training Camp

Nicksick’s influence is evident in several key areas of Rountree’s planning:

1. Footwork & Distance Management: Rountree is now demonstrating substantially improved footwork, allowing him to control distance, evade strikes, and create more advantageous angles for his attacks. Drills focusing on lateral movement and pivoting are central to this enhancement.
2. Jab Development: the jab, often an overlooked weapon for power punchers, has become a focal point. Rountree is utilizing it to establish range, disrupt his opponent’s rythm, and set up power shots.
3. Grappling Integration: While Rountree’s striking remains his primary weapon, his grappling defense and offensive submissions have seen considerable improvement. He’s working extensively with grappling specialists to close the gaps in his game.
4. Fight IQ & Game Planning: Nicksick’s emphasis on studying opponents and developing tailored game plans is evident in Rountree’s approach. He’s no longer simply looking to land a knockout blow; he’s analyzing weaknesses and exploiting them strategically.

Pereira’s Style & The Matchup Dynamics

alex Pereira,the current champion,presents a unique challenge. Known for his lethal left hook and devastating kickboxing background, Pereira is a dangerous striker in his own right.

analyzing Pereira’s Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths: Exceptional striking power, precise timing, strong clinch game, championship experiance.

* Weaknesses: Can be vulnerable to leg kicks, occasionally overcommits to attacks, susceptible to pressure.

The key to rountree’s success lies in neutralizing Pereira’s power and exploiting his potential vulnerabilities. Rountree’s improved footwork and jab will be crucial in controlling the distance and preventing Pereira from landing his signature strikes. Leg kicks could also prove effective in slowing down Pereira and disrupting his rhythm.

The Potential Impact of the New Style

The revamped fighting style isn’t just about addressing weaknesses; it’s about maximizing Rountree’s strengths. By adding layers to his offense and