UFC Veteran Announces Retirement In Octagon After Buzzer-Beater KO

Paul Craig Retires from UFC After Dramatic Knockout Loss

After a storied career filled with grit and astonishing comebacks, UFC veteran Paul Craig’s journey came to a poignant end in Paris, with a final knockout by Modestas Bukauskas urging him to leave his gloves in the Octagon.

The Breaking Point

In an electrifying match at the Accor Arena, Craig, known for his relentless determination, faced Bukauskas, a fighter with championship dreams. The bout ended brutally as Bukauskas delivered a decisive elbow just seconds before the round closed, leaving Craig unable to continue.

Beneath the Surface

Craig’s career had been illustrious, marked by last-second submission victories that earned him respect throughout the UFC, including a memorable triumph over Magomed Ankalaev. Yet, at 37, after a challenging losing streak, Craig himself acknowledged, “the young eat old, and I’m old.”

The Ripple Effect

Craig’s retirement underscores the inevitability of time, even for the most resilient. As a gatekeeper, he maintained the thrill and unpredictability that fans cherished. Although this final chapter was abrupt, Craig's legacy is defined by heart and determination that will inspire the upcoming fighters who watched him walk away.