One fighter in action on Saturday night is known for his unique signature style.
On Saturday night, the UFC returns to Paris, France for a Fight Night card that features some of the top names in Europe.
UFC Paris features some exciting new arrivals to the roster but it isn’t just Octagon newcomers who will be looking to make statements on September 6.
The teammate of a UFC veteran expects to see a different side to one of the fighters in action this weekend despite him being known for having one of the most unique skillsets in the sport.
Stephen Clancy Simmons talks about Paul Craig’s improving striking ahead of UFC Paris return
With 13 of his 17 pro wins coming by way of submission, Paul Craig has proven to be one of the sport’s most dangerous finishers when the fight hits the floor.
‘Bearjew’ is set to take on Tom Aspinall’s teammate, Modestas Bukauskas, in a clash between two fixtures of the light heavyweight division.
The Scottish fighter, who holds submission wins over the current champion in Magomed Ankalaev and the former titleholder Jamahal Hill, is a unique problem to try and solve.
Despite this specialist skillset, his teammate Stephen Clancy Simmons recently told Bloody Elbow that he believes Craig is going to showcase a different aspect of his game on Saturday night.
“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.”
Clancy Simmons, who has been training alongside Craig at Higher Level MMA in Scotland for several years, reflected on how his fellow Scotsman wasn’t able to show this in his last fight which ended in bizarre circumstances.
The undefeated amateur fighter is confident that the 20-fight UFC veteran has put in the work to add more strings to his bow, which will aid him in Paris.
“Paul moved about three or four years ago but you can’t just change a UFC fighter’s game plan overnight. That’s not going to happen, especially now that Paul’s a lot further on in his career. It will take a while.
“The mad thing for Paul is that style was working, that aggressive jiu-jitsu from the back, so it’s now just trying to teach him these tricks and over time, he’s night and day. He’s looking very good, especially in his striking. I’ve seen Paul do some class things in the gym and I don’t think the UFC audience have been able to see what I can see and I know they’re going to see that Saturday night.”
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Modestas Bukauskas isn’t overlooking Paul Craig’s striking at UFC Paris
In a recent interview with Bloody Elbow, Modestas Bukauskas previewed his matchup with Paul Craig.
When asked about how you prepare for a fighter that has been able to cause huge issues for some of the top fighters in the division, ‘The Baltic Gladiator’ said that he isn’t looking past any elements of his opponent’s game.
“I’ve just got to do what I do best. At the end of the day, play towards your own strengths and play to their weaknesses. We’re just going to take it to him. 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.”
Craig and Bukauskas are currently set to collide on the main card of UFC Paris on September 6.