The co-main event between the legendary Mauricio Rua and the up-and-comer Scottish Paul Craig ended in a draw after they engaged in three hard fought rounds. Judges could not decide whom to award the win – to Shogun’s ground dominance or Craig’s standup performance.
Paul Craig blasted Shogun in the first round as he showcased his much improved fight game. At one point, Craig had Shogun pinned his back to the cage and covering up to the barrage of punches that were beginning to cause the Brazilian a lot of problems. But Shogun had been in similar situations and he weathered the storm like a champ. From the second round, the former UFC light heavyweight champion relied on his ground game as he took Craig to the mat and did enough damage from the top. Instead of tackling Shogun on the feet, Craig was comfortable to stay on his back as Shogun looked to punish him with punches and elbows. It was only in the final moments of the third round, did Craig stood back and began pouring down punches on Shogun who was almost gassed. Neither of the fighters could finish the fight and the judges had to settle on declaring a split draw.
Paul Craig is going OFF!#UFCSP pic.twitter.com/haOhPZy0wz
— UFC (@ufc) November 17, 2019
A split draw!
How'd you have that scored at #UFCSP? pic.twitter.com/UFeu5ieeug
— UFC (@ufc) November 17, 2019
Blachowicz enters!#UFCSP pic.twitter.com/LgpzBgVKWW
— UFC (@ufc) November 17, 2019
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