Justin Gaethje and Fans in Shock Over ‘Biggest Flop in MMA History’ Involving Paul Craig at UFC Atlanta

UFC Atlanta prelims fight between light heavyweights Paul Craig and Rodolfo Bellato ends in the most confusing manner.

Justin Gaethje and Fans in Shock Over ‘Biggest Flop in MMA History’ Involving Paul Craig at UFC Atlanta

Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato ends in a no contest following an illegal upkick (via X)

Weird endings often shock UFC fans, and one such moment occurred during UFC Atlanta between Paul Craig and Rodolfo Bellato. In the final second of round one, Bellato was knocked out by an illegal upkick from Craig, causing major confusion. The bout was ruled a no contest, leaving the audience stunned and unsure about what really just happened.

Following an engaging first round, Bellato forced Craig to his back while trying to defend himself from the brutal ground and pound. During the intense exchange, Craig resorted to an illegal upkick that connected directly on Bellato’s face, dropping him down instantly. Under UFC rules, striking a grounded opponent with a kick to the head is illegal. Referee Kevin MacDonald immediately paused the fight.

Bellato protested to the referee as he dropped back, then stiffened on the canvas as if unconscious. Seconds later, he abruptly awakened, crawled toward the fence looking confused, and began grappling with the referee, who tried to assist him.

Some have alluded that the Brazilian fighter may have pretended to get knocked out for the DQ win, based on how he acted. Following that bizarre moment, the referee and ringside doctor stepped in together and officially declared the fight a no contest.

It marked a disappointing conclusion to a highly anticipated matchup, which had already been previously postponed due to earlier scheduling issues. Bellato has had three fights in UFC and two were cancelled. Moreover, his no contest against the Scottish fighter has attracted him and a variety of criticism. According to many fans, the fighter faked the injury in order to avoid the fight.

Fight fans react to Paul Graig vs. Rodolfo Bellato at UFC Atlanta

Paul Craig is a UFC veteran and was in desperate need of a win, as he has suffered five losses. In his last seven bouts, the Scottish fighter has won only one fight, putting pressure on his status as a UFC fighter. However, it was an unfortunate incident, and the fighter now has to wait a little more to get fighting momentum.

Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato ends up with a no contest
Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato ends up with a no contest (via X)

While the main card is stacked with assumptions regarding some great action, this was not what fans wanted. Even UFC lightweight Justin Gaethje couldn’t believe what he witnessed. He tweeted that it was indeed a flop moment. Nevertheless, here are some reactions to a weird ending from the prelim fight that left many fans confused and frustrated.

Following the no contest, Craig gave an interview to the media and talked about the incident. According to the fighter, he wanted to land an axe kick, but ended up with an upkick and was extremely disappointed.

It’s horrible. 14 weeks. Cancelled four weeks ago, moved now. The best shape I have ever been in. I wanted to make a stamp in the division. I was moving well, shot selection was perfect. A loss is much worse than a no-contest.

Paul Craig via UFC Atlanta post-fight presser

After weeks of preparation, Craig felt like losing out on a big opportunity. It would be interesting to see whether the UFC plans to reschedule this fight for another time. In the past, Craig had his bout against Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua rebooked after the first one ended in a draw. As such, anything is possible.

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