Volkan Oezdemir defeats Paul Craig in a thrilling clash of styles to open up UFC London

Volkan Oezdemir defeats Paul Craig in a thrilling clash of styles to open up UFC London

Oezdemir proved effective in defending countless heel hook attempts

Paul Craig and Volkan Oezdemir will kick things off for the UFC’s triumphant return to London at the O2 Arena. The last time the UFC left London, fans were riding high on the impressive first-round victory, hometown hero Tom Aspinall secured against UFC Veteran Alexander Volkov. Pretty fair to say that the two have a very tough act to follow as they open UFC Fight Night 208.

Craig can expect a huge fan ovation for himself as many Scottish fans will be in attendance in London and rightfully so, at 34, the UFC vet has managed to string a very impressive streak of wins, especially over upcoming prospects like Jamahl Hill and Nikita Krylov. All four of last fights have been submission victories. In fact a Craig fight rarely ends without a finish, win or lose. Ranked #8 in the light heavyweight division, Craig has stated he wishes to capture the title sooner rather than later as he sees retirement around the horizon

Oezdemir on the other hand is coming off two straight losses but that he’s been fed a killers row would be an understatement. Just his last two fights were against the most promising prospect in the division Magomed Ankalaev and current Champion Jiri Prochazka. Ranked #9 he will be looking to upset the home crowd and rise higher in the divisional rankings

Related: “He’s not as hungry as me”- Paul Craig draws a stark contrast between him and Anthony Smith

Volkan Oezdemir manages to evade the Claws of the Bear Jew, Paul Craig in a UD victory

Volkan Oezdemir x Paul Craig
Oezdemir managed to break Craig’s impressive winning streak

Round 1

Craig immedeatly opens up with a sweep trying to grab an arm, when Oezdemir get’s out of it, Craig clings on to the foot of Oezdemir looking for a heel hook. He’s able to lock upat the 4 minute mark although unable to apply significant pressure. As they get back to the feet, Craig throws a few strikes, that act more as feints to set up a takedown, followed by another attempt to grab the arm. Volkan is unable to mount any offense but is succefull in repelling all of Craig’s submission attempts. An elbow from Oezdemir in the clinch opens up a cut on Craig’s forehead. Craig repeatedly goes to the ground to evade oncoming strikes from Oezdemir. At the 10 second mark, Craig manages to land a left hook-straight-headkick combo that forces Oezdemir to step on the gas.


Round 2

Round 2 opens with Craig trying to land a headkick, which get’s caught, promting a heavy takedown from Oezdemir. as they get back to feet, Oezdemir falls victim to a flurry of strikes by Craig followed by a takedown attemt that fails. Craig is notably amounting significant offense off the breaks between takedowns, caused by Volkan’s fear of being caught in a submission. Oezdemir is building up onn his leg kicks but he’s unable to build up a consistent offence. Both fighters exhange strikes at the 1 minute mark, that ends with a spinning elbow by Craig. Oezdemir is able to rock Craig to en extent where he consistently pushes for takedowns that get easily reversed by the Swis fighter.

Round 3

Round 3 starts with both fighters exhanging strikes at range, as Paui tries to close the distance he falls victim to a brutal uppercut that sends him to the canvas. As Oezdemir looks to finish with ground and pound he has to quickly backtrack due to another submission attemot by Craig. Oezdemir is having significantly more sucess in the final round is now evading strikes at will and is avoiding all of Craig’s takedown attempts. iwth a minute left, Craig goeson the offensive and builds up on his offense , however as he starts mounting an offense Craig immedeitley transitions to an unsucessful takedown attempt. The fight ends on the feet.

Official Results: Volkan Oezdemir defeats Paul Craig via Unanimous Decision

Also Read: UFC 263: Paul Craig defeats Jamahal Hill in the very first round of their fight

Also Read: UFC 267: Magomed Ankalaev battered Volkan Oezdemir and got the victory