After a booking between Paul Craig and Jamahal Hill fell through earlier this year, the light heavyweight duo were back at UFC 263. Kicking off Saturday’s PPV card in front of a packed house in Glendale, AZ, Craig was playing the role of gatekeeper, while Hill was looking to up his stock in a division now ruled by Jan Blachowicz.
With the exit of names like Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier, 205lbs was ready for some fresh blood. There was just one problem: On Saturday, Craig was too much for Hill to get past. Actually, two problems: he wrecked Hill’s arm in a wince-inducing sequence.
The first few minute of the fight was a feeling out process with both men exchanging the occasional kick. When Hill eventually became a bit more aggressive, Craig tied up immediately and fell to guard. He threatened a Mir lock to start and then another. In the transition out of the position, Craig appeared to dislocate (if not downright break) Hill’s arm and then locked up a triangle choke. The ref, however, didn’t seem to realize what had happened. Hill was frantically waving his free hand, but Craig was forced to finish up with elbows.
https://twitter.com/ActionNetworkHQ/status/1403902479796932609
As a result, what should have been a technical submission win for Craig was announced as a TKO.
Official Result: Paul Craig def. Jamahall Hill TKO, Round 1, 1:59
