UFC light heavyweight Paul Craig and Rodolfo Bellato were set to fight back in May, but a medical issues took Bellato out of the fight until UFC Atlanta on Saturday night.
Bellato (12-2-1) withdrew from the bout on fight night due to a medical issue. He came into UFC Atlanta off a majority draw bout against Jimmy Crute at UFC 312.
Craig (17-9-1) was in need of a win pretty badly. Although his three consecutive losses came against high-level opponents it’s still the dreaded 3-fight skid. He came into Atlanta looking to right the ship and save his roster spot.
Round 1 Bellato came out fast with rather reckless and wide hooks off the rip. Craig employed his usual possum-style offense staying close to the fence and throwing kicks. Inviting Bellato to take him down for sure.
Bellato landed a big right hand on Craig who definitely felt it and then fired off a spinning side kick to the body. Craig shot in for a takedown which Bellato easily stuffed.
Craig shot a couple more times after, and got a quick trip takedown, but Bellato popped right back up to his feet. Craig shot again, but ended up on his back with Bellato on top in half guard landing short shots.
In the final seconds of the first round Craig fired an up kick that knocked Bellato out so badly he thought he was still fighting when the ref came to help and check on him. The replay showed that Bellato was a downed fighter and the up kick was illegal.
Replays also showed Bellato looking at the ref on the way down, and then go out. Very strange sequence to end the fight. Third booking?
Official Result: Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato declared NO CONTEST due to accidental illegal up kick.
