Rodolfo Bellato (left) and Paul Craig (right) after their fight at UFC Atlanta . Photo: Reproduction/UFC
Present at the controversial fight held at UFC Atlanta , Paul Craig opened up and spoke about the situation he experienced with Rodolfo Bellato . Aware that many viewers accused the Brazilian of faking a knockout, the veteran defended his rival and stated that it is unlikely that a professional athlete would give up a fight in this way.
“A few people have messaged me about it and said it looked a little sloppy, like he was trying too hard. I don’t want to think that any fighter is looking for an easy way out in this sport. We’re all fighters. We’re all in the UFC, the peak of our careers, and we’re all looking to put on a good show,” Paul said at a post-fight press conference.
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In addition to Paul Craig , Bellato also spoke out about the incident. Irritated by the criticism and fallacies of the fans, 'Trator' insisted he wasn't faking it and explained that he was genuinely stunned and disoriented after receiving an illegal kick to the face. During the fight, the Brazilian even went after the referee, thinking the Scotsman was the authority.
Rodolfo Bellato was knocked out by an illegal strike from Paul Craig (Photo: Instagram/UFC Espanol)
Ultimately, the fight was officially declared a 'no result' due to the referee's interpretation that Craig's blow was accidental. So far, the organization's representatives have not made any public statements about the matter.
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