Paul Craig suffers a brutal knockout from Modestas Bukauskas and says goodbye at UFC Paris. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC News
Saturday night (6) marked the end of an era for European MMA. On the UFC Paris card, Paul Craig was brutally knocked out by Modestas Bukauskas after a costly tactical error. The Scotsman pulled his rival into his guard in the first round, but was surprised by two precise elbows from the Lithuanian, a training partner of Tom Aspinall, which knocked the fighter out in the final seconds of the round. After the setback, the veteran announced his retirement from the sport.
See too
At 37 years old, Paul Craig leaves the octagon with a record of 17 wins, ten losses, one draw, and one no contest. A former European Jiu-Jitsu champion, the Scotsman stood out for his aggressive style and impressive submission rate, especially with triangle chokes.
On the other side, Bukauskas celebrates one of the most significant victories of his Ultimate career. Training alongside Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, the 'Baltic Gladiator' now has four wins in his last five fights and is aiming for a spot among the top 15 in the 93kg category.
Paul Craig is knocked out by Modestas Bukauskas and announces retirement at UFC Paris
Known for his submissions and history of unlikely comebacks, Craig opted to rely on his jiu-jitsu to gain control of the fight. However, Bukauskas, with a solid kickboxing foundation and a successful stint with Cage Warriors, not only defended himself well on the ground but also took advantage of the position to land the strikes that sealed the knockout.
The outcome, in fact, happened at the last second, and the referee waited to see if Paul would still be fit to return, but he was unable to do so. The Scot then removed his gloves and announced his retirement. He was applauded by the crowd.
"Guys, thanks for the memories. I do what I do for you. But this sport, young or old, is tough. Thanks for the memories," Craig said.
Congratulations to @PaulCraig!
Best wishes on your retirement! pic.twitter.com/mSupxj2PPN
- UFC (@ufc) September 6, 2025
UFC Paris results
MAIN CARD (16pm Brasília time)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Nassourdine Imavov defeated Caio Borralho by unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Benoit Saint-Denis submitted Mauricio Ruffy with a rear-naked choke at 2:56 of Round 2.
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Modestas Bukauskas defeated Paul Craig by knockout (elbow strike) at 4:59 of round 1.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Mason Jones defeated Bolaji Oki by knockout (elbows) at 3:18 of round 2.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Axel Sola defeated Rhys McKee by technical knockout (punches) at 2:02 of round 3.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): William Gomis defeated Robert Ruchała by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD (13pm Brasília time)
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Oumar Sy defeated Brendson Ribeiro by technical knockout (punches) at 4:42 of R1
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Ante Delija defeated Marcin Tybura by knockout (punches) at 2:03 of Round 1.
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Kaue Fernandes defeated Harry Hardwick by TKO (low kick) at 3:20 of R1
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Sam Patterson defeated Trey Waters by knockout (punches) at 3:01 in round 1.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Robert Bryczek defeated Brad Tavares by technical knockout (punches) at 1:43 in round 3.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Rinat Fakhretdinov defeated Andreas Gustafsson by technical knockout (punches) at 54 seconds of round 1.
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Sam Hughes submitted Shauna Bannon with a rear-naked choke at 1:58 of Round 2.
Read More about: Modest Bukauskas, Paul Craig, UFC, UFC Paris
You need login To comment.