Looks like UFC 255 is going to get a key rematch in the light heavyweight division. Per ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (27-11-1) will be taking on Paul Craig (13-4-1) in November.
At the time of their rematch, it would be almost a year to the date from when they previously met at UFC Fight Night 164. In their first fight, the two men fought to a split draw.
Shogun Rua vs. Paul Craig 2 is booked for UFC 255 on Nov. 21, sources say. No location yet.
The light heavyweights fought to a split draw last November.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 18, 2020
Key UFC light heavyweight rematch
Both of these men rank just inside the top 15 of the UFC‘s light heavyweight division. Craig comes in at 15th while Shogun comes in at 14th. A win for either man would likely get them a shot against someone in or close to the top ten.
Shogun is coming off of a split decision win over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC Fight Island 3. The fight was the final chapter in the two Brazilians’ trilogy. Shogun won all three fights, but the final one was razor close.
The fight was back and forth with Shogun getting rocked a few times. Despite this, he was able to do enough to earn the decision victory on two of the judges scorecards. Shogun is definitely nearing the end of the line in his historic career.
Earlier that evening, Craig fought and defeated Gadzhimurad Antigulov. Craig was able to secure the win via his signature triangle choke. The win was Craig’s seventh career win by triangle choke.
Both men are in very interesting spots in their UFC careers. For Shogun, it appears he’s only a couple of fights away from retirement. I don’t see another title run in him despite the fact that he’s 5-1-1 over the last five years.
For Craig, he needs that signature name that’ll get him back on track. He was once 9-0, but has gone 4-4-1 in his last nine fights. A win over Shogun would be two in a row and would get him closer to the top ten in the division.