The UFC is finalizing a fantastic matchup in the light heavyweight division. MMA Junkie was first to report that the promotion is booking a matchup between Paul Craig (14-4-1) and Jamahal Hill (8-0, 1 NC).
The matchup between the two top fifteen contenders is expected to take place on March 20th. Craig will enter the octagon looking to pick up his third straight victory in the UFC. He hasn’t tasted defeat in his last four fights.
During that span, Craig has gone 3-0-1 with the draw coming against Shogun Rua. Craig was able to get that fight back at UFC 255 when he forced Shogun to tap out due to strikes.
Paul Craig has only tasted defeat twice since 2018 and those losses came to Alonzo Menifield and Jimmy Crute. Craig has some impressive wins including a last second triangle choke over rising contender, Magomed Ankalaev.
Craig has some decent overall skills, but he’s really known for his grappling ability. His triangle chokes are sensational especially considering he’s a light heavyweight. Half of his professional wins have come via triangle choke.
UFC Light Heavyweight Battle
Standing across from Craig on March 20th is one of the more exciting prospects in the UFC‘s light heavyweight division. There are many people in the promotion that are excited about Sweet Dreams, Jamahal Hill.
Hill will come into the contest on March 20th riding a ton of momentum. He would be coming into this fight on a two-fight knockout streak, however his knockout win over Klidson Abreu was overturned to a No Contest due to a positive drug test for marijuana.
However, I’m wondering if that might change. The UFC just announced that they will no longer punish fighters for positive tests for marijuana finally. Nevertheless, it stands as a No Contest for now.
Hill took on Ovince St. Preux back in December and he completely destroyed him. He picked up the second round TKO and put the light heavyweight division on notice. Paul Craig will be another big test for Hill. Should Hill win this one, the UFC’s light heavyweight division has a new and shiny contender.