Mauricio Rua vs Paul Craig — Fight recap

Paul Craig stopped Mauricio Rua via TKO in the second round at 3:36 on November 21, 2020, with referee Herb Dean halting the action. Craig's superior output dictated the fight, landing 29 significant strikes at 50% accuracy compared to Rua's 10 of 28 (35%), while controlling the cage for 3:46 versus 1:44.

The Scottish light heavyweight showcased his grappling threat by landing four takedowns on eight attempts, establishing dominance in the clinch and maintaining pressure throughout. Rua struggled to find his range, connecting on just six head strikes of 22 attempts, and offered no takedown defense.

Craig's relentless pace and ground control wore down the former title contender, ultimately forcing Dean to intervene as Rua absorbed too much damage in the second frame. The victory reasserted Craig's credentials in a crowded light heavyweight division and signaled Rua's continued decline at 38 years old.