Paul Craig calls off dogs on UFC Atlanta criticism of Rodolfo Bellato

USA Today

8 hours ago

Paul Craig calls off dogs on UFC Atlanta criticism of Rodolfo Bellato
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UFC on ESPN 69: Paul Craig post-fight interview
UFC on ESPN 69 winner Paul Craig talks to MMA Junkie and other reporters post-fight after his no contest result against Rodolfo Bellato in Atlanta.
ATLANTA – Paul Craig met the media Saturday after his controversial and bizarre no contest with Rodolfo Bellato at UFC on ESPN 69.
The light heavyweight fight between Bellato (12-2-1 MMA, 1-0-1 UFC) and Craig (17-9-1 MMA, 9-9-1 UFC) on the prelims at State Farm Arena officially was waved off with a second left in the opening round after Craig landed an illegal upkick from his back.
There was little question that the kick was illegal, but in the immediate aftermath it appeared that Bellato looked to referee Kevin MacDonald to see if he was going to call the foul – then hit the canvas and appeared to be knocked out, only to jolt back to consciousness, at which point he lightly tried to wrestle MacDonald.
Although MacDonald could have disqualified Craig, he deemed the kick unintentional, which resulted in the no contest. But the talk quickly turned to whether or not Bellato was genuine in the effects the kick had on him, or if he was, as the post-fight ESPN broadcast crew put it, turning in an Oscar-worthy performance trying to get an easy win.
And while Craig admitted after the fight it might not be a great look, he said he's going to choose to think Bellato was sincere.
"A few people messaged me and they're saying it looked a bit 'flop'ish, like he was maybe hamming it up," Craig said. "I wouldn't think any fighter is looking for an easy way out in this sport. We're all fighters, we're all in the UFC at the pinnacle of our careers, and we're looking to put on performances.
"But I can see where people are looking at it like it looks a bit 'flop'ish, like he's taking a dive. I don't want to think that, but I need to watch it back.
Craig said he spoke to Bellato after the fight, and the Brazilian told him he didn't know what happened.
Besides, Craig reasoned, there'd be no situation to have controversy over if he hadn't thrown the kick to begin with.
"It's my fault as much as it is his fault," Craig said. "We shouldn't be looking to persecute him if he's taking the knee. It was an illegal move (by me)."
Check out Craig's post-fight news conference in the video above.