UFC on ESPN 69: Paul Craig vs Rodolfo Bellato

At UFC on ESPN 69 on June 14, 2025, Paul Craig and Rodolfo Bellato faced off in a light heavyweight bout that ended controversially. Scheduled after a previous cancellation due to Bellato’s medical issue, the fight was anticipated to be a pivotal moment for both fighters.

The first round saw Bellato initiating with aggressive striking, landing a significant right hand that appeared to affect Craig. Craig responded with a spinning side kick and a takedown attempt, which Bellato defended effectively. Later in the round, Craig executed a takedown, briefly achieving top control before Bellato reversed positions, ending the round on top.

However, as the first round concluded, Craig delivered an upkick while Bellato was grounded, a move that was deemed illegal. The impact of the strike led to Bellato being unable to continue, resulting in the fight being ruled a no-contest due to the illegal strike.

This outcome was particularly significant for Paul Craig, who was seeking a victory to maintain his position in the UFC roster. The no-contest result leaves both fighters with unresolved standings in the light heavyweight division.

The bout highlighted the fine line between aggressive tactics and adherence to the rules, emphasizing the importance of discipline in high-stakes matchups.