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BAMMA Light Heavyweight champion Paul ‘Bearjew’ Craig (8-0) has signed a four fight deal with the UFC. The Scottish MMA star follows recent signings, Marc Diakiese and Mark Godbeer in making the transition from BAMMA to the Octagon.

Bearjew told #WHOATV “I could sound like every other UFC fighter and say I’m over the moon and delighted to fight in the biggest show but fuck it. If you smell what the rock is cooking”

The Scottish Hit Squad fighter is the fourth Scot to sign with the UFC behind Stevie ‘Braveheart’ Ray, Joanne ‘JoJo’ Calderwood and recently released Robert ‘The Hammer’ Whiteford. With the UFC rumoured to come back to Glasgow in 2017 after a highly successful show in the SSE Hydro last year, the signing of Craig will not doubt enhance the opportunity for the promotion to return.

The signing of the North Lanarkshire prospect comes as no surprise to his followers as ‘Bearjew’ boasts an impressive undefeated 8-0 professional record with all but one of his victories coming by way of first round stoppage. In addition to this, he was also undefeated as an amateur. Craig is known for his impressive Jiu-Jitsu, finishing seven of his pro fights by submission and has recently been awarded his Brown Belt by Brazilian instructor, Marcos Nardini.

The UFC’s capture of Craig is a further sign of their ambition to strengthen their UK roster with Jack Marshman, Alex Enlund and Darren Stewart joining the lads from BAMMA in signing with the promotion recently. Exciting times lie ahead for the new recruits as they join an already impressive line-up of British fighters aiming to emulate the success of current UFC Middleweight Champion, Michael Bisping in bringing a world title back to the UK.

Undefeated Craig will make his debut against Brazil’s (12-0) Luis Henrique de Silva at UFC on Fox 22 on December 17th in Sacramento headed by strawweight contenders Paige VanZant and Michelle Waterson.

When asked about his opponent – Bearjew said “Your 0 has got to go!”

We can’t wait for this!