Paul Craig retires after KO loss to Bukauskas in Paris

Paul Craig announced his retirement from mixed martial arts after suffering a first-round knockout at the hands of Modestas Bukauskas on Saturday night at Accor Arena in Paris. The finish came with a brutal elbow from the top position just before the horn, leaving Craig unconscious and unable to continue. After the official decision was read, Craig removed his gloves, placed them in the center of the Octagon and addressed the crowd, saying, "This sport, the young eat the old and I'm old."

Bukauskas landed the decisive blow at the end of the opening round while positioned on top of Craig on the canvas. Referee Marc Goddard allowed Craig a moment to rise, but he was unable to get to his feet and the fight was waved off. Medical staff attended to Craig immediately; he later appeared bloodied and dazed before being consoled by Bukauskas while both men stood in the Octagon.

The victory is a major milestone for Bukauskas, who has been rebuilding his career since returning to the UFC in 2023. In a post-fight interview he said his recent run of finishes has made a statement and pressed for higher-level opponents, naming Alonzo Menifield, Zhang Mingyang and Johnny Walker as potential...