The featured prelim of UFC Atlanta saw Paul Craig and Rodolfo Bellato finally meet after a previously cancelled bout at UFC Vegas 106. But despite the anticipation, the fight ended in controversy.
The bout opened with both men trading heavy shots. Craig focused on body kicks while Bellato punished Craig’s legs. Midway through the round, Bellato stunned Craig with a right hand and took top position. But the momentum was cut short when Craig landed an illegal upkick while Bellato was grounded — a move that briefly knocked Bellato unconscious.
The ref called the bout off in the final seconds of Round 1, ruling it a no contest. Fans and pundits were divided: some felt Bellato exaggerated, while others pointed to his confused state as evidence of real damage.
Craig is now winless in his last four outings. Bellato, who holds a win over Ihor Potieria and a draw with Jimmy Crute, remains unbeaten in six but walks away with a frustrating result.
Will the UFC run this one back? The drama is far from over.
