Airdrie UFC star Paul Craig has acknowledged prime light-heavyweight contender Anthony Smith is ready to do battle with him.
The UFC have a call to make on whether or not to sanction the bout after Craig beat Nikita Krylov in London final month. He’s now set on the American former title challenger.
Messages have already been exchanged between the pair however the Scotsman states that a want for a struggle has already been expressed.
His newest victory noticed him rise to eighth spot within the light-heavyweight rankings, and now there’s perception it’s a tussle that has to occur.
The 34-year-old advised the BBC: “It’s a no brainer. He needs to struggle me, and I wish to struggle him. He’s not signed a contract to struggle anybody else, and he’s expressed an curiosity to the UFC about combating me.
“Smith stated to me: ‘Pay attention Paul, I actually such as you and I actually like your model - I wish to offer you this chance’, as a result of he got here into the UFC and was given the chance to struggle Rashad Evans, and from that he blew up.”
“There’s a mutual respect between us. I like him as a fighter, and I like what he’s finished within the sport. We’ve seen him go for the title, he’s one of many prime grapplers within the division and he’s nonetheless an enormous identify throughout the UFC.
“I’ve received goals. I’ve received aspirations. I need my youngsters to be happy with me. I need Scotland to be happy with me.”
Regardless of having expressed a want to retire when he turns 35 in November, Craig admits he wouldn’t be capable of refuse the prospect to win a UFC belt.
The Airdrie fighter added: “Getting near the title would undoubtedly change my thoughts. Do I genuinely consider I can stroll away from the game?
“It’s arduous. Going out on a excessive could be superb, however you at all times take into consideration yet another struggle. I’m 100% dedicated to attending to the title. Might it occur earlier than the tip of the 12 months? You by no means know.”
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