MMA Preview – Paul Craig vs Andre Muniz at UFC Fight Night 224
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PAUL CRAIG VS ANDRE MUNIZ FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 224? Saturday 22nd July, 2023 - 16:45 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 224? The O2 Arena, London (UK)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 224? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 224 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 224? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
PAUL CRAIG VS ANDRE MUNIZ LOWDOWN
Paul Craig (16-6-1) was finishing his way into unlikely title contention when he went six fights unbeaten. He finished Jamahal Hill (2021) after dislocating the current champion’s elbow and then went on to submit Nikita Krylov (2022) in the first round. However, he then ran into a Volkan Oezdemir shaped (2022) wall losing a unanimous decision and then got knocked out by Johnny Walker back in January.
Andre Muniz (23-5) was on a similar trajectory winning all five of his UFC fights which stretched his impressive win streak to nine. He then ended up headlining UFC Fight Night 220 with Brendan Allen (2023). He met his match and surprisingly got submitted although the fight was lost before the rear-naked choke. Now, he desperately wants to make amends as he takes on another submission artist.
PAUL CRAIG VS ANDRE MUNIZ PREDICTION
Craig cuts down to 185 lbs for the first time in his career and is welcomed to the middleweight division by one of few fighters that has better jiu-jitsu than him.
On paper, this is a terrible match-up for him. The only way he beats opponents is with his jiu-jitsu and Muniz is one of the very best submission artists on the roster. That said, if the weight cut goes smoothly, Craig will be a different beast at 185 lbs.
It is hard to see Muniz getting submitted again, but if anyone has a chance it is Craig. However, he will only be a threat if Muniz lets the fight go to the floor or gets rocked.
Craig does not have the wrestling or striking to threaten, so it will really require a mistake from the Brazilian. There is always a chance and Craig’s triangle leaves no room for complacency. A Craig submission is worth a punt, but this is Muniz’s to lose.
Prediction: Muniz via Decision
Prediction: Craig via Submission
