Rodolfo Bellato vs. Paul Craig: An Electrifying UFC Showdown
There's an electrifying buzz in the air as fight fans and bettors gear up for the thrilling UFC showdown between Rodolfo Bellato and Paul Craig. This much-anticipated matchup is set to take place at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas on May 17, 2025. Hosting under the same card as the prominent Burns vs. Morales clash, this light heavyweight clash promises to be a spectacle of high-octane action and strategic mastery, drawing the gaze of the MMA community and UFC betting enthusiasts alike.
When we delve into the betting landscape, Bellato stands out as the favorite with odds pegged at -350, a clear indicator of the confidence bookmakers have in his abilities to reign supreme in this bout. His opponent, Paul Craig, a battle-hardened veteran hailing from Airdrie, Scotland, enters the octagon as the underdog with odds of +275, providing UFC betting tips enthusiasts with a tantalizing opportunity for a potential upset.
For Rodolfo Bellato, this fight is more than just another notch on his professional belt. With a record of 12 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, Bellato is determined to bounce back from a recent narrow majority decision loss to Jim Crute in February 2025. The Brazilian prodigy, known for his versatile MMA fighting style, boasts a significant strike accuracy of 62% and a flawless takedown defense rate of 100%, making him a formidable opponent for anyone daring enough to step into the cage with him. His impressive track record of first-round finishes speaks volumes about his aggressive approach and precision in the octagon.
On the flip side, Paul Craig brings a wealth of experience and a tenacious fighting spirit that cannot be underestimated. Despite a recent string of losses, including a unanimous decision to Bo Nickal and a KO/TKO against Caio Borralho, Craig's submission artistry, evidenced by his 13 victories via submission, is always a threat. Craig's unpredictability and penchant for sudden turnarounds in fights have made him a fan favorite, and his Kung-Fu fighting style adds an intriguing dynamic to the matchup. Standing tall at 6'3", with an arm reach advantage over Bellato, the Scotsman will aim to leverage his wide range and strategic grappling skills to turn the tides in his favor.
This intriguing clash is poised to attract a global audience, with fans eagerly analyzing fighter strategies, conditioning, and the psychological readiness of each athlete. Will Bellato's youthful vigor and formidable defensive skills overshadow Craig's experience and submission prowess? Or will Craig defy the odds once again to etch his name in UFC folklore? As both fighters eye this opportunity to etch their mark in the light heavyweight division, the octagon awaits their never-back-down spirits to deliver a must-watch contest for every UFC aficionado and sports gambler tuning in to witness the outcome of this captivating battle.
Live odds
Live and historic odds as well as more fighter statistics and insights for Rodolfo Bellato vs Paul Craig can be found on the fighter matchup page. All the fighter matchups and live odds for Burns vs Morales can be found on the Burns vs Morales event page.
Fighter Profiles: Rodolfo Bellato vs. Paul Craig Analysis
As the excitement builds for the Rodolfo Bellato vs. Paul Craig fight, let's dive into the profiles of these two contenders and analyze what each brings to the octagon. With a blend of experience and raw talent, this matchup is a captivating affair for UFC fans and bettors alike.
Rodolfo Bellato
Hailing from Brazil, Rodolfo Bellato is an emerging force in the light heavyweight division at just 29 years of age. This Brazilian dynamo made his UFC debut on December 2, 2023, and has quickly carved a name for himself with his aggressive mixed martial arts (MMA) fighting style. Bellato's record of 12-2-1 showcases his proficiency and rapid rise in the sport.
In his last three fights, Bellato has demonstrated impressive versatility. After securing a kinetic KO/TKO victory over Ihor Potieria in December 2023, he faced a setback with a majority decision loss to Jim Crute in February 2025. Yet, it's his remarkable 62% significant strike accuracy and impeccable 100% takedown defense that stand out as testaments to his comprehensive skill set. Those seeking UFC betting tips might note Bellato's strength lies in his precision striking and unyielding defense.
Despite these strengths, Bellato isn't without vulnerabilities. His recent loss to Crute indicates potential challenges in enduring prolonged bouts that stretch over several rounds. Maintaining stamina and resilience against a crafty opponent like Craig will be critical for his success.
Paul Craig
A seasoned fighter from Airdrie, Scotland, Paul Craig is a tenacious warrior at 37 years old. Craig's fighting style is grounded in Kung-Fu, providing an unorthodox and entertaining approach within the octagon. He made his UFC entrance on December 18, 2016, and has amassed a record of 17-9-1. Craig’s submission skills are particularly notable, with 13 out of his 17 victories ending on that note—a figure that makes him a perpetual threat on the ground.
Craigeb`’s recent form reveals a rocky path. He’s recently encountered a string of losses against tough opponents. After a KO/TKO victory against Andre Muniz in July 2023, he suffered submissions and knockout losses to Brendan Allen and Caio Borralho, and a unanimous decision loss to Bo Nickal. Each of these outcomes has underscored areas for improvement, particularly his striking defense, which stands at 43%.
On the flip side, Paul Craig's perseverance is a notable strength. His capability to secure first-round finishes—11 out of his 17 victories—speaks to his killer instinct and fast-paced offense. Nonetheless, with takedown defense at 38%, he may face challenges keeping the fight in his preferred context against a striker like Bellato.
Conclusion
In this face-off, Bellato's youthful energy and technical precision establish him as a formidable opponent, while Craig's experience and grappling prowess bring unpredictability into the octagon. Both fighters have their strengths ripe for exploitation, alongside distinct weaknesses that the savvy bettor must consider. The arena is set for a game of strategy, resilience, and will—hallmarks of any riveting UFC bout. Whether you align with Bellato's striking finesse or Craig’s grappling mastery, this matchup is guaranteed to keep fight enthusiasts and sports bettors on the edge of their seats.
Betting Odds and History: Rodolfo Bellato vs. Paul Craig
The upcoming clash between Rodolfo Bellato and Paul Craig not only fuels excitement among fight fans but also stimulates the betting landscape with compelling odds and potential payouts. Here's a deep dive into the current betting odds, history, and where savvy bettors might want to place their wagers for maximum returns.
As of now, Rodolfo Bellato stands as the clear favorite with odds of -350, while Paul Craig enters the fight as the underdog at +275, according to BetOnline.ag. The disparity in odds reflects the bookmakers' confidence in Bellato's recent form and technical prowess, despite his recent majority decision loss to Jim Crute. Betting $1000 on Bellato at these odds would result in a payout of approximately $1285.71 if he secures the victory, offering a modest return reflective of his favored status.
Conversely, Paul Craig's +275 odds position him as a high-reward option for risk-taking bettors. A $1000 bet on Craig could yield a potential payout of $3750, translating to a lucrative windfall for those who believe in the Scotsman’s ability to stage an upset with his grappling acumen and submission skills. This attractive payout underscores his role as the underdog with a calculated implied probability of less than 30% to clinch a win, a figure that represents both risk and opportunity for bettors.
Historical odds fluctuations offer intriguing insights into market perceptions of this matchup. On May 4, 2025, BetOnline.ag had Bellato at -400 before the odds shifted to the current -350, indicating a slight increase in market confidence for Craig as the fight approaches. Similarly, Craig's odds changed from +300 to +275, further evidencing a slight market recalibration in his favor—potentially driven by fan confidence or strategic betting patterns.
For bettors seeking the most dynamic pricing, BetOnline.ag emerges as a frontrunner with the most up-to-date odds changes in their sportsbook. This platform is recognized for its comprehensive UFC betting tips and flexibility in odds adjustments, ensuring bettors access the most current and advantageous positions. The fluidity of these odds adds another layer of strategy for sports gamblers who are keen to decode patterns and capitalize on market movements.
Considering the stakes and potential payouts, the Bellato vs. Craig matchup poses an enticing challenge for bettors—whether they lean towards Bellato's defensive solidity or Craig's experience and potential for an upset. For the shrewd risk-taker, keeping a close eye on the odds in the days leading up to the fight could present an opportune moment to engage.
Whether you're aligning your bets with Bellato's favored trajectory or betting on Craig's underdog spirit, the need for strategic betting in this matchup has never been more vital. As always, assess the odds, consider the fighters' recent forms and historical outcomes, and prepare for the thrill of a battle both within and beyond the octagon.