Paul Craig, known as “BearJew” in the MMA world, has made a significant impact in the UFC’s middleweight division.
With his impressive grappling skills and never-say-die attitude, Craig has become a fan favorite and a formidable opponent in the octagon.
Let’s dive into the details of his career, finances, and personal life.
Paul Craig’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Lindsey Craig |
| Nickname | BearJew |
| Born | November 27, 1987 |
| Age | 37 |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Height | 6’4″ (193 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2013 |
| Net Worth | $5 million (estimated) |
| Salary | $200,000 base salary per fight |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @paulcraig |
Paul Craig hails from Airdrie, Scotland, and has become one of the most recognizable Scottish fighters in the UFC.
Before his MMA career, Craig worked as a football coach and teacher for an educational charity, showcasing his diverse background and commitment to community service.
Early Career
Paul Craig’s journey in mixed martial arts began with an impressive amateur career, going 8-0 with all wins coming via first-round stoppage.
His head coach guided him from having no martial arts experience to becoming a formidable fighter. Craig’s professional career kicked off in 2013, and he quickly made a name for himself in the UK MMA scene.
He won the BAMMA World Light Heavyweight Championship, which caught the attention of the UFC.
Professional Career
Craig made his UFC debut in December 2016, winning his first fight and earning a Performance of the Night bonus.
His UFC career has been marked by thrilling submissions and comeback victories, earning him a reputation as a dangerous grappler.
Craig initially competed in the light heavyweight division, where he set records for submission wins and triangle choke finishes.
Throughout his career, Craig has faced top-tier opponents and consistently delivered exciting performances, making him a fan favorite and a respected name in the MMA community.
Paul Craig’s Net Worth Details
Paul Craig’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. This figure has grown significantly since his early UFC days, thanks to his consistent performances, fight bonuses, and increasing popularity.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 301 | Caio Borralho | $250,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Craig | Brendan Allen | $220,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Aspinall vs. Tybura | André Muniz | $270,000 |
| UFC 283 | Johnny Walker | $200,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Aspinall | Volkan Oezdemir | $180,000 |
Endorsements
Paul Craig has secured several endorsement deals throughout his career, including:
- Seven Layers (clothing brand)
- THIS (plant-based food company)
- Now Hair Time (hair care products)
- Enhanced Sports Performance app
- Leather’d Podcast (co-host)
- Higher Level MMA (gym affiliation)
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Method | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | Loss | Decision | UFC 309 | November 16, 2024 |
| Caio Borralho | Loss | KO/TKO | UFC 301 | May 4, 2024 |
| Brendan Allen | Loss | Submission | UFC Fight Night | November 18, 2023 |
| André Muniz | Win | TKO | UFC Fight Night | July 22, 2023 |
| Johnny Walker | Loss | TKO | UFC 283 | January 21, 2023 |
| Volkan Oezdemir | Loss | Decision | UFC Fight Night | July 23, 2022 |
| Nikita Krylov | Win | Submission | UFC Fight Night | March 19, 2022 |
| Jamahal Hill | Win | TKO | UFC 263 | June 12, 2021 |
FAQs
What is Paul Craig’s fighting style?
Paul Craig is primarily known for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and submission grappling. He’s particularly dangerous off his back and has a knack for pulling off last-minute submissions.
Has Paul Craig ever held a UFC title?
Paul Craig has not held a UFC title. However, he was the BAMMA World Light Heavyweight Champion before joining the UFC.
What is Paul Craig’s most famous victory?
Craig’s most famous victory is likely his submission win over Jamahal Hill at UFC 263, where he dislocated Hill’s arm with an armbar, leading to a TKO victory.
How many Performance of the Night bonuses has Paul Craig won?
Paul Craig has won eight Performance of the Night bonuses in his UFC career, showcasing his ability to deliver exciting finishes.
What weight classes has Paul Craig competed in?
Craig started his UFC career as a light heavyweight but moved down to the middleweight division in 2023 to pursue new challenges.
Does Paul Craig have any other careers outside of MMA?
Before becoming a full-time fighter, Craig worked as a football coach and a teacher for an educational charity. He currently co-hosts the Leather’d Podcast.
What is Paul Craig’s nickname, and what’s the story behind it?
Paul Craig’s nickname is “BearJew.” It likely refers to his Scottish heritage and his ferocious fighting style.
Has Paul Craig ever competed in professional grappling matches?
Yes, Craig has competed in professional grappling matches. He won a match against Sam Sweeney at Holytown Havoc 2 in August 2022.
What is Paul Craig’s educational background?
We know he worked as a teacher before his MMA career, indicating he likely has a background in education.
How has Paul Craig’s move to middleweight affected his performance?
Craig’s move to middleweight in 2023 brought mixed results. He won his debut against André Muniz but faced challenges against top-ranked opponents like Brendan Allen and Caio Borralho.
