Airdrie UFC star Paul Craig has stated top light-heavyweight contender Anthony Smith is prepared to do battle with him.
The UFC have a decision to make on whether to sanction the bout after Craig beat Nikita Krylov in London last month. He’s now set on the American former title challenger.
Messages have already been exchanged between the pair but the Scotsman states that a desire for a fight has already been expressed.
His latest victory saw him rise to eighth spot in the light-heavyweight rankings, and now there’s belief it’s a tussle that has to happen.
The 34-year-old told the BBC: “It’s a no-brainer. He wants to fight me, and I want to fight him. He’s not signed a contract to fight anyone else, and he’s expressed an interest to the UFC about fighting me.
“Smith said to me: ‘Listen Paul, I really like you and I really like your style - I want to give you this opportunity’, because he came into the UFC and was given the opportunity to fight 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 done in the sport. We’ve seen him go for the title, he’s one of the top grapplers in the division and he’s still a huge name within the UFC.
“I’ve got dreams. I’ve got aspirations. I want my kids to be proud of me. I want Scotland to be proud of me.”
Despite having expressed a desire to retire when he turns 35 in November, Craig admits he wouldn’t be able to refuse the chance to win a UFC belt.
The Airdrie fighter added: “Getting close to the title would definitely change my mind. Do I genuinely believe I can walk away from the sport?
“It’s hard. Going out on a high would be amazing, but you always think about one more fight. I’m 100% committed to getting to the title. Could it happen before the end of the year? You never know.”
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