Prediction: Bellato via TKO
Let’s talk Craig first. The guy’s a submission sniper. If you’ve made a mistake on the ground in the last five years, there’s a good chance he caught a limb. His jiu-jitsu is dangerous—no question. But that danger often comes off his back, meaning he’s banking on his opponent messing up from top position. That’s a risky game plan in today’s MMA, especially against someone like Bellato, who’s doesn’t just hace striking power—he’s a legit BJJ black belt himself. Bellato isn’t likely to give Craig the openings he thrives on. He’s not going to dive headfirst into a trap just because he’s in Craig’s guard. He’s composed, educated on the ground, and has the awareness to shut down wild scrambles before they start.
Now, let’s stand them up. Craig has a unique style on the feet—long limbs, decent kicks, and he plays that distance game well. But here’s the thing: he needs space. He needs time to gauge rhythm, extend his strikes, and draw reactions to work his setups. And that’s exactly what Bellato’s going to take away from him. Bellato isn’t here to spar at range. He’s going to walk him down, stay in his chest, and force those ugly clinch exchanges where Craig starts to unravel. The moment Craig can’t dictate distance, he starts making defensive errors—overextending hands, leaning back, or pulling straight—things that get you flatlined against a fighter with legit power.
And speaking of power, let’s not ignore Craig’s chin. It’s been tested, and not always in a good way. When real pressure and violence show up, he tends to crumble. Bellato has the kind of forward-pressure, volume-heavy, aggressive style that doesn’t just overwhelm you—it drowns you. He throws with bad intentions, but he’s not wild; it’s calculated aggression. He’s not just chasing a highlight—he’s breaking his opponent down with every exchange.