Paul Craig returns at UFC London, books fight against Volkan Oezdemir on July 23.

Paul Craig
Mandatory Credit: MMA Junkie

Off the back of another rallying win at UFC London back in March, the #8 ranked light heavyweight contender, Paul Craig is set to feature at the next edition of the event on July 23. – landing a high-stakes pairing with one-time division title chaser, Volkan Oezdemir at The O2 Arena.

Craig, a native of Airdrie, managed to lock up his fifth consecutive victory at UFC London back in March, stopping Ukraine grappler, Nikita Krylov with an opening round triangle – submitting the former Fight Nights Global titleholder after suffering a barrage of ground strikes before the finish.

Attempting to snap a two-fight losing skid in his July 23. return against Craig, Switzerland native, Oezdemir most recently suffered a one-sided unanimous decision loss against common opponent, Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 267 back in October on ‘Fight Island’. The promotion confirmed the matchup on their official Twitter account

Before his win over Krylov back in March, Craig handed streaking division prospect, Jamahal Hill with ground strikes back in June of last year at UFC 263. In other notable promotional victories, Craig has defeated the aforenoted, Ankalaev, as well as former undisputed light heavyweight champion, Shogun Rua. 

Once challenging for light heavyweight gold, Oezdemir dropped a strikes loss to former two-division titleholder, Daniel Cormier at UFC 220 – managing prior victories over the likes of Jimi Manuwa, Ovince Saint Preux, Ilir Latifi, as well as upcoming UFC Vegas 54 main event feature, Aleksandar Rakic.