Paul Craig says a “life-changing” six-fight deal will almost certainly see him bow out of UFC “unless he can reverse the ages of time”.
And he insists the new contract provides financial security that will also allow him to retire “with his mind intact”.
Craig, from Airdrie, has signed up to Paradigm Sports Management, owned by superstars Conor McGregor and Audi Attar, and secured a deal that will eventually see him look to a life outside of the Octagon.
The first of those fights will be in Brazil in January next year against the unlikely-named Johnny Walker, in front of a baying local crowd, and the ‘Bearjew’ is just delighted to have got the deal over the line.
Speaking exclusively to Lanarkshire Live Sport , he said: “This is the first time I’ve ever worked with a management team. I had always been advised that management teams can’t do anything for you, by my coach, but it turns out they didn’t know what they had to offer.
“I’ve signed with Paradigm, which is owned by Conor McGregor and Audi Attar, so these guys know the sport inside out.
“They’ve gone with my old contract, which still had one fight left on it, got that cancelled, and signed me in a six-fight deal.
“It’s a huge thing with the six fights, because it’s normally only four they sign you in for, so that’s a massive commitment to UFC from me, plus they’ve increased my money massively, all thanks to Paradigm.
“I’m absolutely buzzing with that, I don’t think anyone can ask for any more.”
And the former Caldervale High School pupil knows it offers huge financial security for his family.
He added: “I’m 35 in November, and I think this will be the last contract that UFC give me, unless something dramatically changes where I reverse the ages of time.
“I know I’m getting older, obviously, but what I’m looking to do is get out of the sport with my mind still intact, and I think six fights, with the money they’re giving me, is incredible.
“That money will help me open a gym on my own, it will give me security as well, so I have finances behind me to do so, and it’s a sure thing for my family as well – that money is going to massively change their lives.
“The UFC have changed my life up until this point, and in signing this contract they’ve changed it again.”
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