Paul Craig moved down from light-heavyweight to middleweight in 2023 Warning: this article contains discussion of eating disorders Paul Craig says he developed an eating disorder while cutting weight for his four-fight stint at middleweight and has urged any fighter who has experienced the same to "get help and support". The 37-year-old Scotsman, who has spent the majority of his 11-year career at light-heavyweight, moved down to middleweight in 2023 with a submission win over Andre Muniz. Craig, who lost his next three fights in the division, said he restricted his calorie intake for 10 weeks leading up to the bouts. Craig weighs around 220lb (15st 7lb) normally and described the cut to the UFC's middleweight threshold of 185lb (13st 2lb) as "horrible". "I set myself a goal of being middleweight champion and focussed and did it. But mentally, I ended up with an eating disorder," said Craig. "The best thing I did was talk to people about it because for a long time I was embarrassed of it. "I do believe there are other fighters out there going through this so put it out there, get the help and support." The National Health Service (NHS)describes an eating disorder,externalas a mental health condition where people use the control of food to cope with feelings and other situations. Unhealthy eating behaviours may include eating too much, too little, disordered eating or worrying about body weight or shape. "The things fighters will do to their bodies is incredible. [At middleweight] I had low testosterone, low white blood cells, I kept getting infections because I had nothing to fight them off," he said. "I had really low body fat percentage - but the goal was to be champion and be in the top-10 and [at the time] I'd do anything to do it." Craig said after reaching out for help he was able to develop a "healthier relationship" with food. It is common practice for fighters to shed weight before fights and in recent years the UFC has taken steps to make weight cuts safer. The promotion company built the Performance Institute, which provides guidance for athletes from professional health experts. Intravenous drips are now banned, which forces fighters to hydrate in a healthier way. UFC fighters are also recommended to lose no more than 8% of their body weight during fight week and stay within 10% of their weight class on fight night. Craig, who last fought against Bo Nickal in November, returns to light-heavyweight against Brazil's Rodolfo Bellato in Las Vegas on Saturday, aiming to halt a three-fight losing streak. The fight against 29-year-old Bellato represents Craig's 20th bout in the UFC since his debut in the promotion in 2016. He has won nine of those bouts, lost nine and drawn one, but the current losing streak sees Craig questioning his future in the organisation if he doesn't triumph on Saturday. "It's difficult to pick yourself up after three losses because this sport is about entertaining. This sport is about winning. And if you're not entertaining, the UFC has no right to keep you," said Craig. "I'm under no illusion a loss on Saturday night potentially results in me not having a UFC contract come Monday morning. That for me is a fire and I do my best work when my back is against the wall and everybody has written me off." If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story you can visitBBC Action Line. You can also get help at Beat, the UK's eating disorder charity,external.
'Get help and support' - UFC fighter Craig opens up on eating disorder
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"UFC Fighter Paul Craig Discusses Eating Disorder and Advocates for Mental Health Support"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Paul Craig, a UFC fighter who transitioned from light-heavyweight to middleweight in 2023, has opened up about his struggles with an eating disorder that developed during his weight-cutting process for fights. The 37-year-old Scotsman shared that he restricted his calorie intake for ten weeks leading up to his bouts in the middleweight division, where he faced significant challenges. Despite achieving a goal of becoming a middleweight champion, Craig described the experience as 'horrible' and noted the toll it took on his mental health. He emphasized the importance of seeking help and support, highlighting that many fighters may be facing similar struggles with eating disorders, which the NHS defines as mental health conditions where individuals use food control as a coping mechanism for their feelings and situations. Craig's own experience led him to develop a healthier relationship with food after reaching out for assistance, a step he now encourages others to take.
During his brief stint at middleweight, Craig faced not only physical challenges but also health issues, including low testosterone and a compromised immune system due to extreme weight loss. He recounted how fighters often push their bodies to the limit, sometimes at the expense of their health, in pursuit of success in the sport. The UFC has recognized the dangers associated with weight-cutting and has made efforts to improve safety, such as banning intravenous drips and recommending that fighters maintain a healthier weight within their class. As Craig prepares for his upcoming fight against Rodolfo Bellato, he reflects on the pressure of his current three-fight losing streak and the potential consequences of another loss, which could jeopardize his future in the UFC. He has acknowledged the mental strain that comes with competing at a high level and expressed determination to perform well under pressure, stating that the challenges he faces motivate him to excel in the octagon.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Paul Craig, a UFC fighter, has bravely shared his personal struggle with an eating disorder that developed during his transition from light-heavyweight to middleweight. By discussing his experiences, he aims to shed light on the challenges many fighters face regarding weight management and mental health. This article serves as both a personal narrative and a call to action for others in the fighting community who may be experiencing similar issues.
Purpose Behind the Article
The article seeks to raise awareness about the mental health issues associated with weight cutting in combat sports. By sharing his story, Craig emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support, which may encourage other fighters to address their struggles openly. His candidness serves to destigmatize the conversation around eating disorders, particularly in high-pressure environments like professional fighting.
Community Perception
This story aims to create a supportive dialogue within the fighting community and beyond. It highlights the psychological toll that extreme weight cutting can have on athletes, potentially fostering greater empathy and understanding among fans and fellow fighters. By doing so, it encourages a shift toward healthier practices in weight management.
Potential Concealments
While the article focuses on Craig's personal experience, it may inadvertently gloss over the broader systemic issues within the UFC and combat sports regarding weight management practices. The normalization of extreme weight cutting could still be an underlying issue that remains unaddressed, despite Craig's personal advocacy.
Manipulative Potential
The article does not appear to be overtly manipulative; however, it could be argued that it selectively emphasizes the personal narrative of one fighter to highlight a broader issue that may not be universally applicable. This approach may lead readers to generalize Craig's experience as representative of all fighters, potentially overlooking individual variations in experiences with weight cutting.
Truthfulness and Credibility
The authenticity of Craig's story adds to the article's credibility, as it is grounded in personal experience. The use of medical definitions and references to the NHS regarding eating disorders supports the factual basis of the discussion around mental health.
Societal Impact
This narrative could lead to increased awareness of mental health issues in sports, prompting discussions about reform in weight-cutting practices. It may influence regulatory bodies to consider implementing stricter guidelines for weight management to promote athlete well-being.
Supportive Communities
The article resonates with various communities, including mental health advocates and sports organizations that prioritize athlete welfare. It also appeals to fans and followers of combat sports who may not be fully aware of the challenges fighters face beyond the physical aspect of the sport.
Economic and Market Implications
While the article may not directly impact stock markets, it could influence sponsorship decisions and partnerships within the UFC and related organizations that prioritize athlete health. Companies that align themselves with health and wellness initiatives may see increased support as a result.
Global Context
The topic of mental health in sports is increasingly relevant in today's society, especially as athletes from various sports begin to speak out about their struggles. This article aligns with a growing trend of open dialogue surrounding mental health and could contribute to a global conversation about athlete welfare.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
There is no clear indication that AI was used in the writing of this article. However, if AI were involved, it might have influenced the tone and structure to ensure clarity and engagement. AI models that focus on natural language processing could assist in creating a narrative that resonates with readers, but the personal nature of Craig's account suggests a human touch.
Overall Reliability
The article appears to be reliable, as it features a credible source sharing a personal experience that is supported by medical insights. The discussion encourages a necessary conversation about mental health in sports, making it a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue.