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, external as 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.