Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato Preview, Predictions, and MMA Betting Odds for UFC Atlanta

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

UFC Atlanta on June 14, 2025, brings a compelling light heavyweight prelim fight to State Farm Arena, featuring two fighters with very contrasting paths. Paul Craig is known as a submission savant with a knack for snatching victories through making his opponents tap, takes on Rodolfo Bellato, a rising Brazilian who is known for his punishing striking ability. This UFC Fight Night Clash, part of the Usman vs. Buckley card, sets the stage for a high-stake action between a seasoned veteran and a hungry prospect looking to make a statement.

Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato Preview

On June 14, Paul Craig faces Rodolfo Bellato in a critical light heavyweight prelim bout at State Farm Arena. Craig (17-9-1), a submission maestro, returns to 205 pounds after a 1-3 middleweight stint, with losses to Bo Nickal, Caio Borralho, and Brendan Allan. His 13 submission wins, including upsets over Jamahal Hill and Magomed Ankalaev, highlight his ground threat, averaging 1.4 submission attempts per 15 minutes. For now, Craig aims to stop the bleeding and snap a three-fight skid.

Meanwhile, Bellato (12-2-1), a 29-year old Brazilian, remains unbeaten in the UFC, with a TKO win over Ihor Potieria and a draw against Jimmy Crute. His 6.28 significant strikes per minute at 62% accuracy outpaces Craig’s 2.52 at 44%. Bellato is also an excellent defender when it comes to takedowns with 85%, which may force Craig to keep him standing, favoring Bellato’s power. It’s a crossroads between an excellent striker vs. an excellent grappler.

Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato MMA Betting Odds

According to BetMGM, Rodolfo Bellato is the heavy -425 favorite to win the fight against the +325 underdog Paul Craig. This means that if you beat $425 on Bellato, you will get a return of $100, if he wins. Whereas, if Craig pulls off an upset, a $100 bet would mean $325 in return.

Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato Predictions and Picks

Rodolfo Bellato is the favorite to win the fight against Paul Craig at UFC Atlanta. Bellato’s superior striking (6.28 significant strikes per minute at 62% accuracy) should overwhelm Craig, who lands just 2.52 at 44%. Bellato’s takedown defense, as mentioned earlier, is also very high which will likely neutralize Craig’s grappling. Craig’s recent skid with a 1-3 record, including getting finished two times, exposes his vulnerability against power punchers like Bellato, who’s currently unbeaten in the UFC.

While Craig’s submission threat still looms, but Bellato’s youth and momentum suggest a stand-up dominance.

Official Pick: Bellato via KO/TKO

Paul Craig

Rodolfo Bellato

UFC

UFC Atlanta

Eric Divakaran

nba

nfl

mma

I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.