Who Is Paul Craig’s Girlfriend/Wife? Unknown Proposal Story, Kids & More

Paul Craig’s thunderous elbows and wild submissions may be what fans see inside the Octagon. But beyond the violence, there’s a softer side to him. One that’s deeply rooted in love, family, and quiet devotion. The Scottish brawler is known for his wins over names like Jamahal Hill, Mauricio Rua, and current 205-pound champion Magomed Ankalaev. His driving force? His wife Cheryl Arbuckle and the life he has built alongside her. 

So, what exactly is the story behind the man who wears Braveheart-inspired war-paint? Let’s take a look at the woman who has been by the ‘Bearjew’s side as he has made his way from Scotland to the bright lights of the Octagon! 

All about Paul Craig’s wife Cheryl Arbuckle

Cheryl Arbuckle isn’t one to chase the limelight. While Paul Craig throws fists for a living, she keeps things grounded, far away from flashing cameras and roaring crowds. Information about her professional life is limited, and that’s likely by design. 

But just because she stays out of sight doesn’t mean she’s out of mind. Cheryl has been by Craig’s side since long before he made it to the UFC. When Craig proposed to her in 2013, they’d already spent about three years together. And according to reports, they had known each other for nearly a decade before that. His proposal to her? That’s something straight out of a movie! 

When Paul Craig proposed to his girlfriend in the ring

The Scottish mixed martial artist proposed to his girlfriend, Cheryl Arbuckle, after winning the Scottish light heavyweight title back in 2013. According to reports online, Paul Craig invited Arbuckle into the arena and proposed to her with a beautiful ring.

This incident took place in front of a crowd of 500 fans at Strathclyde Park’s Alona Hotel. Arbuckle joined Craig in the ring, unaware of what was about to happen. Craig then expressed his gratitude to his teammates and coaches before surprising her with the proposal. The crowd cheered as Craig presented the ring and asked Arbuckle to marry him.

Despite the public setting, there was absolutely no hesitation in her when she accepted Craig’s proposal, much to the delight of the cheering fans. The couple’s special moment was accompanied by their song, “Delicate,” by Damien Rice, playing in the background. 

In a statement shared by the Daily Record, Arbuckle stated, “I was totally shocked and gobsmacked, I think for the first time ever I was actually speechless!” And since tying the knot after the epic proposal, the Craig family has added a few new members! 

How many kids does Paul Craig have?

In an interview with The Sun ahead of his UFC 209 clash against Tyson Pedro in 2017, Paul Craig revealed that he has two daughters, Millie and Maia. He also shared that before each fight, he tapes pictures of his daughters onto his gloves, a tradition that he began to bring him good luck and motivation.

He stated in the interview, “I’m quite sentimental. I keep all my stuff. I can see their pictures underneath all my wraps, and it’s a cool feeling. Maia doesn’t understand what I do, she just knows ‘Daddy does the boosh’. But Millie knows exactly what I do.”

His daughter, Maia, is named after former UFC fighter and grappling legend Demian Maia. And after his win at UFC Fight Night 204 in London, the Brazilian reached out to Craig on social media to share a message of appreciation for the fellow BJJ stylist.

In an interview with The Mirror after the win, Craig revealed, “I had said in an interview that she was named after Demian Maia, so then my partner had seen all this stuff on Twitter that Demian Maia had messaged”.

Now, as Paul Craig prepares to return to light heavyweight at UFC Vegas 106 against Rodolfo Bellato on May 17, fans are watching closely. After three straight losses at middleweight, the move up to 205 pounds feels like a fresh chapter. Will the ‘Bearjew’ find new fire in familiar territory? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!