Modestas Bukauskas has the second fight of his second UFC stint booked.
Bukauskas (14-5), who returned to the promotion in February, will face The Ultimate Fighter 30 finalist Zac Pauga (6-1) at the UFC’s June 17, 2023 Fight Night event.
News of the booking was first reported by Eurosport. Bukauskas’ management company, Iridium Sports Agency, later confirmed the booking.
A two-time Cage Warriors light heavyweight champion, Bukauskas had his first run with the UFC from beginning in 2020. After winning his debut against Andreas Michailidis, he would lose his next three bouts, resulting in his exit from the promotion.
From there, “The Baltic Gladiator” returned to Cage Warriors, winning the 205lb title there for the second time. He then returned to the big show, heading to Australia to win a decision against Tyson Pedro in his own back yard at UFC 284.
There will be less travel involved for Modestas Bukauskas this time around, as the June 17 card is expected to be held at the Apex in Las Vegas. There, he’ll meet Pauga, fresh off a win over Jordan Wright.
Pauga had competed at heavyweight on TUF 30, but returned to the light heavyweight division for the fight with Wright, and appears to be staying put for the time being.
The UFC’s June 17 Fight Night event is expected to be headlined by featherweights Josh Emmett and Ilia Topuria. The following match-ups have been reported for the card thus far:
- Josh Emmett vs. Ilia Topuria
- Alessandro Costa vs. Jimmy Flick
- Tereza Bleda vs. Gabriella Fernandes
- Modestas Bukauskas vs. Zac Pauga
