Light heavyweight Modestas Bukauskas, who has found considerable success on his second run with the UFC, knows that his UFC Paris fight with Scotland’s Paul Craig is the biggest of his career thus far.
“Paul is a very high-level opponent. Got a very well-rounded skill set. He’s beaten some big names in the light heavyweight division; he’s been ranked at both light heavyweight and middleweight,” Bukauskas (18-6) admitted during Wednesday’s UFC Paris media day. “You could definitely say it’s my toughest opponent to date, my biggest name to date, and I’m really excited for it.”
With the pair both on the U.K. circuit over the years, Bukauskas has been circling the fight for a while now. “This is definitely a domestic match-up that has been one in the making for many years. Both of us have been at the top of light heavyweight in the UK for a very long time.”
“This is now my opportunity to go out there and put on an amazing performance. Put my skillsets on show and show that I’m also one of the very best in the light heavyweight division.”
Modestas Bukauskas has won three straight fights, all by different methods: a decision, submission, and KO. “I’ve learned a hell of a lot from especially the last three fights. Getting lessons from wins is always the best way,” he noted.
“You can definitely expect me to be on top form, you can expect me to best the best version of myself. I know it’s cliché to say, but I’m literally in the best mind frame, in the best physical shape that I’ve ever been in in my whole career, and you can expect to see the very best of ‘The Baltic Gladiator’ on Saturday.”
If that best version of himself does come out victorious, Bukauskas has another goal in mind for what comes next.
“100% it’s gotta be a top 15 match-up,” he exclaimed. “I want to stake my claims as being one of the very best in the light heavyweight division. So a top 15 match-up’s got to be next.”
Watch the full UFC Paris media day appearance by Modestas Bukauskas above.
