This is a compelling light heavyweight showdown between two dynamic and dangerous finishers. Modestas Bukauskas, a versatile striker with championship experience on the European circuit, meets Ion Cuțelaba, a wild, explosive powerhouse with a relentless forward style. Both men are coming off strong performances at UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song, and this matchup will determine who takes the next step toward contention in the 205-pound division.
Bukauskas is a former two-time Cage Warriors champion and enters this bout on a two-fight winning streak in the UFC. Standing 6'3" with a 78-inch reach, he uses his length effectively, mixing in sharp kicks and combinations while maintaining range. He’s shown improved grappling in recent outings, submitting Marcin Prachnio in 2024 before knocking out Raffael Cerqueira earlier this year. With 10 of his 17 wins coming by knockout, Bukauskas thrives when he can control tempo and pick his shots.
Cuțelaba, known as “The Hulk,” is one of the division’s most aggressive fighters. He brings chaos from the opening bell and owns 13 knockout wins, often overwhelming opponents with power and pressure. While inconsistent in recent years, he’s shown flashes of brilliance—including a submission win over İbo Aslan in his last fight. Cuțelaba's key challenge is maintaining composure and cardio while avoiding technical counters, especially against a rangy striker like Bukauskas.
This fight boils down to whether Cuțelaba can close the distance early and impose his physicality before Bukauskas can settle into his rhythm. If Bukauskas can manage range and avoid getting clipped in the early exchanges, his polish and cardio could be the difference.
Modestas Bukauskas – Last 5 Fights
1. Win vs. Raffael Cerqueira – KO (Round 1, Feb 22, 2025)
2. Win vs. Marcin Prachnio – Submission (Round 3, Jul 27, 2024)
3. Loss vs. Vitor Petrino – KO (Round 2, Nov 4, 2023)
4. Win vs. Zac Pauga – Unanimous Decision (Jun 17, 2023)
5. Win vs. Tyson Pedro – Unanimous Decision (Feb 12, 2023)
Ion Cuțelaba – Last 5 Fights
1. Win vs. İbo Aslan – Submission (Round 1, Feb 22, 2025)
2. Win vs. Ivan Erslan – Split Decision (Sep 28, 2024)
3. Loss vs. Philipe Lins – Unanimous Decision (Mar 9, 2024)
4. Win vs. Tanner Boser – TKO (Round 1, Apr 15, 2023)
5. Loss vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu – TKO (Round 2, Nov 19, 2022)
Prediction
Modestas Bukauskas def. Ion Cuțelaba via Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3)
