Lithuania’s Modestas Bukauskas made his return to the UFC last night at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia. The light-heavyweight stepped in to face Australian-native, Tyson Pedro on short notice with the crowd against him. Despite this, the two-time Cage Warriors champion was the one who prevailed unanimously on the judge’s scorecards.
Bukauskas went toe-to-toe with the very dangerous Pedro and was able to show off his striking in a big way. A mixture of slick combinations and a clear drive ensured it was he who left with the victory were the key components to his positive return to the UFC octagon.
Calling for Paul Craig in London
After his win down under, the Lithuanian-Brit called for a chance to fight in London at UFC 286 next month. Not only that, but he suggested a potential match-up with Scotland’s Paul Craig.
Bukauskas stated post fight: “I know that card is already stacked, but, I feel okay. I’ll let this leg die down with the swelling. If I can get on that UFC London card, that would be fricking amazing. I’ve come out relatively unscathed and I’m in training all the time, so I want to show-off my skills. That would be absolutely amazing, to fight in front of a home crowd.”
“I know I obviously have no right to be calling out any big names at the moment, but, Paul Craig, he’s from the UK, I’m from the UK. I mean, it would be a hell of a showdown. Obviously, Lithuanian-British bread, against a Scottish man. I know he’s just fought as well, so that might not happen. But, anyone else in Europe, like I say, it would be good to throw down in front of a hometown crowd.”
Craig, who was recently defeated at UFC 283 in Brazil, also suggested he’d love to get back on another London card. The Scot was on the end of a KO to Brazilian, Johnny Walker, but remains hopeful he can still have a very successful 2023.
UFC 286 in London
Leon Edwards will be defending his welterweight title in his trilogy bout with Kamaru Usman in London. The card is already stacked with some of the UFC’s best British talent. Not only that, but Justin Gaethje will take on Rafael Fiziev in what could be an explosive lightweight clash.
The UFC are still trying to work on getting Lerone Murphy a replacement opponent, after Nathaniel Wood was ruled out after a nasty injury in training. Assuming they can’t find said replacement in time, there’s always the chance they may want to add one more big British bout to the card. So, perhaps Bukauskas’ call for a fight in his adopted home country may not go unheard.
Do you think we could see Modestas Bukauskas versus Paul Craig at UFC 286 in London? Or, if not Craig then who? Let us know!
Featured Image Credits to Embed from Getty Images
