Modestas Bukauskas looking to rise up LHW ranks and seal UFC London spot with UFC Sao Paulo win over undefeated Petrino
MODESTAS BUKAUSKAS is on the brink of sealing what will have been a sensational comeback year.
The Baltic Gladiator started 2023 outside of mixed martial arts‘ premier promotion and as the king of Cage Warriors’ light-heavyweights.
But he returned to the big time in February after being given a short-notice call-up to compete at UFC 284, where he faced and defeated Tyson Pedro.
The Lithuanian-born Brit – who was axed from the promotion in 2020 after suffering three consecutive defeats and a horrific knee injury – continued his incredible comeback story with a decision win over Zac Pauga in June.
Many UK MMA fans had given up hope of seeing Bukuaskas back in the octagon after his potentially career-ending knee, but not the man himself.
He told SunSport: “One of the first things I wrote on my vision board as I was coming back and I knew I that I’d signed with Cage Warriors was that I was going to be back in the UFC by 29 years old.
“And low and behold, again, things started coming true again.
“I literally just turned 29 the day before the fight that I had.”
Despite having faith in his ability to make it back to the UFC, Bukauskas is still amazed by how this year has panned out.
“It’s been like a crazy circle,” the 29-year-old admitted. “But I’ve always believed in myself.
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“My dad’s always believed in me, my team’s always believed in me.
“Sometimes the worst situations can be the biggest blessing for you.”
Victory over Pauga at the UFC Apex saw Bukauskas register his first back-to-back wins in the promotion.
He said: “The fact that I’ve got a two-fight win streak and I’ve got a lot of momentum [is amazing].
“Obviously, my man on the other side of the cage is also on a win streak.
“But one person’s win streak has to be snapped. And it ain’t gonna be mine.”
The latest chapter of Bukauskas’ UFC story will be written against unbeaten Brazilian Vitor Petrino in Sao Paulo on Saturday night.
A win over the highly-touted Petrino, who has finished all but two of his professional opponents, will put Bukauskas on the cusp of the top-15.
But after rushing things in his first stint, the Gintas Combat standout is in no hurry to dive head-first into the deep end of the 205lbs division.
He said: “I definitely feel that I’m world championship calibre, but I’ll go on all the steps on the ladder to get there.”
“Vitor Petrino is in my way, and it’s my job to take him out in order to get there.
More than anything, however, he’s hoping a win over Petrino will bag him a spot on the UFC’s next visit to London, which is expected to take place in March.
He said: “This is my plan, the grand design: I win three fights in the UFC in comeback, in enemy territory.
“You go and earn your spot to fight in your hometown.
“And mate, if you think the crowd is going for the Brazilians over here, just wait until Giggs’ ‘Talkin the Hardest’ plays in London with me walking out.
“I think that would be an absolutely insane feeling.”
Modestas Bukauskas takes on Vitor Petrino at UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Lewis on November 4th live on TNT Sports.