MMA Match Preview: Modestas Bukauskas (19-6) vs. Paul Craig (17-10-1)
Venue & Event Details
Event: UFC Fight Night 258: Imavov vs. Borralho
Bout: Modestas Bukauskas (Lithuania/England) vs. Paul Craig (Scotland) – Light Heavyweight (205 lbs) – 3 Rounds
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Location: Accor Arena, Paris, France
Main Card Start: 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT
Bukauskas vs. Craig Walks: ~4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT
Broadcast:
USA: ESPN+
UK: TNT Sports / discovery+
France: RMC Sport
Injury & Availability Report
Modestas Bukauskas: No reported injuries; full camp completed at BST Academy in England. Entered fight week on a three-fight win streak.
Paul Craig: No reported injuries; camp at Higher Level MMA in Scotland. Coming off a no-contest and looking to rebound.
Fighter Profiles & Matchup Breakdown
Modestas “The Baltic Gladiator” Bukauskas (19–6) – Lithuania/England
Age: 31
Height/Reach: 6’3” / 78″ reach
Style: Switch-stance striker with solid movement and takedown defense
UFC Record: 7–4
Key Stats:
3.26 significant strikes landed per minute (42% accuracy)
4.07 absorbed per minute (51% defense)
0.31 takedowns per 15 min (66% accuracy)
77% takedown defense
Recent Form:
W – Paul Craig (TKO R1)
W – Ion Cutelaba (SD)
W – Tyson Pedro (UD)
L – Khalil Rountree Jr. (KO)
Tactical Notes: Bukauskas is at his best when he can dictate range with kicks and straight punches, forcing opponents into striking exchanges. His improved defensive wrestling has allowed him to stay upright against grapplers and unleash his power shots.
Paul “Bearjew” Craig (17–10–1) – Scotland
Age: 37
Height/Reach: 6’4” / 76″ reach
Style: Submission specialist with opportunistic guard game
UFC Record: 9–10–1
Key Stats:
2.44 significant strikes landed per minute (46% accuracy)
2.98 absorbed per minute (45% defense)
1.87 takedowns per 15 min (21% accuracy)
46% takedown defense
Recent Form:
L – Modestas Bukauskas (TKO R1)
NC – Johnny Walker (accidental foul)
L – Volkan Oezdemir (UD)
L – Johnny Walker (KO)
Tactical Notes: Craig is dangerous off his back, with a knack for snatching submissions in scrambles or from guard. However, his striking defense and susceptibility to damage on the feet have been consistent vulnerabilities.
Fight History & Context
First Meeting: UFC Paris 2025 — Bukauskas dominated the opening round, defending Craig’s takedown attempts and landing heavy ground-and-pound. In the closing seconds of Round 1, he landed a vicious elbow (“hellbow”) that rendered Craig unable to continue.
Aftermath: Bukauskas improved to 6–1 in his second UFC stint, calling for a top-15 opponent. Craig announced his retirement post-fight, ending a career in which all nine UFC wins came by stoppage.
Betting Trends
Bukauskas: 3-fight win streak entering bout; 3 of last 4 wins by stoppage.
Craig: 4 of last 5 losses by KO/TKO; all 17 career wins by finish (13 subs, 4 KOs).
Style Trend: Striker-vs-grappler matchups at light heavyweight in the UFC have ended inside the distance in over 70% of bouts since 2020.
FIGHT ODDS
Modestas Bukauskas – 370
Paul Craig + 290
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025
