MMA Match Preview: Nikita Krylov (30-9) vs. Modestas Bukauskas (16-6)
The light heavyweight division delivers a clash of veterans at UFC 324 as No. 8-ranked Nikita “The Miner” Krylov (30-9) seeks to extend his win streak against Modestas “The Baltic Gladiator” Bukauskas (16-6), who aims to bounce back from a recent loss. Krylov, a Ukrainian submission specialist with knockout power, enters as a strong favorite after three straight finishes, facing a Lithuanian striker known for his durability and counter-punching. This bout could be a grappling vs. striking chess match, with Krylov’s ground game potentially overwhelming Bukauskas if he closes distance, or Bukauskas’ footwork keeping it standing for a decision. No prior bad blood, but both have faced common opponents like Ryan Spann (Krylov W Sub; Bukauskas L KO), adding indirect intrigue. On a card headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, this prelim has Fight of the Night potential if it goes long.
Venue Location
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This 20,000-seat iconic venue, a UFC pay-per-view staple since 2016, is renowned for its high-energy crowds and history of hosting explosive light heavyweight bouts, including several submission finishes in recent events.
The main card starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT, 7:00 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). Prelims begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), and early prelims at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT). This fight is on the prelims, likely airing around 7:30-8:00 p.m. ET. Stream live on Paramount+.
Injury Report
Nikita Krylov: No reported injuries. Krylov is fully healthy after a minor hand issue in his September 2025 training camp, which didn’t affect his performance in his last win. He confirmed full recovery in a December 2025 interview, with no setbacks noted heading into this bout.
Modestas Bukauskas: No reported injuries. Bukauskas enters cleared after recovering from a knee strain sustained in his July 2025 loss, undergoing rehab and returning to full sparring by October 2025. Recent updates show him in peak condition.
Fighter Matchups
This light heavyweight (205 lbs) prelim bout contrasts Krylov’s (6’3″, 77″ reach, 36 years old) aggressive grappling and submission threat (18 subs, 60% of wins) with Bukauskas’ (6’3″, 78″ reach, 31 years old) technical striking and takedown defense (72% rate). Krylov lands 4.5 significant strikes per minute at 55% accuracy but excels on the ground, averaging 2.8 takedowns per 15 minutes at 52% success and a 2.5 submission attempts rate. He’s a southpaw with knockout power (10 KOs) but thrives in scrambles. Bukauskas absorbs fewer strikes (3.8 per minute) and counters effectively, landing 4.2 at 58% accuracy with solid footwork, but his grappling is average (0.8 takedowns per 15 minutes). Styles favor Krylov if he initiates clinches, but Bukauskas’ range management could force a stand-up war. Fight distance leans toward Krylov’s control, but Bukauskas’ chin (never submitted) could push a decision.
Recent Form
Nikita Krylov: On a three-fight win streak, all finishes. Overall 3-0 in last three: W (Sub R2 vs. Azamat Murzakanov, Sep 2025), W (KO R1 vs. Alonzo Menifield, Mar 2025), W (Sub R1 vs. Ryan Spann, Mar 2023). Form highlights resurgent finishing ability after a 1-2 skid, with improved striking volume and ground dominance.
Modestas Bukauskas: 3-2 in last five, mixing knockouts and decisions. Recent: L (KO R3 vs. Marcin Prachnio, Jul 2025), W (KO R2 vs. Vitor Petrino, Feb 2025), W (UD vs. Zac Pauga, Sep 2024), L (KO R1 vs. Carlos Ulberg, Mar 2024), W (KO R2 vs. Tyson Pedro, Feb 2024). Form shows power (9 KOs) but vulnerabilities to aggressive strikers, with his loss snapping a two-fight streak.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Krylov and Bukauskas—no prior head-to-head or bad blood. They share common opponents like Ryan Spann (Krylov W Sub 2023; Bukauskas no) and Alonzo Menifield (Krylov W KO 2025; Bukauskas no). Krylov’s UFC tenure (12-7) edges Bukauskas’ (4-4), but no notable connections or feuds. Clean stylistic matchup with no history of callouts.
FIGHT ODDS
Nikita Krylov + 120
Modestas Bukauskas – 140
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
