In an electrifying bout at UFC 315 held in Montreal on May 10, 2025, Modestas Bukauskas emerged victorious over Ion Cutelaba by split decision. The light heavyweight clash showcased both fighters' skills, with Bukauskas improving his record to 5-1 in his second UFC stint, while Cutelaba's performance marked a notable chapter in his career.
Coming into the fight, Bukauskas was riding high after an upset victory over Ibo Aslan in February, and he was eager to capitalize on his momentum. The Lithuanian fighter, known as "The Baltic Gladiator," had a 4-1 record since his return to the UFC, demonstrating his resilience and determination following a severe leg injury in 2021. Meanwhile, Cutelaba, nicknamed "The Hulk," was on his first two-fight win streak since 2018, bringing a wealth of experience and a reputation for explosive performances into the octagon.
As the fight began, Cutelaba showcased his kicking game, consistently targeting Bukauskas' lead leg. However, it was Bukauskas who landed the first significant strike with a clean right hand, prompting Cutelaba to respond with an overhand of his own. Both fighters attempted to surprise each other with lead head kicks, but neither found success in the early exchanges. Bukauskas demonstrated sharper offensive skills, landing solid one-twos, while Cutelaba pressured throughout the round.
After the first five minutes, the scorecard favored Bukauskas 10-9, reflecting his effective striking. The second round saw Cutelaba starting strong, landing a combination and displaying a more aggressive style, reminiscent of his earlier fights. Although he stumbled after attempting a spinning elbow, Cutelaba's activity level won him the round, tying the fight at 19-19 on the unofficial scorecard.
Entering the third round, both fighters faced the challenge of fatigue, having only a handful of decisions between them in their combined 53-fight experience. The action picked up as Bukauskas increased his output, landing significant shots and showcasing his striking prowess. Despite a failed takedown attempt from Cutelaba, Bukauskas continued to press forward, finishing the round with a spinning back kick to the body.
When the scorecards were read, the split decision result was met with mixed reactions. Bukauskas won with scores of 27-30, 30-27, and 29-28, prompting commentary from UFC analyst Daniel Cormier, who called the decision "trash." Despite the controversy, many believed Bukauskas deserved the victory for his performance.
The fight was not only a test of skill but also a battle of strategy and endurance. Bukauskas, with a height and reach advantage, utilized his striking abilities to keep Cutelaba at bay, while Cutelaba's grappling-oriented approach added a layer of complexity to the matchup. Sean Zerillo, a senior writer at The Action Network, had projected Cutelaba's moneyline at -138, highlighting his grappling prowess, which includes an average of 4.6 takedown attempts per five minutes and a 52% accuracy rate. However, Bukauskas proved to be a formidable opponent, countering with technical striking and effective movement.
The event took place at le Centre Bell, with the preliminary card starting at 6:30 p.m. ET and the main card following at 10:00 p.m. ET. As fans filled the arena, anticipation built for the exciting matchups on the card, including the Bukauskas vs. Cutelaba bout. The atmosphere was electric, with supporters rallying behind their favorite fighters and eager to witness the action unfold.
Throughout the fight, Bukauskas demonstrated his ability to adapt and overcome challenges, especially after facing a grappling-heavy opponent for the first time in years. His experience and technical skill shone through as he navigated Cutelaba's aggressive style, ultimately leading to his victory.
As the dust settles on UFC 315, Bukauskas' win not only adds to his growing legacy but also raises questions about Cutelaba's next steps in the octagon. With both fighters displaying heart and determination, fans are left eager for their future matchups and the potential for rematches or new rivalries.
In conclusion, the bout between Modestas Bukauskas and Ion Cutelaba at UFC 315 was a thrilling encounter that showcased the best of mixed martial arts. As both fighters continue their respective journeys, the implications of this fight will resonate within the light heavyweight division, setting the stage for future battles and exciting storylines.
