Modestas Bukauskas is gearing up for a pivotal fight at UFC 315 this Saturday, May 10, 2025, against Ion Cutelaba at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The light heavyweight fighter is riding a wave of momentum, having won four of his last five bouts, and he credits much of his recent success to the mentorship of UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.
Bukauskas, who has faced significant challenges in his career, including a devastating injury and a previous stint in the UFC that saw him struggle with a 1-3 record, is now in a much better place both mentally and physically. "I think I was always determined to not let the story end there," Bukauskas told MMA Junkie, reflecting on his journey back to the octagon. "Imagine you are reading a book, the book about Modestas. We're talking about his MMA career and stuff like this, and it's like, 'Oh, he got to the UFC and that's it.' That'd be a pretty sh*t book to be honest with you."
After undergoing surgery and a grueling recovery, Bukauskas returned to action 14 months later, winning a unanimous decision over Bellator alum Lee Chadwick before clinching the Cage Warriors title with another unanimous decision against Chuck Campbell. His determination paid off when he received a short-notice call for a fight against Tyson Pedro, which he accepted eagerly. Following a victory over Zac Pauga, Bukauskas faced a setback against Vitor Petrino but bounced back with two consecutive finishes against Macin Prachnio and Raffael Cerqueira.
Throughout this comeback, Bukauskas has been training at Aspinall's gym, where he has found a supportive environment that has significantly aided his mental evolution. "One big thing that I've sort of implemented over the past year and a half is going down to Tom Aspinall's gym," Bukauskas shared. "He was insanely welcoming and right away was like sure. He messaged my dad to come up here. We had an amazing bond right away between me and his team."
Aspinall, who has not fought since defending his interim title with a stunning one-minute knockout of Curtis Blaydes in July 2024, remains a pivotal figure in Bukauskas's corner. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Aspinall's next fight, which many fans hope will be a unification bout against Jon Jones, he continues to train diligently and support his teammates. "He’s in the gym every day, helping guys like me and other guys that have fights coming up. Just absolutely amazing," Bukauskas noted.
As Bukauskas prepares for his bout against the seasoned Ion Cutelaba, he acknowledges the challenges that come with competing at the highest level in the UFC. "There just seems to be so much stalling and negotiating and stuff like that’s going on. Tom honestly just wants to fight. He openly says he’ll fight anyone," Bukauskas said, expressing his hope that Aspinall will soon have the opportunity to showcase his skills in the octagon again.
In the lead-up to UFC 315, Bukauskas has embraced the advice from Aspinall, who encourages him to focus on self-belief and enjoy the fight without the burden of excessive pressure. "Just believe in yourself. Go out there and have some fun and don't put too much pressure on yourself. Embrace the fear. Embrace the environment. If you just relax and let things go, you're going to do well," Aspinall has advised. This mindset shift has allowed Bukauskas to approach his fights with a newfound confidence and clarity.
As he steps into the octagon on Saturday, Bukauskas aims to make it three wins in a row, which could potentially catapult him into the top 15 of the UFC light heavyweight rankings. "Ultimately, what is the goal in this game? It's to become a champion," Bukauskas stated, reflecting on his aspirations. "Do I feel like I have the skillset and what it takes to become a champion? Yes. We've got to take it step-by-step, bit-by-bit, keep working, keep improving. But ultimately, that's the goal. I want to have a legacy. I want to be that guy who is able to defend his belt and really solidify himself as a true stable champion."
Bukauskas's journey not only highlights the importance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity but also underscores the value of mentorship in sports. With Aspinall's guidance, Bukauskas has transformed his approach to fighting and is ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead. As the fight night approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting matchup between Bukauskas and Cutelaba, with the stakes higher than ever for both fighters.
In the world of mixed martial arts, where every fight can change a fighter's trajectory, Bukauskas is poised to seize the moment and continue his ascent in the UFC. With the support of his teammates and the lessons learned from his experiences, he is ready to embrace the challenge and fight for his dreams.
