UFC Modestas Bukauskas vs Paul Craig Upcoming Sept 6 match, Night Paris 2025

One of the standout light heavyweight battles set for UFC Fight Night on September 6, 2025, sees Lithuania’s Modestas ” The Baltic Gladiator ole777 ” Bukauskas clash with Scotland’s submission specialist Paul ” Bearjew ” Craig. This match, slated for the Accor Arena in Paris, promises a compelling stylistic clash that fight fans cannot afford to miss.

The Fighters and Their Journeys

Modestas Bukauskas, 31, is currently riding high with a three-fight winning streak inside the UFC octagon. Known for his powerful striking and recently improved ground game, he is a former two-time Cage Warriors light heavyweight champion who has carved out a reputation as a well-rounded and dangerous competitor. His record boasts 18 wins and only six losses, and since 2022, he has suffered just one knockout loss to Vitor Petrino, underscoring his resilience and evolution as a fighter.

On the other side is Paul Craig, 37, the seasoned Scot grappling with a tough recent run, having only won one of his last seven fights and coming off a no-contest due to an illegal upkick in his latest bout. Despite the setbacks, Craig remains a submission ace with a 77 % finish rate, his 13 submission wins making him one of the most lethal grapplers in the division. Craig’s UFC tenure includes a notable win over the current light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev in 2018, reflecting both his potential and experience inside the cage.

Stylistic Clash: Striking vs. Grappling

This fight is a classic matchup of contrasting styles. Bukauskas will likely seek to keep the fight standing, relying on his powerful leg kicks and combinations to disrupt Craig’s rhythm and keep the grappler at bay. With a takedown defense rate of 80%, Bukauskas plan to pressure and maintain distance could be the key to his victory.

Conversely, Craig will aim to exploit any opportunity to take the fight to the mat, looking for his world-class submissions to end the fight early. His best path to victory is to catch Bukauskas off balance and impose his grappling, but he must also watch out for Bukauskas’ improving ground and pound.

The Stakes and What to Expect

For Bukauskas, a win here not only extends his winning streak to four but could catapult him into the top 15 rankings of the light heavyweight division, setting up a lucrative showdown with a ranked opponent. For Craig, this fight is a makes-or-break moment, an opportunity to halt a five-fight skid and revive his UFC career.

The Prediction

the excitement around this fight is palpable. Bukauskas’s military mindset of “going as an army” into battle highlights his mental readiness and determination to push forward. He sees this fight as a test to prove he’s a legitimate contender and doesn’t shy away from Craig’s dangerous submission game.

Given Craig’s recent struggles and Bukauskas’s momentum, the prediction leans favorably toward the Lithuanian striker. Expect Bukauskas to impose his pace, stay disciplined on the feet, and avoid Craig’s grappling snares to secure a victory by knockout or decision.

With UFC fans buzzing worldwide, this fight is primed to deliver intense action with high stakes on the line. The accor arena in Paris will witness a battle of skill, heart, and determination—make sure to catch the live action and witness a defining moment in both fighters careers