For many fighters, being cut from the UFC is the end of the road of relevance. Some make it back for a second chance, others find success elsewhere, but for the overwhelming majority, it’s a career pinnacle that can never be replicated.
Modestas Bukauskas is largely an outlier, because he is one of the few that not only made it back to the octagon for a second stint after being released, but significantly elevated his level in the process.
Bukauskas (18-6 MMA, 6-4 UFC) has won five of six fights since returning to the promotion in February 2023, and now encounters another opportunity for forward movement when he meets all-time light heavyweight submission leader Paul Craig (17-9-1 MMA, 9-9-1 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 258 on Sept. 6 in Paris (ESPN+).
For Bukauskas, many variables have aligned for his current run of success. However, nothing is bigger in his mind than planting his training roots at the gym of UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in Manchester, England.
“One massive move that’s definitely been a massive credit to my turnaround is going to Tom Aspinall’s gym and training with the guys down there,” Bukauskas told MMA Junkie Radio. “They took me in with open arms. They’ve been really helping me. They want me to succeed as much as everyone else in the gym and everyone is trying to help each other to get better. Everyone has a massive improvement and development mindset. We’re training hard, but it’s all done in a good environment, a good space. The energy in the gym is amazing.”
Bukauskas said Aspinall, who defends his belt against Ciryl Gane in the UFC 321 main event on Oct. 25 in Abu Dhabi, is a leader by example in every way. Not only does his dedication to skill building and diet impress, but his mental fortitude is something Bukauskas said he tries to mimic.
“It’s the way that he conducts himself inside of training and outside,” Bukauskas said. “He’s all-around an amazing athlete and amazing person. I’ve definitely picked up so many things. I literally feel like I’m grabbing my notebook all the time and taking notes of things that he’s done. He’s been a massive inspiration to me, seeing how he does everything in the gym and the way that he trains, and the way that his dad trains him. The guy is so disciplined.
“Even this long time he’s had without a fight he’s always in the gym, he’s always training and still been on his diet. He’s trying to make himself as good of a fighter and athlete as possible.”
Bukauskas said training alongside Aspinall and other members of the team has put him in prime position to get a big win at UFC Fight Night 258. He knows Craig is unorthodox and a threat, but if he can beat him, he thinks he would be staring down the barrel of getting ranked fights.
“I understand he’s very dangerous,” Bukauskas said. “He’s got a vast skillset, especially on the floor and these really flamboyant kicks that he throws as well. He’s got good technique on his feet and on the floor. … I can’t undermine my own skillset. I obviously know how good I am and the skills I possess. I’ve got to take it to him.”
