Modestas Bukauskas is set to compete this Saturday at UFC 315 against Ion Cutelaba. He credits interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall with significantly aiding his preparation, even though Aspinall himself doesn`t have a fight scheduled anytime soon.
While other fighters in the gym, including Bukauskas, are preparing for their next opponents, Aspinall remains in a holding pattern, hoping for an eventual title unification bout against Jon Jones. The timing or even the certainty of this highly anticipated fight remains unclear. Despite this frustrating wait, Bukauskas lauded Aspinall`s unwavering support for his teammates whenever they require assistance.
“My primary hope for Tom is that this fight materializes,” Bukauskas stated. “There appears to be significant delays and negotiations happening. Frankly, Tom just wants to compete. He’s openly stated he’d face anyone, though Jon Jones is the clear next step. He often says, ‘what more can I do?’ It’s clearly frustrating and undoubtedly bothersome for him, but he`s focused on what he can control.”
“He’s consistently in the gym, helping teammates like myself and others with upcoming fights. His dedication is truly remarkable. For example, our teammate James Webb recently defended his Cage Warriors championship.”
It`s almost a year since Aspinall last fought in the UFC, where he defended his interim title with a swift one-minute knockout of Curtis Blaydes last July. Four months afterward, Jones defended his heavyweight championship by decisively defeating Stipe Miocic. Despite this, the UFC has not finalized an agreement for a unification clash between the two champions.
As the UFC`s summer schedule quickly fills, it increasingly seems Aspinall may need to wait until the autumn for his opportunity to fight Jones.
“He maintains his daily training regimen,” Bukauskas commented on Aspinall. “From his perspective, it`s highly frustrating. When you invest so much effort into training, you naturally want the chance to perform. I sincerely hope the situation resolves and he gets to compete again soon.”
“Knowing he`s eager to fight, especially now that he`s arguably in his prime, he desperately wants to step into the octagon and compete. The persistent question remains: what is causing the delay?”
As an experienced light heavyweight fighter himself, Bukauskas also once considered facing Jones a primary career ambition.
Jones holds the record for the longest reign as light heavyweight champion in UFC history. He has since transitioned to the heavyweight division, where his record stands at 2-0.
While fully respecting Jones`s impressive career accomplishments, Bukauskas issued a caution, suggesting Jones will face a uniquely different challenge should he finally fight Aspinall.
“Frankly, Tom is unlike anyone I`ve ever trained or sparred with,” Bukauskas asserted, “and I`m certain he presents a challenge unlike any Jon Jones has faced. When I consider Tom, I think of his exceptional speed, athleticism, and fight IQ. Like other top fighters, he processes information and makes critical micro-adjustments in real-time, which often lead to finishes. His understanding of the fight is incredible. He`s clearly remarkably fast, explosive, and athletic – all significant advantages for him.”
“Jon Jones is incredibly technical, possessing strong wrestling, excellent striking, and solid jiu-jitsu, training with highly skilled partners. I don`t diminish his abilities in any way, but I believe Tom possesses many of those same qualities, plus the advantage of youth. I foresee his superior athleticism being a significant factor against Jones in various aspects of the fight. I anticipate many being surprised. Tom is simply a distinct type of athlete, which is precisely why this matchup is so compelling to me. I want Tom to have the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities to the world.”
Despite the ongoing delays and uncertainty surrounding his next bout, Aspinall maintains consistent training and preparation for the eventual day he will finally face Jones in the octagon.
Bukauskas holds Aspinall in the highest regard, not only as a teammate but also as an exemplary leader whose daily dedication persists even while his own fighting career is temporarily stalled.
“One could easily say Tom is the team captain, alongside his father,” Bukauskas remarked. “Gaining small insights, observing his approach to fights, his training methods, and his performance in sparring sessions – these are all incredibly valuable learning experiences. Being around him has unquestionably improved my own fighting skills.”
