A significant addition has been made to the UFC Paris fight card, scheduled for September 6th at the Accor Arena. The light heavyweight division will be prominently featured as veteran Paul Craig is set to face Modestas Bukauskas. For Craig, this particular matchup carries a palpable sense of urgency, widely regarded as a critical junction in his career.
Paul Craig`s recent form indicates a challenging period. Since 2022, he has secured just one victory in seven appearances, a run that includes four consecutive fights without his hand being raised. His most recent outing against Rodolfo Bellato ended in controversial fashion, ruled a no-contest following an illegal upkick. While the circumstances prompted debate, the outcome was clear: it did not provide the much-needed win. This difficult streak sees Craig`s UFC record currently standing at 9-9-1 with one no-contest, a statistic that starkly contrasts with past notable victories, such as submission finishes over former champions Magomed Ankalaev and Jamahal Hill, and UFC Hall of Famer Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. The question now looms: can the `Bearjew` find the form that led to those significant wins?
Across the octagon stands Modestas Bukauskas, a fighter who is building considerable momentum in his second stint with the promotion. The two-time Cage Warriors champion enters this bout on a three-fight winning streak and has compiled a solid 5-1 record since his return. Bukauskas represents a clear and present danger, and a victory over a recognizable name like Craig could propel him into the conversation as a potential dark horse contender in the competitive light heavyweight ranks.
This pairing sets the stage for more than just a standard divisional contest. It is a classic test of veteran resilience against ascending force, amplified by the specific pressures on both competitors. For Paul Craig, this is arguably a “must-win” scenario not just for career progression, but perhaps for demonstrating his continued viability within the UFC ecosystem. Navigating Bukauskas`s current form while under such individual pressure will require a performance reminiscent of his career highlights.
Slotted into a card headlined by a middleweight clash between Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho, the Craig-Bukauskas fight holds its own narrative weight. It is an encounter fraught with consequence, particularly for the seasoned Scotsman. The tension is undeniable as Craig prepares for what might be the most important fight of his recent years, seeking to reverse his trajectory against a hungry and successful challenger.
