Modestas Bukauskas Respects the Game, Yet Expects Victory

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Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight Modestas Bukauskas has a great deal of respect for Jimmy Crute. He admits the Australian is a legitimate step up in opposition for his second outing inside the Octagon. He says he’s as well rounded and athletic a fighter as he’s faced yet. And that’s exactly what he wants. Viewing his bout at UFC Fight Night 180 as his latest proving ground, and to showcase that he’s not the only one taking a step-up in competition.

“He’s definitely the most well rounded fighter I’ll be fighting. Definitely the toughest competitor. As I’ve said, I always want a step up in competition, and I’ve got exactly that,” Bukauskas told Sherdog. “No one wanted to fight him. No one in the Top 15 wanted to step in the cage with this man, and that’s understandable. He’s very tough. He’s got more athleticism than probably other opponents. He’s good on the standup, good on the floor and good in wrestling. But then again, so am I. I give him the utmost respect, and it’s great to see the both of us willing and able to sign the contract. That’s how the fight game’s supposed to work. He wants to prove himself and I want to prove myself. He brings a lot to the table but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. From what it seems, this is definitely something I’m going to be able to deal with, overcome, be able to go and get the job done and get the finish.”

Along with breaking down his Oct. 17 fight on Yas Island, Bukauskas looked back at his UFC debut win in July and the odd circumstances that brought an end to the match up.