Ali Akbar Rosady
A significant light heavyweight clash is slated for early 2026, as Modestas Bukauskas and Nikita Krylov are expected to meet inside the Octagon at a UFC event planned for January 24. This bout marks one of the initial fixtures under the promotion’s new broadcast agreement with Paramount, set to commence at the beginning of 2026. Multiple sources with direct knowledge of the promotion’s scheduling confirmed the news to MMA Fighting on Tuesday, indicating that bout agreements have already been issued to both fighters. As of this report, a specific location for the January event has not yet been publicly disclosed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The fight pits two distinct and formidable talents in the 205-pound division against each other, each with considerable stakes on the line. For Modestas Bukauskas, known as "The Baltic Gladiator," this matchup represents a substantial step up in competition and a critical opportunity to extend his impressive winning streak since rejoining the UFC roster. Bukauskas (16-6 professional MMA record) has experienced a career resurgence following his initial departure from the promotion in 2021. After an initial run with the UFC between 2020 and 2021, which saw him go 1-3, Bukauskas took his talents to Cage Warriors, where he captured the Light Heavyweight Championship with a dominant TKO victory over Lee Chadwick. His success in the European circuit propelled him back into the UFC, signing a new deal in 2023.
Since his return, Bukauskas has been undefeated in his second stint with the organization, compiling a perfect 3-0 record. His renewed confidence and refined skill set have been on full display. His first fight back saw him secure a unanimous decision victory over Zac Pauga at UFC Fight Night 218 in February 2023, a performance that earned him a "Fight of the Night" bonus. He followed this up with another unanimous decision win against Tyson Pedro at UFC 293 in September 2023, showcasing his ability to outpoint seasoned opponents over three rounds. Most recently, Bukauskas delivered a highlight-reel performance at UFC Fight Night Paris in September 2024, where he dispatched veteran Paul Craig with a first-round knockout. This emphatic finish against a top-ranked opponent underscored his improved striking power and readiness for the division’s elite. Bukauskas’s trajectory has been one of consistent upward momentum, and a victory over a highly-regarded contender like Krylov could catapult him into the light heavyweight rankings.
Across the Octagon will stand Nikita Krylov (30-9 professional MMA record), nicknamed "The Miner," a fighter celebrated for his dynamic and often chaotic style. Krylov, currently ranked #7 in the UFC light heavyweight division, is looking to reverse a recent string of setbacks and solidify his position among the top contenders. A long-time fixture in the UFC, Krylov has cultivated a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters at 205 pounds, known for his willingness to engage in thrilling exchanges and his diverse skill set encompassing powerful striking and dangerous submission grappling.
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Prior to his recent challenges, Krylov had assembled an impressive three-fight winning streak against formidable opponents. This run included a unanimous decision victory over Volkan Oezdemir in October 2022, a first-round submission win against Ryan Spann in March 2023 (a rematch after their initial fight in 2020), and a TKO victory over Alexander Gustafsson in July 2022. These performances demonstrated Krylov’s capability to contend with the division’s best and established him as a legitimate threat to the top five. However, his momentum was disrupted by a pair of losses in his two most recent outings. In March 2023, Krylov suffered a first-round submission loss to Ryan Spann, and in July 2024, he was defeated by TKO against Bogdan Guskov. These back-to-back losses, coupled with a period of relative inactivity, have placed Krylov in a precarious position within the rankings. This upcoming bout against Bukauskas is therefore crucial for Krylov to regain his winning form and defend his spot in the competitive light heavyweight landscape.
The stylistic matchup between Bukauskas and Krylov promises a compelling contest for fight fans. Bukauskas, with his crisp striking and demonstrated knockout power, will likely seek to control the distance and unleash his combinations. His recent performance against Paul Craig, a renowned grappler, showed his ability to neutralize threats and capitalize on openings. Krylov, on the other hand, is a more unpredictable force, capable of engaging in wild striking exchanges or suddenly transitioning to grappling for a submission attempt. His experience against a higher caliber of opposition throughout his UFC career could prove to be a significant factor. The fight’s outcome will have substantial implications for the light heavyweight division, potentially ushering Bukauskas into the ranked contendership or allowing Krylov to reaffirm his status as a top-tier threat.
This event holds additional significance as it is positioned to be among the first in the UFC’s new era under its broadcast deal with Paramount, which is slated to begin in 2026. While the specific details of the programming and distribution under the new agreement are still emerging, the UFC is clearly planning to kick off this partnership with high-profile matchups to generate immediate interest and showcase the depth of its roster. The booking of a pivotal light heavyweight bout between two exciting fighters like Bukauskas and Krylov signals the promotion’s intent to deliver "grand fashion" events from the outset of the new deal. As of now, the UFC has yet to make an official announcement regarding its full schedule for 2026, but the inclusion of this fight indicates that plans are rapidly progressing behind the scenes. Combat sports enthusiasts will undoubtedly be anticipating the formal announcement of the full fight card and location for this highly anticipated January event.
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