An MMA star who grew up in Watford has promised an “explosive” fight upon his return to the cage this weekend.
Modestas Bukauskas moved to the UK from Lithuania at the age of three and grew up in Watford and South Oxhey before fulfilling his dream of competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
He told the Watford Observer that it is “absolutely amazing” to represent the town on the world stage, adding that stepping into the famous Octagon is “everything I could have dreamt of and more”.
Bukauskas Faces Edwards in Catchweight Bout
He returns to the cage on Saturday night, taking on Christian Edwards in Las Vegas.
Edwards has stepped up on short notice as a replacement opponent after Rodolfo Bellato withdrew due to injury.
Asked about his preparation, Modestas said: “The change of opponent does not change the outcome or the training that I’ve been doing. all it means I can eat a little bit more as it is at a catchweight.”
While the 32-year-old typically fights in the light heavyweight division, a “catchweight” fight sees fighters agree to fight at a weight limit between classes to enable a bout to go ahead. This is common when fights are arranged on short notice, as will be the case on Saturday night.
‘Baltic Gladiator’ Ready for Victory
Modestas dreamt of pursuing a career as an elite athlete from a young age, beginning to train in kickboxing from the age of five. While he also played tennis growing up, all roads eventually led back to martial arts and the UFC’s iconic octagon.
After three straight wins in 2025, he is coming into Saturday’s bout off the back of a loss to Nikita Krylov on the undercard of January’s Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett fight.
Despite this setback, he is full of confidence, telling the Observer: “The only thing in my mind is getting the win and for me its already inevitable, I have just got to go out there and do my thing.”
Asked for a message for his fans, watching back home in Hertfordshire, he said: “This is going to be an extremely explosive fight and you are going to see the ‘Baltic Gladiator’ at his very best.”
The fight will be third “main card” bout on Saturday’s UFC Fight Night show and can be watched in the UK on TNT Sports from 1am in the early hours on Sunday morning.