Modestas Bukauskas (pictured) will enter the UFC cage for the first time in Abu Dhabi. | Dolly Clew, Cage Warriors
Modestas Bukauskas has a date and opponent set for his octagon debut.
The former Cage Warriors light heavyweight titleholder is scheduled to face Vinicius Moreira at UFC’s Fight Night show in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on July 15, multiple people with knowledge of the booking told MMA Fighting. Combate first reported the news.
Bukauskas (10-2) inked an exclusive deal with the UFC after capturing and defending the Cage Warriors belt in 2019, knocking out Marthin Hamlet Nielsen and Riccardo Nosiglia in successive bouts. The Lithuania-native is on a six-fight streak of finishes.
Moreira (9-4), who joined the UFC after submitting John Allan at Dana White’s Contender Series in 2018, is in desperate need for a win after going 0-3 in the UFC with losses to Alonzo Menifield, Eryk Anders and Paul Craig this past year.
The July 15 UFC show is part of the company’s “Fight Island” series at Yas Island, UAE, and currently includes Carla Esparza vs. Marina Rodriguez and Ariane Lipski vs. Luana Carolina.
