Modestas Bukauskas is looking to prove he's a top-15 light heavyweight at UFC Paris.

Bukauskas is set to take on Oumar Sy at UFC Paris in what should be a fan-friendly fight at light heavyweight. Bukauskas is coming off a decision win over Christian Edwards back in May in a lackluster fight, but it was an opponent change on short notice.

Although Bukauskas was originally booked to face Rodolfo Bellato, he didn't want it rebooked after he beat Edwards.

“This is perfect timing. I got back into training and was working on my skills. I was ready for whenever a call would come, and I fought in May, and this is a pretty quick turnaround,†Bukauskas said on Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com. “… I wouldn't want to have that fight. He is the one who pulled out on Tuesday. He had his chance; I am now looking ahead. Funny enough, Christian Edwards is now fighting Bellato. That ship has sailed, and I'm looking ahead.â€

With Bukauskas not wanting to face Bellato, he wasn't sure who would be next for him. Yet, when he was offered to face Oumar Sy at UFC Paris, he wasn't surprised this was the fight.

“I knew he might have been an opponent,†Bukauskas said. “We fought on the France card last year; we were in the same locker room. I have respect for him. Because the French card was coming up, and like putting European fighters on the European cards, I thought this might have been the avenue they might take. … Even though I am facing a hostile crowd, I love it.â€

Modestas Bukauskas looking to make a statement at UFC Paris

Entering UFC Paris, Modestas Bukauskas is the betting underdog, but he doesn't care about that. Instead, he believes he has the right game plan and tools to get his hand raised.

“He's a very well-rounded fighter, versatile striking. A good wrestler; we are coming in prepared. I have to take it to him. I have to put it on him on fight night,†Bukauskas said.

Should Bukauskas get his hand raised at UFC Paris, the goal is to get a ranked opponent next, and possibly a fourth fight in 2026 later this year.

“I think people kind of are overlooking that with a win hre is nine wins in the UFC light heavyweight division. Not many guys have that many wins. I had a bit of a setback against Krylov. I have to show I deserve a top guy, and the way to do it is beating Oumar Sy,†Bukauskas concluded.

Do you think Modestas Bukauskas will beat Oumar Sy at UFC Paris?

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Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Rising UFC middleweight contender Christian Leroy Duncan will fight in his first UFC main event against one of the division's toughest puzzles.

After Sean Strickland pulled off the monumental upset over Khamzat Chimaev earlier this year, the UFC's middleweight division is going through another transitional period. As Strickland prepares for his second championship stint, there's a slew of contenders waiting for shots at the title.

One such rising star is Christian Leroy Duncan, who has won five consecutive fights and is fresh off a unanimous decision win over Jared Cannonier in July. The talented UK standout is finally starting to perform up to the lofty potential many analysts felt he would live up to when he made his way to the UFC.

Duncan proved he's a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight title mix with his most recent victory over Cannonier. As Strickland's next fight remains uncertain, Duncan will clash against one of the division's hottest contenders in a highly anticipated headliner.

Christian Leroy Duncan set for title eliminator bout vs. Top 5 mainstay

As announced by the UFC on Tuesday, Duncan and No. 5 middleweight Brendan Allen will headline UFC Vegas 122 on October 10th. Allen has won three fights in a row since suffering back-to-back losses to Anthony Hernandez and Nassourdine Imavov.

Allen returns to the Octagon after recent wins over Edmen Shahbazyan and Reinier de Ridder. The former Dana White's Contender Series standout has traded wins and losses in his UFC tenure, but is knocking on the door of a potential title shot.

UFC Vegas 122 features a strawweight showdown between Loopy Godinez and Ketlen Souza. Rising stars like Malcolm Wellmaker, Jai Herbert, and Julius Walker round out an intriguing card at the UFC Apex.

What is your prediction for Brendan Allen vs. Christian Leroy Duncan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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BKFC and PFL MMA

Much has been made about Cris Cyborg's next move, but if she wants to continue throwing hands, BKFC appears to have open arms.

Cyborg recently competed in the main event of PFL Tampa. She took on fellow ex-UFC veteran Ketlen Vieira, who missed weight by seven pounds. Cyborg won the fight via unanimous decision, but the PFL Women's Featherweight Champion did not commit to retirement.

While Cyborg isn't sure whether or not she's done with prizefighting, one ambitious BKFC fighter said she'd welcome Cyborg for a bare-knuckle clash. That fighter was Cristine Ferea, and BKFC president David Feldman told MMAJunkie that Conor McGregor is quite intrigued by the thought of such a matchup.

“I wasn't but I think it's something we definitely can do,†Feldman said. “I think it's something we can float out there. It's funny because Conor messaged me early in the morning on Sunday and he was like, ‘Who'd she call out? Cris, Cris, Cris Cyborg? Oh, that's a great fight. Let's do that one, Dave. Let's do that.' He was excited about it and I'm excited about it.

“Cristine Ferea, there's not a lot of people who can put up a challenge to her. For Cris Cyborg, standing up, there's not a lot of people who can put up a challenge for her. That would be a great fight: two people that are known and two people who really want to stand out there and bang and give their all there. I definitely think that's something you could possible see down the road.â€

Recently, Cyborg hinted at being involved with Scott Coker's new MMA promotion in some capacity. Whether she'd be an active fighter for the upcoming promotion or if she'd be working with the company outside of competition remains to be seen.

Do you think Conor McGregor and BKFC can convince Cris Cyborg to fight for the promotion? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

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