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?

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

Zuffa LLC

If Arman Tsarukyan wins the UFC lightweight title, he wants to go after one of Islam Makhachev's records.

Tsarukyan is set for a pivotal clash against Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331, and his camp claims he's been promised a title shot if he emerges victorious. The newly nicknamed “Batman†has long been considered the rightful No. 1 contender at 155 pounds by fans and pundits, but an emphatic performance on Sept. 19 might leave no doubt.

The No. 2-ranked lightweight on the Meta UFC and media panel rankings was scheduled to challenge Makhachev for the gold in early 2025, but he was pulled hours before the weigh-ins due to an injury. This would've been a rematch, as Makhachev defeated Tsarukyan via unanimous decision in their competitive 2019 bout. Makhachev has since moved up to become the welterweight champion, while some believe Tsarukyan is only now getting out of the UFC doghouse.

Appearing on Paramount+'s “Deep Waters,†Tsarukyan dismissed the idea of chasing a rematch with Makhachev at 170 pounds. Tsarukyan would rather set a new record at lightweight (h/t MMAFighting).

“Not yet,†Tsarukyan said. “At least five title defenses. … I want to beat the record in the lightweight division. So Islam had four defenses, so I want to make five and then we'll see or I retire or go up to 170, because I've got to gain weight for 170.â€

Reigning UFC lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje appears to be out for the remainder of 2026. “The Highlight†recently said that both his hands are injured, and he doesn't envision returning to the Octagon until 2027. If Tsarukyan becomes Gaethje's first challenger, he'll need to wait a little bit, but he has no issue staying active outside of UFC competition.

Do you think Arman Tsarukyan can top Islam Makhachev's run at lightweight, or will he run into issues at some point? Sound off in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

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.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM