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.”

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.”

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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