Modestas Bukauskas achieved his 20th career win by outlasting Christian Edwards at UFC Vegas 117. While Bukauskas started aggressively, Edwards managed to control significant portions of the fight by utilizing clinch work against the fence, aiming to wear down “The Baltic Gladiator.” Bukauskas managed to break free with 90 seconds remaining in the first round, and both fighters exchanged kicks to conclude the opening frame.
The second round saw both fighters exchange powerful strikes. Bukauskas landed a solid right hook that momentarily stunned Edwards. Shortly after, Bukauskas landed two more right hands that clearly rocked his opponent. However, instead of pressing for a finish, Bukauskas opted to engage in clinch fighting against the cage.
Despite these missed opportunities for a definitive finish, Bukauskas appeared to have clearly won the second round on the judges’ scorecards.
Edwards returned to his clinch strategy in the third round. Perhaps confident he had secured the first two rounds, Bukauskas allowed Edwards to maintain the pressure against the fence for much of the round. Edwards was hesitant to commit to significant offensive actions late in the fight, while Bukauskas used kicks to keep Edwards at bay until the final bell. This led the contest to the judges’ scorecards, where the Lithuanian fighter earned his eighth victory within the Octagon.
Official Result: Modestas Bukauskas defeated Christian Edwards by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28).
Fight Highlights: Modestas Bukauskas vs. Christian Edwards at UFC Vegas 117
Modestas Bukauskas edged out Christian Edwards in a close split decision bout at UFC Vegas 117, marking Bukauskas’ 20th professional win.
Bukauskas began the fight with an aggressive approach. However, Edwards found success by clinching Bukauskas against the fence, attempting to wear him down. Bukauskas managed to create separation towards the end of the first round, and the fighters exchanged kicks to finish the period.
The second round featured a striking exchange, with Bukauskas landing a significant right hook that visibly affected Edwards. Shortly after, Bukauskas landed another two right hands, staggering Edwards. Despite these opportunities, Bukauskas chose to engage in a clinch against the cage.
Despite Bukauskas missing potential finishing sequences, he secured the second round on the scorecards.
Edwards reverted to his clinch strategy in the third round. Bukauskas seemed content to let Edwards press him against the cage, only becoming more active in the final minute and a half. Edwards failed to launch significant attacks, while Bukauskas used kicks to maintain distance until the end of the fight, ultimately leading to a split decision victory for the Lithuanian.
