Cooper Albers previews Modestas Bukauskas vs. Christian Edwards at UFC Vegas 117 at the META Apex.
Light heavyweight Modestas Bukauskas has a new opponent for Saturday night, now taking on the debuting Christian Edwards in a 215-pound catchweight bout at UFC Fight Night at the META Apex.
Bukauskas (19–7, 7–5 UFC), who was originally tabbed to face Rodolfo Bellato, looks to rebound after a third-round knockout loss to Nikita Krylov in January halted a four-fight surge. Edwards (8–4, 0–0 UFC) makes his first trip to the Octagon following a second-round KO of Glendal Whitney at Shamrock FC in February.
Bukauskas enters as a hefty -325 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Edwards sits as a +260 underdog. The total is set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
The second time’s the charm! Modestas Bukauskas has fared far better in his follow-up campaign with the UFC, winning six of eight bouts returning in February 2023. The Lithuanian kickboxer, 32, went a perfect 4–0 across 2024 and 2025, scoring multiple first-round knockouts — against Rafael Cerqueira and Paul Craig — along the way.
However, “The Baltic Gladiator’s” momentum came to a screeching halt after getting knocked out by Nikita Krylov in the final seconds of their January clash. While 14 of his 19 pro wins have come by stoppage, Bukauskas has also been finished in six of his seven career losses.
Christian Edwards will make his Octagon debut in far from favorable circumstances: on less than a week’s notice. However, “Pain” is ready to bring just that.
The American Southpaw, 27, started his pro career in Bellator, winning his first five bouts before dropping three straight — including a first-round knockout loss to Ben Parrish. He’s since won three of his last four bouts across regional circuits, most recently scoring a second-round knockout of Glendal Whitney at Shamrock FC in February. Edwards, a BJJ purple belt, heads into Saturday night with a 75% finish rate, including five KOs and a lone submission.
Regardless of who comes out on top, the winner of Saturday’s catchweight showdown should be decided without the help of the judges. Bukauskas will likely lean on his Octagon experience as he hunts for a finish, while Edwards could utilize the element of a short-notice “surprise” to test his opponent’s compromised chin. Don’t expect this one to go the distance.
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