Modestas Bukauskas expressed considerable admiration for Nikita Krylov, his upcoming adversary at UFC 324.
Bukauskas had initially aimed for an additional bout in the previous year. However, upon receiving the opportunity to compete in the inaugural event of 2026, which was also Paramount’s first show, he eagerly accepted.
“From the very beginning, I understood this would be a major event, given it’s Paramount’s debut card at the T-Mobile Arena,” Bukauskas shared during an interview on Just Scrap Radio via BJPENN.com. “Numbered events in Vegas consistently deliver exciting matchups. Participating in such a landmark card is an honor.”
Furthermore, Bukauskas will contend against a fighter ranked within the top 15, specifically Krylov, an opponent he had desired to challenge.
“He was among the individuals I had been considering,” Bukauskas stated. “My goal was to compete against a top-15 contender, and I voiced this ambition quite early. It felt logical; I anticipated one of them would emerge, and Krylov was one of the names I predicted, and indeed, he did. Everything aligned perfectly.”
Despite Bukauskas’s eagerness to face Krylov, he is acutely aware of his opponent’s formidable nature. He considers Krylov the riskiest adversary he has encountered thus far, but he anticipates this challenge will elicit his peak performance.
“He exhibits strong ground skills and effective wrestling,” Bukauskas further remarked. “He’s a versatile athlete and frequently initiates chaotic exchanges. He is a truly perilous fighter, the most perilous I’ve faced in my career. However, this will undoubtedly ignite the finest version of the ‘Baltic Gladiator.’ One must maintain utmost focus when confronting an opponent of his caliber.”
Modestas Bukauskas Anticipates Stopping Nikita Krylov at UFC 324
Even though Bukauskas acknowledges Krylov’s threat, he maintains strong self-assurance in his own abilities.
The light heavyweight hopeful is convinced he possesses every necessary attribute to not only defeat Nikita Krylov but also secure a definitive finish at UFC 324, thereby making a strong impression.
“My vision is to achieve a finish against Krylov,” Bukauskas declared. “He represents the most formidable competitor I’ve encountered, yet whenever I face a challenging trial, it compels me to elevate my game. That’s precisely what I intend to do – to meet this moment. I will deliver the pinnacle performance of my career at UFC 324.”
If Modestas Bukauskas manages to secure the decisive victory he seeks, he already has a specific individual in mind whom he plans to challenge.
“I have certain objectives, but I’ll reserve those details until after the bout. I aim to lay the groundwork for particular outcomes, though I recognize that an undeniable finish is essential for these ambitions to materialize,” Bukauskas concluded.
