UFC Paris adds do-or-die bout for veteran light heavyweight

Paul Craig heads into one of the most important fights of his career when he takes on Modestas Bukauskas at UFC Paris.

The UFC announced Monday that Craig is set to face Bukauskas in a light heavyweight bout on Sept. 6 at Accor Arena. A bout between top middleweight contenders Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho headlines the event.

Craig (17-9-1, 1 NC) is in need of win after scoring just one victory in seven appearances since 2022. He is coming off of a frustrating contest against Rodolfo Bellato this past June, when an illegal upkick from Craig rendered Bellato unable to continue. Bellato was criticized for allegedly embellishing the foul, with UFC analyst Anthony Smith accusing Bellato of “trying to get a cheap win.”

Regardless, Craig once again failed to see his hand raised and is now winless in his past four contests. The Scotsman has scored several notable victories, including finishes of future light heavyweight champions Magomed Ankalaev and Jamahal Hill, and UFC Hall of Fame inductee Mauricio Rua, but his UFC record currently sits at 9-9-1 (1 NC).

Bukauskas (18-6) also has pressure on him as he looks to extend a three-fight win streak. The two-time Cage Warriors champion is 5-1 in his second stint with the UFC and another win could make him a dark horse in the title contender race.