Modestas Bukuaskas vs Ion Cutelaba

strikevision1
May 6
2 min read

In a high-stakes light heavyweight clash, Lithuania’s Modestas Bukauskas takes on the explosive Moldovan brawler Ion Cuțelaba. Bukauskas, known for his composed striking and improving grappling, is looking to bounce back and re-establish himself in the division. Meanwhile, Cuțelaba brings his trademark aggression and knockout power to the cage, aiming to overwhelm his opponent early.

Profiles:

Modestas Bukauskas is a Lithuanian light heavyweight known for his kickboxing background and methodical approach inside the Octagon. With a professional record of 15 wins and 7 losses, Bukauskas has showcased powerful leg kicks, solid movement, and the ability to grind out tough decisions. After re-signing with the UFC, he has shown flashes of his potential and is eager to put it all together against a veteran like Cuțelaba.

Quick Stats:

Nationality: Lithuanian
Age: 30
Height: 6'3"
Reach: 78 inches
Team: Team Titan
Stance: Orthodox
MMA Record: 17 wins, 6 losses
UFC Record: 5 wins, 4 losses

Ion "The Hulk" Cuțelaba is a Moldovan powerhouse with a reputation for chaos and carnage in the opening round. Holding a professional record of 17 wins, 9 losses, and 1 draw (with 1 NC), Cuțelaba is a fan-favorite for his relentless pace and unfiltered aggression. Though his wild style has sometimes cost him, when dialed in, Cuțelaba is a dangerous finisher capable of dismantling opponents with strikes or ground-and-pound.

Quick Stats:

Nationality: Moldovan
Age: 31
Height: 6'1"
Reach: 75 inches
Team: CSA Moldova
Stance: Southpaw
MMA Record: 19 wins, 10 losses, 1 Draw (1 NC)
UFC Record: 8 wins, 9 losses, 1 draw

Core Stats Comparison

Offensive Breakdown:

Cutelaba holds a minimal edge in output, with a striking accuracy of 43% compared to 42% for Bukauskas, and he lands 4.29 significant strikes per minute, well above Bukauskas' 3.21. While Bukauskas has a higher takedown accuracy (67%) versus 52% for Cutelaba, the volume tells a different story. Bukauskas attempts just 0.38 takedowns per 15 minutes, while Cutelaba averages a relentless 4.04 takedowns per 15 minutes. This makes Cutelaba the far more active and dangerous grappler.

Neither fighter is known for submissions, with Bukauskas averaging 0.19 and Cutelaba 0.0 per 15 minutes.

Defense Breakdown:

Bukauskas has a slight edge in striking defense (50%) versus 47% for Cutelaba, but he absorbs more damage, taking in 4.11 significant strikes per minute compared to Cutelaba’s 3.34. This means Cutelaba is not only throwing more but also getting hit less. Takedown defense is nearly even: 71% for Bukauskas and 75% for Cutelaba, with both showing solid resistance to grappling exchanges.

Summary:

Bukauskas struggles with a negative striking differential—landing only 3.21 strikes while absorbing 4.11, showing he tends to take more damage than he gives. Cutelaba, on the other hand, flips that script by landing 4.29 and absorbing only 3.34, a sign of effective pressure and control. When it comes to wrestling, Cutelaba’s high-volume takedown average makes him a constant threat on the ground, and his ability to mix levels could be the X-factor. Bukauskas will need to utilize his reach and takedown defense to keep the fight standing if he wants to slow down Cutelaba.