The UFC returns to Montreal for the first time in a decade this weekend with two belts on the line. Whilst some have described the card as the worst PPV of 2025, there are some hidden gems for fans to look out for. Now, this would have been an obvious choice to make had Joel Alvarez not pulled out of his highly anticipated match with Benoit Saint Denis. But such is life in Mixed Martial Arts, injuries do unfortunately happen. All is not lost; 315 still has some potentially thrilling fights to watch. Navajo Stirling vs Ivan Erslan, Charles Radtke vs Mike Malott and Jose Aldo vs Aiemann Zahabi all leap off the page as potential barn burners, with brutal finishes in store. However, one fight in particular has the makings of an absolute war this coming weekend.
Modestas Bukauskas vs Ion Cutelaba
Bukauskas vs Cuțelaba is a fight in which a finish is almost guaranteed. 2 powerful hitters with dangerous ground games and brutal intentions every single time they enter the cage. Ion Cuțelaba has become synonymous with the raw emotion and intensity he displays each time he fights. “The Hulk” is a fighter to the very core of his heart. Of his 8 UFC wins, 5 have finished inside the distance, including his brutal knockout of Khalil Rountree Jr. The Moldovan lives by the sword and dies by it, too, with 7 UFC losses coming via stoppage. Win or lose, Cuțelaba brings energy and excitement to any crowd blessed enough to see him fight. He will not be the only one bringing the heat this Saturday night. His opponent is as game, skilled and determined as they come.
Modestas Bukauskas is a rare case of a fighter getting a second chance. He has not taken it for granted. After going 1-3 in his first UFC stint, the “Baltic Gladiator” went back to his previous stomping grounds to again be crowned king of the Cage Warriors Light-Heavyweight division. This seemed to reignite a confidence within the powerhouse, and he has returned to the UFC reinvigorated. 4-1 and riding a 2-fight finish streak, Bukauskas has put every 205-pounder on notice. The Lithuanian-British fighter has always seemed to have the physical tools to succeed with the organisation, blending crisp, hard-hitting striking with some superb wrestling. It always seemed as though it was the mental side of the game that Bukauskas needed to improve upon. He seems to have accomplished this.
Prediction
Both men are riding 2 fight win streaks, carry immense power and will be desperate to carry on their recent success, I am favouring Bukauskas in this one. Cuțelaba takes risks and has a habit of exposing his chin, something you can ill afford to do against the heavy hands of Bukauskas. It feels as though the “Baltic Gladiator” is now on the verge of a well-deserved ranking, and a dominant finish might provide him with this opportunity.
Official Pick: Modestas Bukauskas Round 2 Knockout
At the time of writing this article, the oddsmakers have this fight even with both men sitting at -110, clearly showing how razor-close a contest this is. Whilst who comes out on top remains to be seen, one thing is for sure. This fight promises fireworks.
