UFC Fight Night 258: Modestas Bukauskas vs Paul Craig

On Saturday, September 6, 2025, at UFC Paris, Modestas Bukauskas faced Paul Craig in a highly anticipated light heavyweight bout at the Accor Arena in Paris, France. The fight was part of UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs. Borralho, drawing significant attention from fans eager to see two skilled fighters clash inside the octagon. The atmosphere was electric as the fighters made their entrances, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.

From the opening bell, both fighters engaged in a tactical exchange. Bukauskas showcased his striking prowess, using sharp combinations to test Craig’s defense, while Craig, a veteran with a strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background, attempted to close the distance and take the fight to the ground. Despite Craig’s efforts, Bukauskas remained composed and maintained control in the striking exchanges, keeping the momentum firmly in his favor.

As the first round progressed, Bukauskas began to find openings in Craig’s defense. A series of clinch exchanges allowed Bukauskas to gain top position, and with only seconds remaining, he landed a perfectly timed elbow that rendered Craig unconscious. The referee immediately intervened, stopping the fight and awarding Bukauskas a dramatic first-round knockout at exactly 5:00, leaving the crowd in awe of the precision and timing of the finish.

Following the bout, Paul Craig announced his retirement from professional MMA. The Scottish fighter, 37, left his gloves in the center of the octagon as a symbolic gesture, expressing gratitude to fans for their support throughout his career. Craig retires with a UFC record of 9–10 (1 NC), having earned notable victories over fighters such as Magomed Ankalaev, Jamahal Hill, and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.

For Modestas Bukauskas, the victory marked his fourth consecutive win and improved his UFC record to 6–1 in his second stint with the promotion. The impressive finish not only reinforced his striking credentials but also positioned him as a rising contender in the light heavyweight division. Fans left the arena buzzing about Bukauskas’s potential and the unforgettable nature of his buzzer-beating knockout.