UFC 315: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena - Modestas Bukauskas Meets Ion Cutelaba in Light Heavyweight Prelim

Catch the preliminary card action at UFC 315: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena this Saturday, May 10, 2025, live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. A hard-hitting light heavyweight battle is scheduled between Lithuania's Modestas "The Baltic Gladiator" Bukauskas and Moldova's explosive veteran Ion "The Hulk" Cutelaba. Both fighters are known for their finishing abilities and will be looking for a decisive performance.

Fighter Backgrounds

Modestas Bukauskas

Modestas "The Baltic Gladiator" Bukauskas (17-6-0), representing Gintas Combat in Lithuania, is a dangerous light heavyweight with a mix of knockout and submission victories. Bukauskas has secured ten wins via (T)KO and three by submission, showcasing his diverse finishing abilities. He is looking to continue his momentum and climb the light heavyweight rankings.

Ion Cutelaba

Ion "The Hulk" Cutelaba (19-10-1), fighting out of Xtreme Couture in Moldova, is a powerful and aggressive light heavyweight veteran. Cutelaba is known for his explosive starts and fight-ending power, with thirteen of his nineteen wins coming via (T)KO. He is always looking for a knockout and brings excitement to every fight.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Modestas Bukauskas

• Diverse Finisher: Bukauskas can finish fights with both strikes and submissions.
• Switch Stance: Fights from a switch stance, which can make him a less predictable opponent.
• Recent Momentum: Has secured recent victories demonstrating his capabilities.

Ion Cutelaba

• Explosive Power: Cutelaba possesses significant knockout power and is dangerous, particularly in the first round.
• Aggressive Approach: Comes forward with high intensity looking for the finish.
• Experience: Has faced a long list of tough opponents in the UFC.

Recent Performances

Modestas Bukauskas

Bukauskas is currently on a two-fight winning streak, with both victories coming very recently. His most recent win was a second-round TKO over Rafael Cerqueira in February 2025. Prior to that, he secured a third-round submission victory over Marcin Prachnio in July 2024.

Ion Cutelaba

Cutelaba is also coming off a recent win, a first-round submission over Ibo Aslan in February 2025, showcasing his grappling. Before that, he secured a split decision victory against Ivan Erslan in September 2024 but suffered a unanimous decision loss to Philipe Lins in March 2024.

Odds and Betting Information

Fighter	Odds
Modestas Bukauskas	-110
Ion Cutelaba	-110

This light heavyweight preliminary bout is listed with essentially even odds, with both Modestas Bukauskas and Ion Cutelaba sitting at -110.

Keys to Victory

Modestas Bukauskas

• Utilize Diverse Skillset: Bukauskas should look to blend his striking and grappling to keep Cutelaba guessing.
• Avoid Early Power Shots: Navigating Cutelaba's explosive early aggression and power will be crucial.
• Capitalize on Opportunities: Being ready to find a submission or knockout opportunity as the fight progresses.

Ion Cutelaba

• Land a Power Shot Early: Cutelaba's best chance of victory is to connect with a clean power strike in the opening round.
• Overwhelm Bukauskas: Utilizing his aggressive pace and power to overwhelm Bukauskas early.
• Avoid Getting Submitted: Bukauskas has submission wins, so Cutelaba needs to be cautious on the ground.

Prediction