LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 27: Modestas Bukauskas of Lithuania has his hands wrapped prior to his fight during the UFC 260 event at UFC APEX on March 27, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Modestas Bukauskas updates recovery timeline post knee surgery
UFC light heavyweight Modestas Bukauskas is on the road to recovery following the knee injury he suffered in early September. The 27-year-old received positive news regarding his recovery timeline post-surgery.
In this exclusive interview, Bukauskas details exactly how long the injury will keep him sidelined, how much the support from fans helped him maintain a positive attitude, and why he can’t wait to get back in the cage to display his talents.
By now, everyone has seen the kick from Khalil Rountree that injured ‘The Baltic Gladiator’ at UFC Vegas 36. Bukauskas has handled the entire ordeal with nothing but grace. This past week, the light heavyweight underwent surgery to repair his injuries — and he’ll be back in the gym sooner than most would’ve assumed.
Modestas Bukauskas Interview
“Obviously it’s extremely painful because they had to do quite a lot of stuff in there,” he began, “But the main thing is that it went extremely successful. Everything went to plan and I’m on the full road to recovery. I knew it was gonna be a quite painful operation because it’s the most I’ve had done, but hey I’ll be back firing on all cylinders whenever I come back. And for those people who keep asking about the nose — no they did not straighten it — they just removed a bit of stuff to make my breathing better. So unfortunately the modeling career will have to wait, but yeah everything went according to plan.”
Many feared the worst when they witnessed Bukauskas go down in pain with the injury. Fortunately, he’ll be back to training far earlier than originally expected.
“I’m not going to go into it at all what the damage was,” he replied, “But put it this way, I’ll be back to training in about four to five months. It’s a lot better outcome than what we thought would’ve happened. So realistically, it was bad, but it wasn’t as bad as we thought it could’ve potentially been with like what other doctors thought it could’ve been. I’m really happy in that regard. I really can’t wait to get back and perform for you lad. Like I said, I definitely feel I’m UFC caliber and I’m ready to go on and put on a show. I’ve learned my lessons and I’ve learned the things I need to correct.”
Support From Fans
“Yeah man the support meant a hell of a lot to me,” Bukauskas confirmed. “When you’re expecting there to be a lot of backlash and people talking a lot of crap about you, saying how bad your performance was and stuff like that. But in reality, a lot of people were telling me to keep my chin up. I had so much amazing support. People telling me how good the fight was, how much they enjoyed it, how entertaining it was, and stuff like that. A lot of people are saying they want to see me fight in the UFC again. That gives me a lot of hope, a lot of positive energy, and good vibes that that will be the case.”
Modestas Bukasukas is still yet to hear whether or not his next fight will be inside the UFC octagon or not. Yet, anyone who’s watched him can see the talent that he possesses. Finishes over Marthin Hamlet and Andreas Michailidis really stand out when examining his resume.
“I’ve still yet to hear from my manager and stuff like that, but you know I’m hoping I can really, really put on my full skill set on display in the UFC. And yeah with every fight I feel like I’m able to do more and more of that. So yeah it’s been absolutely amazing. The fans, the support has been absolutely beautiful and that’s what keeps me going and motivated to do what I gotta do.”
Why Modestas Bukauskas Loves Fighting
“Pretty much the truest form of competition is fighting,” he stated. “It really tests yourself mentally, physically, emotionally with everything that goes into it. You’re really testing yourself as a person and I love competition. Listen, man, I’m not gonna lie to you. I wanna be famous, I wanna be known. It’s not just about going out there and winning a UFC belt and stuff like that. I also wanna provide for my family and help everyone who’s helped me on the come-up. For me, everything that comes with fighting I just love it and enjoy it. That’s what motivates me to perform at my best and show what I’m really capable of. I just love all aspects of the game.”
The story of Modestas Bukauskas is still being written. It’d be foolish to write him off after a few outings that didn’t go his way. It’s obvious that he’s driven to come back from this injury stronger than ever in order to prove how talented and skilled he really is.
Make sure to check back for more exclusive conversations with the world’s greatest mixed martial artists.
