Modestas Bukauskas is set to compete this Saturday at UFC 315 against Ion Cutelaba. Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall played a significant role in Bukauskas`s preparation, despite Aspinall himself having no fight currently scheduled in the near future.
While Bukauskas and other fighters at their gym are gearing up for upcoming bouts, Aspinall remains in a holding pattern, eagerly awaiting a chance to unify the UFC heavyweight title against Jon Jones. The timeline and even the certainty of this potential matchup are still unclear. Despite this uncertainty, Bukauskas expressed appreciation for Aspinall`s consistent support for him and the rest of the team.
“For Tom, I just wish he could get this fight,” Bukauskas stated. “There seems to be so much hesitation and negotiation going on. Honestly, Tom simply wants to compete. He openly says he`ll fight anyone. Obviously, facing Jon Jones is the logical next step, but he feels like, `What else can you ask of me?` It`s undoubtedly frustrating and annoying for him, but he`s focusing on what he can control.”
“He`s in the gym every single day, assisting guys like me and others with upcoming fights. It`s truly impressive. Our teammate James Webb also just successfully defended his Cage Warriors championship.”
It`s been nearly a year since Aspinall`s last Octagon appearance in July, where he claimed the interim title with a swift one-minute knockout win over Curtis Blaydes. Four months later, Jones defended his heavyweight belt with a dominant knockout victory against Stipe Miocic. Yet, the UFC has not managed to finalize an agreement to bring the two champions together for a unification bout.
With the summer UFC schedule quickly filling up, it appears increasingly likely that Aspinall might have to wait until the fall for his opportunity to face Jones.
Bukauskas commented on Aspinall`s situation, saying, “He continues to train rigorously every day, and I understand from his perspective how very frustrating it is. When you`re putting in so much work, you naturally want the chance to perform. I truly hope everything gets sorted out and he can fight soon.”
“Because I know he`s desperate to compete, especially now that he`s arguably in his prime. He wants to get out there and fight, and the constant question is, what exactly is holding things up?”
As a veteran of the light heavyweight division himself, Bukauskas once viewed facing Jones as the pinnacle of his own career aspirations.
Jones holds the record for the longest reign as the UFC light heavyweight champion. However, he has since moved up to the heavyweight division, where he currently boasts an undefeated 2-0 record.
While fully respecting Jones`s impressive career accomplishments, Bukauskas warned that if the fight with Aspinall eventually happens, Jones will be facing a completely different caliber of opponent than he`s used to.
“Honestly, training or sparring with Tom is unlike anything I`ve ever experienced,” Bukauskas stated. “I`m certain it`s also unlike anyone Jon Jones has ever competed against. When I think of Tom, his speed, athleticism, and fight IQ are what stand out. Like all elite fighters, he processes things and makes minor adjustments in real-time, and those small adjustments are what lead to finishes. His fight IQ is exceptional. He`s clearly incredibly fast, explosive, and athletic. These are all major advantages for him.”
“Jon Jones is highly technical, with excellent wrestling, great striking, and solid jiu-jitsu, and he trains with very tough partners. I don`t take anything away from him, but I feel Tom possesses those qualities too, along with youth. I believe his athletic prowess gives him multiple avenues to succeed against Jones in that fight. I think many people will be surprised. Tom is simply a different breed of athlete, which is precisely why I want to see this fight happen. I want Tom to have the chance to demonstrate just how good he is.”
Despite the ongoing delays and the lack of clarity regarding his next fight date, Aspinall continues his diligent training and preparation for the day he finally gets to settle things with Jones inside the Octagon.
Bukauskas has immense praise for Aspinall, not only as a teammate but also as a leader who sets an example through his unwavering dedication, showing up for training every single day even while his own fighting career is currently in limbo.
“You could essentially say Tom, along with his father, are the team captains,” Bukauskas remarked. “Getting small tips here and there, observing his mindset heading into fights, his actual training methods, and how he conducts himself in sparring – these are all incredibly valuable learning opportunities for me. Training alongside him has definitely helped me become a better fighter.”
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely