“They say dreams come true, if you work hard, stay the course, and never give up. Ever since I started MMA, it has always been the dream of my father Gintas and I, to sign with the UFC (best MMA organization in the world) and compete against the best fighters in the world,” Bukauskas wrote.
“After much adversity, a rollercoaster of events/emotion, and a ton of hours in the gym, I am pleased to announce that just a few days ago, We signed a contract with the UFC, the dream has become reality!”
The news arrives just two months after Cage Warriors president Graham Boylan said that Bukauskas (10-2) is ready for a UFC call-up. Boylan’s promotion has been a pipeline for European talent to make its way to major North American organizations and Bukauskas is the latest name on the list.
In six appearances for Cage Warriors, Bukauskas went 5-1 with all his wins coming by way of knockout or submission. He defeated Marthin Hamlet last June to capture a vacant light heavyweight title and then successfully defended it with a first-round knockout of Riccardo Nosiglia in November.
In related news, the UFC’s light heavyweight division appears to be reloading for 2020 as RIZIN champion Jiri Prochazka was also confirmed to be joining the roster this week.
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