Modestas Bukauskas vs Rafael Cerqueira — Fight recap

Modestas Bukauskas defeated Rafael Cerqueira by knockout in the first round at 2:12 on February 22, 2025. Bukauskas overwhelmed Cerqueira with superior striking volume, landing 16 significant strikes at 39% accuracy while Cerqueira managed only 9 of 22 significant strikes.

The Lithuanian light heavyweight found the mark consistently to the head, connecting on 11 of 36 head strikes en route to a decisive knockdown that ended the contest. Though both fighters remained grounded with zero takedown attempts, Bukauskas's striking precision and timing proved the difference in a straightforward stand-up affair.

The victory positions Bukauskas as a rising contender in a competitive light heavyweight division seeking another high-profile matchup.