Modestas Bukauskas vs. Christian Edwards prediction, odds, pick for UFC Vegas 117

The UFC Vegas 117 Primary Card is finally here as we bring you a betting prediction and pick for this upcoming scrap within the Light Heavyweight (205) Division. Lithuania’s Modestas Bukauskas returns against the debuting Christian Edwards of Jackson Wink MMA. Check our UFC odds series for the Bukauskas-Edwards prediction and pick.

Modesta Bukauskas (19-7) has gone 7-5 contained in the UFC since joining the roster in 2020. He notched a four-fight winning streak through 2024 and 2025, but lost his last bout via TKO to Nikita Krylov within the third round. He’ll look to bounce back as he pivots opponents, standing 6-foot-3 with a 76-inch reach.

Christian Edwards (8-4) will make his UFC debut on just three day’s notice following a withdrawal from originally scheduled opponent Rodolfo Bellato. Edwards is a former Bellator competitor with a 5-3 record and comes into this debut winning three of his last 4 fights via TKO. Edwards stands 6-foot-5 with a 78.5-inch reach.

UFC Vegas 117 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings. 

UFC Vegas 117 Odds: Modestas Bukauskas-Christian Edwards Odds

Modestas Bukauskas: -340

Christian Edwards: +270

Why Modestas Bukauskas Will Win

• Last Fight: (L) Nikita Krylov – TKO (strikes, R3)
• Last 5: 4-1
• Finishes: 11 KO/TKO, 3 SUB

Modestas Bukauskas was riding a really impressive four-fight winning streak following his temporary departure from the UFC to tune-up with a 2-0 record over at Cage Warriors. His last fight against Nikita Krylov was an entire brawl where Bukauskas fell behind within the striking numbers and ultimately got caught late within the fight when each side were barely standing. This time around, he must have a much easier time against a comparatively unknown debuting prospect.

Bukauskas stands very tall in his striking stance and is usually difficult to catch on the chin clean due to his ability to duck out of range. While he’s somewhat lively along with his low leg kicks, he can definitely stand to utilize that a part of his game a bit more given his strong lower half and talent to follow it up with strikes excessive.

Still, Bukauskas’ defense has been a problem throughout his losses and he can are inclined to get overwhelmed if an opponent is pushing a high pace on him. During this debut, he must have all of the benefits against a UFC newcomer and may look to stay patient while dictating the striking pace an distance. If he’s in a position to try this, he should have the ability to cruise towards a cushty victory on the scorecards.

Why Christian Edwards Will Win

• Last Fight: (W) Glendal Whitney – TKO (strikes, R2)
• Last 5: 3-2
• Finishes: 4 KO/TKO, 2 SUB

Christian Edwards made a reputation for himself over at Bellator with a 5-3 record, subsequently posting a 3-1 record in his time since in other organizations. At 6-foot-5, he’s undoubtedly a troublesome physical matchup for anyone within the Light Heavyweight Division and his training over at Jackson Wink MMA is the right base for a dynamic striker of his stature. Still, this debut won’t be ideal as he faces a UFC veteran on just days notice, so Edwards may have to be perfect in his first showing to realize any kind of traction.

A brief notice debut still comes with the territory of Edwards not having anything to lose and almost guaranteeing himself a second fight due to his willingness to step up and save this bout. He’s a really calculated striker and stays ready in his stance to throw leg kicks, which he’s had a ton of success with up to now. If he catches Bukauskas lulling around throughout the fight, look ahead to him to snap his kicks and create a way of urgency throughout this bout.

Christian Edwards will likely be facing the hardest opponent of his profession to this point and won’t have the ability to take an excessive amount of unanswered damage and Bukauskas has a knack for piling the pressure on when his opponent his hurt. His counter-striking will likely be his biggest weapon as he’ll attempt to reverse momentum on his opponent, however it all starts with landing his first few strikes and earning the respect back from his opponent.

Final Modestas Bukauskas-Christian Edwards Prediction & Pick

Modestas Bukauskas was slated to fight a devastating striker in Rodolfo Bellato and following the last-minute withdrawal, he’ll be tasked with a way more cerebral and technical opponent in Edwards. Still, Edwards went just 5-3 during his time with Bellator and can see an enormous step-up in competition, so he’ll need to be nearly perfect during this debut appearance.

Bukauskas, then again, just notched a four-fight win streak over the likes of Marcin Prachnio, Raffael Cerqueira, Ion Cutelaba, and Paul Craig, so this debuting opponent shouldn’t include much resistance given what he’s already used to.

For our final prediction, we’ll roll with the save, proven fighter as Modestas Bukauskas should notch one other win to get him back on course and fighting towards the rankings.

Final Modestas Bukauskas-Christian Edwards Prediction & Pick: Modestas Bukauskas (-340)