Pauga’s career took another turn following TUF, as he moved from heavyweight to his natural division at light heavyweight ahead of his bout with Jordan Wright at UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Blanchfield – an event that marked his first UFC win, a victory by unanimous decision.
With a win now under his belt, Pauga said that he can approach his fight with Modestas Bukauskas at UFC Fight Night: Vettori vs. Cannonier on Saturday with a new mentality.
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“It was a massive relief; it felt great to win my first UFC fight,” Pauga said. “But I knew I was just getting started. And you know, I didn’t really get to show exactly who I am. And that’s what I’m here to do this week.”
With Saturday’s bout approaching, Pauga is cognizant of his opponent’s skills, as well as the challenges that his competitor has faced to make it to the UFC. With Bukauskas sharing a similar history of overcoming adversity, Pauga expects it to be something that will fuel a fierce and competitive matchup on Saturday night.
