Ignas Barysas is returning to the ring. A living legend of Lithuanian combat sports and the man who, for the past few years, could only be seen in the corner of the UTMA ring directing the performances of his students, has decided to brush off the dust and, putting on the gloves himself, step back into battle – I. Barysas will return to the ring at the UTMA 21 tournament.
“For me, this means a new beginning and a new, short stage of life. It will be temporary; I can no longer fight many times due to my physical condition. I received a fight now, I want to get into the rhythm, and after that, I will want to give my all to make a good start and finish, already against the elite.
I am very happy. I mentally called for this fight and I made it happen. I made a promise to my father before his death – I will step into two more fights, and I will finish them with my head held high. That promise must be fulfilled. The bond with my father is the most important thing to me; he was the person who led me to this path in life. There is not a day that I don’t think about my father. That is my motivation,” spoke I. Barysas, who is returning to the fighter’s path.
The UTMA 21 tournament will take place on November 28 in Kaunas, at the Žalgiris Arena. Tickets are distributed by kakava.lt, and the PPV broadcast can be purchased at UTMA.lt.
During his fighting career spanning more than 20 years, I. Barysas has managed to earn the highest caliber awards and gather laurels in various combat sports disciplines – the fighter has become a world champion in other organizations and a winner of Kudo championships.
During his career, the 34-year-old fighter and coach has recorded a 14-2-1 record in professional MMA fights, while in kickboxing he has secured 15 victories and suffered only a single defeat.
“Barysas is one of those who still has some fire left and can remind everyone about himself. He is a legendary fighter and people will be able to see him again in Kaunas. Perhaps this will not be the only time we see him. This is a historic moment in Lithuania, a historic fighter, he is known by the oldest combat sports fans, and it is an honor for us to be a part of this,” UTMA Head Viktoras Gecas spoke about I. Barysas’s return to the ring.
Indeed, the last time I. Barysas appeared in the ring was only at the beginning of 2024, and since then he has been most visible and known as the head coach of the “Fightersland” club, whose most notable talents – Ignas Pauliukevičius, Evaldas Balsys, Deividas Žamba, and others – shook the UTMA rings with their victories. I. Barysas is also the strategist for UFC fighter Ernesta Kareckaitė.
However, even though a transformation from coach to fighter will be necessary, I. Barysas states that he is used to it.
“That transformation is quite fast; it is not the first time for me when I fight myself and my students fight. I am used to it, I can make the switch, I will just need to see how the body adapts,” stated I. Barysas.
Although I. Barysas’s opponent is not yet confirmed at this time, it is clear under which rules the Lithuanian combat sports legend will return to the ring.
“We are looking for an opponent. A lot of time has passed since Ignas’s last fight. Ignas wants a boxing match with MMA gloves so that the fight is extremely sharp and fast, and that will be the plan for our search,” stated V. Gecas.
I. Barysas himself wants to look professional in the UTMA 21 tournament fight, demonstrate the highest level of technique, and unleash his well-known “fireworks” in the ring.
“I want to look good in the ring, look technical, and prove to myself that I can still fight even against the elite. To do everything beautifully, move well on my feet, recognize everything, and not take unnecessary strikes. To return towards that Lithuanian elite level. I will see whether I can do it or not. In my heart, I have always lived by that rhythm. I hope the fans and friends will be happy and won’t be disappointed with my performance. I will do everything I can, I will give everything I have inside me – I am going out there to show a sharp, technical fight, to unleash fireworks, and I always know how to do that,” stated I. Barysas.
The UTMA 21 tournament will take place on November 28 in Kaunas, at the Žalgiris Arena. Tickets are distributed by kakava.lt, and the PPV broadcast can be purchased at UTMA.lt.
