UFC light heavyweight’s Magomed Ankalaev and Ion Cutelaba are primed to open out the main card for UFC 254. The fight card marks the end of yet another wildly successful stint for the leading MMA promotion in Abu Dhabi. Ankalaev and Cutelaba are meeting each other for the second time after a controversial conclusion to their first fight.

The two first met back in February 2020, where Ankalaev lost the fight via TKO early in the first round. However, the contentious results stem from the fact that referee Kevin MacDonald misjudged the finishing sequence. Ion Cutelaba was playing possum to entice Magomed to come rushing in. However, the referee was so convinced by Cutelaba’s tactics that he thought the fight was over.

The UFC has been trying to book the rematch on several occasions, with no success. Complications due to COVID-19 prevented the bout from coming to fruition. However, the final stop on the main card for Fight Island seems like a perfect place to settle the score.

UFC light heavyweights: Magomed Ankalaev vs Ion Cutelaba

The 28-year-old fighter from Russia in Ankalaev is riding in on a four-fight win streak and last lost to Paul Craig in March 2018. He’s got a very diverse skill set and is well-rounded, no matter where the fight may end up. What’s more, he’s not afraid of letting his hands go as he’s not concerned with being taken down. However, that is an unlikely outcome in this particular grudge match.

‘The Hulk’ has gone 1-2 in his last three outings, albeit facing top tier 205-pound fighters. He hasn’t been able to keep a steady momentum despite the fact that he’s been active under the bright lights. Chiefly, he will be keen to get a win over Magomed under his belt and move on to other exciting match-ups in the division.

Magomed Ankalaev is an expert counter striker and will be wary of any antics that Ion may attempt in their rematch.  However, Cutelaba has nuclear level power and is quite precise despite having a wild fighting style. He will have to be patient and maintain a high guard when advancing on Magomed Ankalaev. A slight slip up could mean a slick counter check hook or bolo uppercut coming his way.

Prediction: Magomed Ankalaev to claim a split decision victory.

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