UFC 254: Magomed Ankalaev vs Ion Cutelaba- Prediction and Analysis
Follow Us
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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.
All mind games from Ion Cutelaba 👀
He was last on the scales and then as soon as Ankalaev went to face off he looked away 😂#UFC254 | 7pm | BT Sport Box Office pic.twitter.com/zCKa2dqWtG
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) October 23, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
‘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.
Trending
Michael Chandler Handed Sad Update on Conor McGregor Fight at UFC 303 – “He’s Not Going to Get Pay-Per-View Points”
April 24, 2024 07:47 PM EDT
Violently Threatening Conor McGregor Takes a Bad Turn for 50 Cent as UFC World Condemns Rapper After Beef Resurfaces
April 23, 2024 01:53 PM EDT
“He Cannot Push Me” – Islam Makhachev Exposed 6-Time Wrestling Champ Jordan Burroughs in Front of Daniel Cormier Last Year
April 22, 2024 09:38 AM EDT
“Bubble Gut From High HGH Abuse” – Joe Rogan’s Dire Health Concern Flares Up as Fans Worry About UFC Commentator
April 16, 2024 05:03 AM EDT
“A MF Grabs Me” – Shaquille O’Neal Almost Came to Blows With UFC Star During Camp in Hawaii, NBA Legend Reveals Untold Stor
April 25, 2024 08:24 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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.
Written by:
