Career Averages - Misha Cirkunov
Career Averages - Ion Cuțelaba
Misha Cirkunov - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 6 of 9 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 1 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 6 of 9 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 1 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alonzo Menifield | 5 of 8 | 62% | 2 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 8 of 17 | 47% | 6 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alonzo Menifield | 5 of 8 | 62% | 2 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 8 of 17 | 47% | 6 of 15 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Menifield (-200), Cirkunov (+170)
Round 1
If this light heavyweight main card opener goes the distance, it would be quite a surprise for bettors – the line that the fight ends inside the distance is a hefty -400 or so – as well as both finish-friendly competitors. Cirkunov (15-8, 6-6 UFC) will look to put an end to a three-fight skid as he moves up in weight against “Atomic Alonzo” Menifield (12-3, 5-3 UFC) and his 92% stoppage rate. Referee Mark Smith knows he may need to intervene at a moment’s notice, and he steels himself while the two men touch gloves before his eyes. Cirkunov throws a low kick, and Menifield walks him down and slings haymakers. Cirkunov attempts to defend with a possible takedown entry, but the wildness of the exchange has them wobble back. They wind up at the same time and connect with punches, and Menifield blinks his right eye out from possible damage he absorbed. Menifield throws with all his might, and Cirkunov barely ducks it and tries a tie-up for a takedown. Cirkunov again looks for a clinch to a trip, and Menifield shoves him away. As they break apart, a stream of blood trickles out of the corner of Cirkunov’s left eye.
Menifield charges like a bull, and he clips his man with a booming left hook. Cirkunov spins all the way around from the blow that landed flush on his ear, and he falls to the mat. As he goes down, “Atomic Alonzo” detonates bombs that put Cirkunov completely out. Cirkunov is communing with the ancestors as Menifield slams a few additional punches down in a Hulk-like rage, doing so until Smith dives on top to sacrifice his own body to save Cirkunov, because the fight is well and truly over.
It takes quite some time for Cirkunov to regain consciousness, but he does so, and the whole of the Apex including Menifield applaud this. With that blistering knockout that materialized before the 90-second mark, Menifield’s stellar finish rate is even greater now.
The Official Result
Alonzo Menifield def. Misha Cirkunov R1 1:28 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Alonzo Menifield, noting his power, takedown defense (83%), and improved cardio. He compares the fight to Johnny Walker vs. Jan Kuntalaba, where the grappler is dangerous but has only one win since 2019. Menifield can win by KO or decision, while Cirkunov likely needs a takedown to win, which may be difficult.
Big Brady picks Misha Cirkunov as a dog to win by first-round submission. He acknowledges Menifield's power and Cirkunov's weak chin, but believes Cirkunov's grappling is elite and that if he gets a takedown, he will finish Menifield quickly. He notes Menifield's ground game is unproven against high-level grapplers. He calls it a striker vs. grappler matchup and sides with the grappler.
Cody picks Menifield by knockout, but is not confident enough to bet. He notes Menifield has power but is a one-round fighter with cardio issues. He thinks Menifield lands a bomb early, but if the fight goes to the ground, Cirkunov has a submission advantage. He wants to see weigh-ins before betting.
Connor also picks Menifield, agreeing that Cirkunov is broken and cannot be trusted. He notes that Menifield can be convinced to quit if hurt, but Cirkunov lacks the dedication to his striking to hurt him. Cirkunov's return to light heavyweight after failing at middleweight only worsens his confidence.
Cirkunov is the more skilled fighter overall, with superior jiu-jitsu and good enough wrestling. His main vulnerability is Menifield's early power, but if he survives the first round, the fight shifts in his favor. Cirkunov is moving back to light heavyweight, which should improve his durability and cardio. The host likes Cirkunov by submission inside the distance or on the moneyline at +180.
Paul leans towards Cirkunov as a dog or passes. He notes Cirkunov has a legitimate path to victory via takedowns and submissions, as Menifield has never faced a pure jiu-jitsu guy. He questions Menifield's cardio and chin, and thinks Cirkunov could control him against the cage or submit him. He mentions Cirkunov by submission at +400.
The MMA Guru picks Alonzo Menifield by first-round KO, stating that Misha Cirkunov is done as a fighter. He notes Cirkunov's brain issues, lack of takedowns, and uncertainty about his weight class. He believes Menifield's power and underrated grappling defense will lead to a finish, though he doubts Menifield will ever be a top contender due to age.
Zane picks Menifield, stating he has to pick him because he cannot trust Cirkunov anymore. He notes Cirkunov's visible discomfort and PTSD-like reactions in fights, making him tense and slow. Menifield, while not a great striker, is durable and will be there in the second round, whereas Cirkunov's confidence is shattered.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington Turman | 0 | 30 of 44 | 68% | 50 of 64 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 3:04 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 0 | 15 of 19 | 78% | 24 of 28 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 2:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wellington Turman | 0 | 23 of 34 | 67% | 33 of 44 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 2:06 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 8 of 10 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 2:15 | |
| 2 | Wellington Turman | 0 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 17 of 20 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:58 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 0 | 11 of 13 | 84% | 16 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington Turman | 30 of 44 | 68% | 20 of 33 | 9 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 26 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 15 of 19 | 78% | 8 of 12 | 6 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 12 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wellington Turman | 23 of 34 | 67% | 17 of 27 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 26 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 4 of 6 | 66% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Wellington Turman | 7 of 10 | 70% | 3 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 11 of 13 | 84% | 5 of 7 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 6 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Misha Cirkunov to win, likely by first-round TKO. He notes Cirkunov is much bigger with a five-inch reach advantage and has very good wrestling and grappling, having submitted legit light heavyweights. He criticizes Turman's striking defense and negative strike differential, and points out that Turman was outgrappled by Carl Roberson. Brady believes Cirkunov can win on the feet or on the mat, and sees Turman's path to victory as unlikely.
Cody picks Turman as an underdog, citing his youth (25), better cardio, and training at Glover Teixeira's gym. He notes Cirkunov's poor striking, declining chin, and inability to get takedowns against Giaco. Cody believes Turman's volume and durability will pay off as Cirkunov fades, and he plans to live-bet Turman if Cirkunov doesn't finish early.
Daniel Levi picks Wellington Turman to edge out a decision. He questions Misha Cirkunov's heart and notes he has folded in tough fights. Levi believes Turman is hungrier and more confident after his last win, and that Cirkunov's best days are behind him. He warns that Turman must avoid getting finished early but expects him to pull away down the stretch.
The host leans with Cirkunov, believing he will be stronger and craftier in grappling exchanges. He expects Cirkunov to land takedowns and assert top position, eventually finding a finish via submission or ground and pound. He notes both fighters have durability and fight IQ issues but favors Cirkunov's jiu-jitsu from the top. His favorite play is 'fight doesn't go to decision' at -190.
Paul leans toward Turman as an underdog, noting both fighters are chinny but Turman has better volume and striking. He parlayed the over 1.5 rounds in this fight with Gegard Mousasi at +128. Paul sees this as a competitive fight that could go either way, but Turman's cardio and youth give him an edge.
The MMA Guru picks Misha Cirkunov to win by arm-triangle submission in the second round. He believes Cirkunov's size, physicality, and strong grappling will be too much for Wellington Turman, who has been taken down and finished by lesser grapplers. He notes that Turman has been KO'd multiple times and that Cirkunov's experience and strength will tip the grappling exchanges in his favor. The Guru expects a close fight on the feet but sees Cirkunov securing dominant positions and finishing with an arm triangle.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Krzysztof Jotko | 0 | 41 of 91 | 45% | 55 of 106 | 5 of 17 | 29% | 0 | 0 | 4:06 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 0 | 41 of 95 | 43% | 56 of 115 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Krzysztof Jotko | 0 | 13 of 27 | 48% | 21 of 35 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:09 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 0 | 8 of 21 | 38% | 12 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 | |
| 2 | Krzysztof Jotko | 0 | 14 of 38 | 36% | 18 of 42 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:51 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 0 | 17 of 32 | 53% | 19 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 3 | Krzysztof Jotko | 0 | 14 of 26 | 53% | 16 of 29 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:06 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 0 | 16 of 42 | 38% | 25 of 55 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:36 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Krzysztof Jotko | 41 of 91 | 45% | 13 of 59 | 10 of 13 | 18 of 19 | 28 of 76 | 6 of 8 | 7 of 7 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 41 of 95 | 43% | 23 of 76 | 6 of 7 | 12 of 12 | 37 of 89 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Krzysztof Jotko | 13 of 27 | 48% | 6 of 20 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 11 of 25 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 8 of 21 | 38% | 2 of 14 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 6 | 8 of 20 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Krzysztof Jotko | 14 of 38 | 36% | 4 of 24 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 6 | 10 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 17 of 32 | 53% | 9 of 24 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 16 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Krzysztof Jotko | 14 of 26 | 53% | 3 of 15 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 8 | 7 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 7 of 7 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 16 of 42 | 38% | 12 of 38 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 38 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Misha Cirkunov, believing he will eventually get a takedown and dominate on the ground. He notes that Cirkunov is a very good grappler with big shots and well-timed takedowns, while Jotko is a fast, athletic striker with 87% takedown defense. However, Angelo thinks Jotko's takedown defense will be tested and that once on the mat, Cirkunov has a huge advantage. He likes Cirkunov in DraftKings at $7,600 and may place a moneyline bet. He also likes the more more monkey knife fight pick.
Big Brady picks Misha Cirkunov to win by first-round submission, liking him as a dog. He notes Cirkunov is coming down from light heavyweight and will be the bigger fighter, with dangerous submission skills. Jotko has only one KO win in eight UFC years and has been submitted before. Cirkunov has fought much better competition (Glover Teixeira, Johnny Walker, Ryan Spann) and though he gets knocked out when he loses, Jotko is not a power puncher. Brady thinks one takedown is all it takes for Cirkunov to finish Jotko on the ground.
Cody picks Jotko, citing Cirkunov's poor chin and tendency to fade after the first round. He notes that Cirkunov is dropping to 185 for the first time, which could be a difficult weight cut. Jotko has good cardio and volume, and if he survives the first round, he should take over. He also mentions that Jotko's grappling has improved and that Cirkunov is a one-round fighter.
Daniel Levi picks Krzysztof Jotko, citing Cirkunov's tendency to fold when adversity hits, while Jotko is durable and has never quit. He notes Cirkunov's dangerous submissions but questions his chin and heart, especially at middleweight after cutting weight. Levi thinks Jotko can outpoint him or possibly knock him out, but he is not fully confident due to Cirkunov's early burst potential.
I think Cirkunov is the better fighter everywhere. Jotko is a point fighter with no finishing ability, while Cirkunov has excellent jiu-jitsu and decent striking. The only concern is Cirkunov's chin at 185, but Jotko doesn't hit hard. I like Cirkunov by submission at +300 or by decision at +550.
Paul leans towards Cirkunov as a dog, but wants to see the weigh-ins first. He notes that Jotko is not a power puncher and that Cirkunov has good grappling and strength. However, he is concerned about Cirkunov's chin and cardio. He suggests that if Cirkunov makes weight comfortably, he could be a live dog.
The MMA Guru picks Krzysztof Jotko, citing Misha Cirkunov's poor decision-making and chin issues after moving down 20 pounds. Jotko has good grappling defense and stand-up. He predicts Jotko will stuff takedowns and get a second-round TKO against the cage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Spann | 0 | 5 of 18 | 27% | 5 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 1 | 16 of 29 | 55% | 16 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Spann | 0 | 5 of 18 | 27% | 5 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 1 | 16 of 29 | 55% | 16 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Spann | 5 of 18 | 27% | 5 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 16 of 29 | 55% | 14 of 27 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 16 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Spann | 5 of 18 | 27% | 5 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 16 of 29 | 55% | 14 of 27 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 16 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The co-headliner brings what should be terrific amount of violence and intensity as two finishers in Cirkunov (15-5, 6-3 UFC) and Spann (18-6, 4-1 UFC) throw down. Referee Mark Smith will need to keep his head on a swivel, as these two light heavyweights combine for 28 finishes in their 33 total victories. There is no glove touch, as it’s on. Spann wades forward to throw bombs, and Cirkunov fires off a head kick as a response. Spann walks forward into a right hand, and he scores with a punch but gets kicked in the groin. Spann only needs 30 seconds to recover, and when he marches forward to attack, Cirkunov gets his attention with a right hand. Spann smashes Cirkunov with a massive right hand that sends Cirkunov crashing to the canvas, and Spann drops down with a few shots before wise coach Sayif Saud implores Spann to not play in his foe’s guard. Spann lets Cirkunov stand up, and he lands a few shots before setting up a left hand.
The punch from “Superman,” while not a superman punch per se, is powerful enough to take Cirkunov’s legs out beneath him. This time, Spann smells blood and wants to end things. The Fortis MMA star leaps down to start pounding on his opponent with hammerfists, and he continues slamming them into Cirkunov’s head until Smith has seen enough and halts the fight.
Spann did not need long to notch an emphatic victory, and he made a statement by putting away a fellow top-15 opponent that quickly.
The Official Result
Ryan Spann def. Misha Cirkunov R1 1:11 via TKO (Punches)
Big Brady picks Misha Cirkunov, citing his superior wrestling and grappling. He notes that Spann has poor takedown defense (60%) and Cirkunov averages 4.42 takedowns per 15 minutes with 57% accuracy. He expects Cirkunov to get an early takedown and submit Spann in the first round. He also likes the under 1.5 rounds as a bet. He wants to see weigh-ins due to Cirkunov's injury history.
Daniel Levi picks Ryan Spann as a dog, calling it a coin flip. He notes Spann's suspect chin and tendency to get knocked out on takedown attempts, but believes Misha Cirkunov is stiff and predictable. He thinks Spann's speed and power will catch Cirkunov, who has shown no ability to come back from adversity. He acknowledges Spann's inconsistency but prefers the plus money.
Lock leans Cirkunov but has concerns about his chin durability, especially after the Johnny Walker knockout. He notes Spann has solid knockout power, which gives him pause. Lock thinks Cirkunov should be able to get the fight to the ground and work from there, possibly securing a submission. However, he's not sure if he'd bet at -145, indicating hesitation.
The Guru is confident in Misha Cirkunov, calling Ryan Spann 'mediocre' and criticizing his recent performances, including a KO loss to Johnny Walker. He believes Spann will be hesitant coming off that loss, allowing Cirkunov to take center and secure takedowns. He predicts Cirkunov will win by submission in the first round, specifically an arm triangle choke. He notes that Spann has been taken down by lesser grapplers and Cirkunov will capitalize.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misha Cirkunov | 0 | 6 of 10 | 60% | 22 of 29 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 2 | 2:28 |
| Jimmy Crute | 0 | 21 of 35 | 60% | 28 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:43 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Misha Cirkunov | 0 | 6 of 10 | 60% | 22 of 29 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 2 | 2:28 |
| Jimmy Crute | 0 | 21 of 35 | 60% | 28 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:43 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misha Cirkunov | 6 of 10 | 60% | 4 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 4 |
| Jimmy Crute | 21 of 35 | 60% | 19 of 33 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 5 | 15 of 27 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Misha Cirkunov | 6 of 10 | 60% | 4 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 4 |
| Jimmy Crute | 21 of 35 | 60% | 19 of 33 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 5 | 15 of 27 |
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Walker | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 1 | 4 of 8 | 50% | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnny Walker | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 1 | 4 of 8 | 50% | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Walker | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 4 of 8 | 50% | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnny Walker | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 4 of 8 | 50% | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 6 |
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misha Cirkunov | 0 | 11 of 18 | 61% | 65 of 72 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 2 | 0 | 0:40 |
| Patrick Cummins | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 6 of 8 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:26 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Misha Cirkunov | 0 | 11 of 18 | 61% | 65 of 72 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 2 | 0 | 0:40 |
| Patrick Cummins | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 6 of 8 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:26 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misha Cirkunov | 11 of 18 | 61% | 2 of 6 | 9 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 9 of 12 | 1 of 1 |
| Patrick Cummins | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Misha Cirkunov | 11 of 18 | 61% | 2 of 6 | 9 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 9 of 12 | 1 of 1 |
| Patrick Cummins | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glover Teixeira | 0 | 13 of 21 | 61% | 13 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:44 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 0 | 21 of 43 | 48% | 23 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glover Teixeira | 0 | 13 of 21 | 61% | 13 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:44 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 0 | 21 of 43 | 48% | 23 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glover Teixeira | 13 of 21 | 61% | 12 of 19 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 11 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 21 of 43 | 48% | 15 of 36 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 34 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glover Teixeira | 13 of 21 | 61% | 12 of 19 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 11 |
| Misha Cirkunov | 21 of 43 | 48% | 15 of 36 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 34 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
Ion Cuțelaba - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 14 of 20 | 70% | 40 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 2:27 |
| Oumar Sy | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 14 of 20 | 70% | 40 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 2:27 |
| Oumar Sy | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 5 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 14 of 20 | 70% | 4 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 10 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
| Oumar Sy | 5 of 11 | 45% | 1 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 14 of 20 | 70% | 4 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 6 of 6 | 10 of 15 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
| Oumar Sy | 5 of 11 | 45% | 1 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sy (-200); Cutelaba (+170)
Round 1
Herb Dean is the referee. Cutelaba opens with an inside leg kick followed by a body kick. Sy with a leg kick of his own. Cutelaba is utilizing a variety of kicks early. Sy jabs then throws a leg kick. A right lands for Cutelaba. They collide in the clinch and Cutelaba drives his man into the fence. A knee lands for Cutelaba. Sy reverses the position, but Cutelaba trips him down and lands in half guard. Sy scoots toward the fence and reverses into a takedown attempt against the cage. Sy lifts and slams Cutelaba, who assumes top position in a scramble. Cutelaba is in half guard, looking to advance. Cutelaba hovers and drops a right. Sy eats more standing to ground shots as Sy threatens with a heel hook. Cutelaba isn’t too woried about the submission possibility, but Sy falls back, forcing his foe to defend the manuever.. Cutelaba frees his leg and dives back into top position. Now Sy is pushing forward for a takedown, but he finds himself quickly ensnared in a guillotine.
Cutelaba rolls into full mount, forcing Sy to tap almost instantly.
Cutelaba has won three of his last four UFC appearances.
The Official Result
Ion Cutelaba def. Oumar Sy via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R1 4:24
Angelo picks Oumar Sy but is nervous. He acknowledges Sy's athleticism and dangerous grappling, but worries about his tendency to not pull the trigger, as seen in the Alonzo Menifield fight. He thinks Sy should win if he wrestles early, but if he waits too long or stands and bangs, it could be a problem.
Big Brady picks Oumar Sy to win by second-round submission. He identifies three problems with Cutelaba: bad cardio, poor fight IQ, and weak jiu-jitsu off his back. He believes Sy should take the fight to the mat and exploit the grappling gap, especially as Cutelaba slows down.
Cody picks Sy but is hesitant. He notes Sy's size, reach, and wrestling advantage, but acknowledges Cuțelaba's experience and durability. He thinks Sy can get takedowns and grind out a win, but the price is not great. He expects a split decision.
Connor picks Sy, agreeing that Cuțelaba needs an opponent who implodes to win, and Sy is not that. He notes Cuțelaba's wins are over fighters who implode, and Sy has enough survival instinct.
James picks Oumar Sy to win by finish, likely via ground and pound. He notes that Cuțelaba will expend all his energy in round one and gas out, while Sy's size, athleticism, and physicality will allow him to take over. He expects Sy to get on top and finish a tired Cuțelaba in the second round.
The host picks Sy to win by submission, expecting his grappling to dominate. He notes Sy's size and reach advantage, and believes he will take Cuțelaba down and find a finish. He highlights Cuțelaba's cardio issues and tendency to lose to grapplers, making Sy a strong pick.
Paul is tempted by Cuțelaba as a dog, noting his striking and takedown defense. He thinks Cuțelaba can give Sy problems, but ultimately passes due to inconsistency. He mentions Sy's size and wrestling could be too much.
The Guru picks Oumar Sy, comparing him to Ciryl Gane and noting his grappling awareness and striking defense. He thinks Cuțelaba will struggle if he can't get early takedowns, and that Sy will find a finish in the late second or third round as Cuțelaba gets wild.
Zane picks Sy, noting that Cuțelaba is prone to imploding and even when he doesn't, he makes mistakes that allow Sy to take him down and ride him. Sy showed determination in his loss to Menefield.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 44 of 92 | 47% | 52 of 100 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:26 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 58 of 130 | 44% | 121 of 194 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:21 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 12 of 34 | 35% | 12 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 17 of 46 | 36% | 17 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 16 of 32 | 50% | 18 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 25 of 49 | 51% | 50 of 74 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:58 | |
| 3 | Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 16 of 26 | 61% | 22 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:02 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 16 of 35 | 45% | 54 of 74 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:23 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modestas Bukauskas | 44 of 92 | 47% | 37 of 85 | 3 of 3 | 4 of 4 | 42 of 90 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 58 of 130 | 44% | 18 of 74 | 16 of 19 | 24 of 37 | 47 of 117 | 11 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Modestas Bukauskas | 12 of 34 | 35% | 7 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 12 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 17 of 46 | 36% | 4 of 26 | 3 of 4 | 10 of 16 | 17 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Modestas Bukauskas | 16 of 32 | 50% | 15 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 25 of 49 | 51% | 11 of 30 | 5 of 6 | 9 of 13 | 20 of 42 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Modestas Bukauskas | 16 of 26 | 61% | 15 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 16 of 35 | 45% | 3 of 18 | 8 of 9 | 5 of 8 | 10 of 29 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bukauskas (-112), Cutelaba (-108)
Round 1
Keeping to the light heavyweight division, there is a very realistic scenario that both men will hold .500 records in the Octagon if one man prevails. Bukauskas (17-6, 5-4 UFC) has done his absolute best to make up for an early rough stretch, while “The Hulk” Cutelaba (19-10-1, 1 NC; 8-9-1 UFC) is aiming to smash his way back to that midpoint range. Both men vastly prefer the knockout, but they have also sustained multiple stoppage losses of that type in the past as well. Referee Dan Miragliotta dons his proverbial hard hat as the 31-year-olds do not bother to touch gloves. Bukauskas leads off with a long, leaping jab. Cutelaba kicks him back in the front leg, doing so one more time when Bukauskas changes stances. Cutelaba keeps at it until Bukauskas fires one back at him, and it does not slow him for long. Cutelaba turns his hips into an especially heavy calf kick, and he leans back as a one-two comes up just short of his face. Bukauskas is unable to reach his foe with punches, while Cutelaba kicks him at will. Bukauskas steps in and catches Cutelaba with a left hand, and he follows with a right that “The Hulk” takes on the chin without batting an eye. Cutelaba fires back with an overhand right, and he offers a body kick and spins with a wheel kick that both bounce off the guard. Cutelaba catches Bukauskas at the end of a calf kick, and he parries a body kick and blocks a subsequent head kick. Bukauskas snaps out a jab, and he sways to avoid the worst of an overhand right. Cutelaba does not falter kicking the front leg time and time again, and they clash together with hooks that partially land. Cutelaba has a massive uppercut and right hand knock out the air around the Lithuanian, and he plants his legs and pounds on Bukauskas’ from leg. Bukauskas gets off a two-punch combo and rushes back knowing “The Hulk” is coming after him. Bukauskas chains together two one-twos that catch the Moldovan on the chin, and once more, he no-sells them and walks forward. They both miss with spinning back kicks to the body, and Cutelaba tries to corner Bukauskas with a low kick and times a left hand when Bukauskas advances. Cutelaba plants his heel on Bukauskas’ side with a spin kick, and Bukauskas tries to do something similar but cannot score it. The round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Round 2
The second round opens up with Cutelaba pressing forward, landing a few punches and mixing in kicks. The Moldovan follows the success with another blitz, backing his opponent up and drilling Bukauskas with a right hand. They crash together, and Cutelaba spins with an elbow that bangs into Bukauskas’ jaw. It is Cutelaba who goes flying after the blow lands, because he spun himself off-balance, and he recovers quickly. Cutelaba considers a level change, and he runs into a stone wall that he pushes against the fence. Cutelaba grinds his man against the fencing, offering a knee or two but otherwise stalling out. They jockey for position when in the clinch, and Miragliotta separates them. Cutelaba spins with a wheel kick out of nowhere, and both men trip and nearly go down without the strike connecting. They get back to their feet, and Cutelaba chases his man with an overhand right. When he pitches a naked leg kick, Bukauskas counters with two punches. Cutelaba sits down on a hard right hand, and Bukauskas has to blink it out but is otherwise unconcerned. Cutelaba keeps his guard up, and he rushes forward and lands a couple punches and a kick at the end. Cutelaba offers a leg kick and ducks down to fire off a right hand when he sees Bukauskas coming forward, and he throws a wheel kick so hard that he falls over when it is way out of range. Cutelaba stands, and he initiates a brawl. Bukauskas catches him and nearly gets blasted, having to circle around to regain his footing. One final brawl ensues, with Bukauskas getting the better of the final exchange before the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Round 3
Cutelaba is energized to start off the final frame, pushing forward immediately but not able to catch Bukauskas standing still. He settles for a few chopping calf kicks, and he shoots in for a double from afar that Bukauskas is able to defend thanks to the wall behind him. The clinch position stalls the two 205ers out, who trade occasional knees but do little more to satisfy Miragliotta. They are separated, and Cutelaba is the aggressor again. Clipping Bukauskas with a left hand, Cutelaba keeps marching forward and lashes out with a low kick that scores, and a spinning back kick that bangs into his foe’s midsection. Cutelaba stomps out with a kick to the front knee, and Bukauskas is tired of waiting and lays into “The Hulk” with a massive right hand. Cutelaba does not so much as flinch, and eats another huge punch that he once more shrugs off. Cutelaba follows his foe around the cage, and he skims a spin kick off the body and reaches at the end of a right hand. Bukauskas goes high with a kick that is blocked, and he stings Cutelaba with a check hook and forces the Moldovan to shoot in on his hips. Bukauskas stops the takedown but is otherwise pushed to the wire, where they spin one another around. They give one another knees to the guts, and Cutelaba goes for a trip that is unable to get his man down. Bukauskas pushes off and lets his hands go, only for Cutelaba to tie him back up. Miragliotta calls for action as Bukauskas leans on his opponent, and he breaks and spins with an elbow. Cutelaba busts him in the chops with a right hand, and swings for the bleachers with a few more. The final strike of the fight is a spinning kick from the Lithuanian to the midsection, and a slightly bloodied Cutelaba raises his hands to signal he thinks he won the fight. Time expires.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas (29-28 Cutelaba)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas (29-28 Cutelaba)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Bukauskas (29-28 Cutelaba)
The Official Result
Modestas Bukauskas def. Ion Cutelaba via Split Decision (27-30, 30-27, 29-28)
Angelo picks Modestas Bukauskas as the more technically sound and well-rounded fighter, but acknowledges Ion Cuțelaba is unpredictable and dangerous. He notes Cuțelaba has power and offensive takedowns but no takedown defense. Angelo mentions a potential bet on Cuțelaba inside the distance with decision no action, but his pick is Bukauskas. He emphasizes that picks are not bets and he wouldn't bet on Bukauskas.
Big Brady thinks Cuțelaba has multiple paths to victory: he hits harder, is more durable, and can mix in wrestling. He notes Bukauskas is chinny, hittable, and has poor takedown defense. He believes Cuțelaba's losses have come against high-level or dangerous opponents, while Bukauskas is neither. He predicts Cuțelaba wins by decision, landing bigger shots and mixing in wrestling.
The host believes Bukauskas is in the best form of his career and will thwart Cuțelaba's power striking and grappling. He expects Bukauskas to use his cardio, technical striking, and improved grappling to win on the scorecards.
The MMA Guru picks Cuțelaba as a slight underdog, citing Bukauskas' knee injury and susceptibility to pressure. He thinks Cuțelaba's wrestling and early aggression will exploit Bukauskas' compromised leg, leading to a finish in the first or second round by TKO or submission.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 17 of 39 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:06 |
| Ibo Aslan | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 15 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 14 of 31 | 45% | 17 of 39 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 1:06 |
| Ibo Aslan | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 15 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 14 of 31 | 45% | 10 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 26 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 |
| Ibo Aslan | 15 of 30 | 50% | 14 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 27 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 14 of 31 | 45% | 10 of 26 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 26 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 3 |
| Ibo Aslan | 15 of 30 | 50% | 14 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 27 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
If this prelim headliner does not end violently, it will be quite the surprise. “The Hulk” Cutelaba (18-10-1, 1 NC; 7-9-1 UFC) has claimed 13 of his 18 wins via strikes, while Aslan (14-1, 2-0 UFC) presents a 100% knockout rate. Referee Kevin MacDonald keeps his head on a swivel for the mayhem that is about to ensue. Nothing more needs to be said other than buckle up, buckaroos. Cutelaba is so intense, security has to keep him from putting his hands on Aslan before the opening bell rings. The power-punching 205ers do not touch gloves. Aslan walks Cutelaba down with his right hand chambered, and he pitches a front kick instead. Cutelaba responds in kind, and he wings an overhand right that buzzes the beard of his foe. Aslan slings back with fire, and the two turn their hips into mighty low kick that crash together. A furious brawl suddenly erupts out of nowhere, with both men bashing each other in the face with ridiculously arced punches. When Cutelaba gets clipped, he shoots for a takedown, and it is rebuffed. Aslan tags him a few more times, and a second takedown effort from the Moldovan succeeds to get his wits back about him. Aslan climbs back to his feet, and he ducks to dodge a spinning back fist from “The Hulk,” who is bleeding already. Aslan tees off with strikes, and Cutelaba steels himself and releases a bomb of a right hand that sends Aslan staggering back. With his balance barely beneath him, Aslan stumbles away and gets taken to the floor by a beautiful double. Cutelaba sits up and smashes Aslan with a number of right hands, forces Aslan to turn over and jumps into dominant position.
Rather than keep smashing, “The Hulk” in mount steps to the side to wrap up an unexpected arm-triangle choke. Aslan hangs on tough as MacDonald checks on him, and he signals he is ok and shows resistance on his arm. As the submission is not wavering, Aslan is about to go out, and he taps out.
Cutelaba stands up and roars repeatedly. In his post-fight interview, the Moldovan declares, “Who now is power,” and that he is a “f---ing crazy guy.” With that, the prelims are violently completed, but who expected the hard-swinging Cutelaba to wrap up a submission?
The Official Result
Ion Cutelaba def. Ibo Aslan R1 2:51 via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)
Big Brady picks Ibo Aslan (Eduard Oslan) despite wanting to back Ion Cuțelaba. He notes Cuțelaba is untrustworthy with poor cardio, often gassing after three minutes of wrestling. He believes Aslan has good takedown defense from training at Extreme Couture and Tiger Muay Thai, carries power late, and will stuff takedowns, causing Cuțelaba to slow down. He predicts a second-round knockout.
The host is intrigued by Cuțelaba as an underdog, noting the fight could be a car crash or a grind. He thinks if Cuțelaba avoids getting knocked out early, he can match Aslan's aggression and power and finish him within the first two rounds.
Despite a bias toward Cuțelaba, the Guru picks Aslan, citing Cuțelaba's rough recent wins and low success rate. He notes Aslan is 2-0 in the UFC with finishes, has momentum, and has fought tricky grapplers. He expects Aslan to TKO Cuțelaba in the first or second round, though he mentions Aslan's 'gynoed up' physique as a potential concern.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 45 of 120 | 37% | 80 of 161 | 3 of 12 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:59 |
| Ivan Erslan | 0 | 39 of 69 | 56% | 63 of 101 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 1 | 5:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 18 of 72 | 25% | 22 of 77 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:25 |
| Ivan Erslan | 0 | 24 of 39 | 61% | 25 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 24 of 43 | 55% | 44 of 66 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:07 |
| Ivan Erslan | 0 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 17 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:26 | |
| 3 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 14 of 18 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Ivan Erslan | 0 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 21 of 30 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:53 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 45 of 120 | 37% | 24 of 93 | 9 of 14 | 12 of 13 | 38 of 112 | 6 of 7 | 1 of 1 |
| Ivan Erslan | 39 of 69 | 56% | 29 of 59 | 7 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 33 of 61 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 18 of 72 | 25% | 9 of 57 | 5 of 10 | 4 of 5 | 14 of 68 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Ivan Erslan | 24 of 39 | 61% | 21 of 36 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 35 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ion Cuțelaba | 24 of 43 | 55% | 13 of 32 | 4 of 4 | 7 of 7 | 21 of 39 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
| Ivan Erslan | 14 of 27 | 51% | 7 of 20 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 25 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Ion Cuțelaba | 3 of 5 | 60% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ivan Erslan | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
With four losses in his last five outings, “The Hulk” Cutelaba (17-10-1, 1 NC; 6-9-1, 1 NC UFC) has not been smashing much lately. Luckily for him, the UFC has given him a willing dance partner in KSW vet Erslan (14-3, 1 NC; 0-0 UFC), who has seen 10 of his last 11 appearances end inside the distance, win or lose. Before they go ballistic, the two hulking 205ers meet in the middle to share an incredibly intense face-to-face staredown as referee Herb Dean watches closely. There is no glove touch to be shared, as Cutelaba is energized and wants to inflict punishment of some sort. Cutelaba sweeps the leg early, and Erslan does not budge. Cutelaba splits the guard with a front kick, and Erslan sits down on a left hand counter. Cutelaba has a kick checked, and he lets go with two punches that bounce off the guard. Cutelaba lunges and whiffs with a right hand, but his front kicks to get through. Cutelaba overswings, and Erslan ducks under and pushes him to the wall. Cutelaba spins around and smashes Erslan in the face, and Erslan staggers away, regains his footing and shakes his head to signal he is fine. Cutelaba comes up short on a big head kick, and Erslan bets him to the punch with two counters. Cutelaba walks Erslan down and draws him into a brief slugfest, but Erslan is wise to it and does not want to get blasted. Erslan sneaks in an uppercut while Cutelaba blitzes, and he absorbs a low kick and a left hand before stopping a takedown shot. Cutelaba steps in with a body kick, and he whizzes past his target with a spinning back kick. Cutelaba bites down on his mouthpiece to throw hammers, but the head movement of the newcomer keeps him safe. Erslan keeps his guard up high, but the sheer horsepower of Cutelaba’s three punches knock Erslan across the cage and down to his seat. Cutelaba leisurely walks him down rather than sprinting, and instead lets Erslan stand so he can go after a single. Erslan stands, ignores a right hand to his temple and puts his back to the wall. Erslan gains a bit of space thanks to an elbow on the inside, and they reset. Erslan lashes out with a calf kick, and when he throws a second, Cutelaba is on him with a winging right hand. Cutelaba’s big right hooks come up short, and he gets stuck with a right straight. Erslan walks through a power punch to sling leather, and he gets his bell rung once more in a furious exchange. Cutelaba spins with a back fist that goes well wide, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Round 2
The light heavyweights lumber towards one another to start off the stanza, and they both measure one another with front kicks from afar. Cutelaba advances rapidly, and Erslan escapes out the side before getting struck. Erslan rolls with a punch, but Cutelaba is on him with three more and a takedown shot. Erslan shoves the Moldovan away, and Cutelaba takes a moment before lashing out with a low kick and a right hand. Cutelaba gets caught with a right hand and wobbles back, but then flashes a huge grin as he was playing possum and hoped to draw Erslan in. When Erslan does not engage, Cutelaba spins with a back kick that slams into his liver. Cutelaba jabs and swings hard behind it, and he clips the Polish fighter with a powerful left hook. Erslan does not like what he is getting, and he shoots in for a single but finds himself facing a wall in “The Hulk.” Cutelaba gives Erslan a taste of his own medicine, grabbing a single and kicking Erslan’s other leg out to put him down dramatically on the canvas. Cutelaba jumps around to take his back, wrapping a body triangle around his waist and hitting him with punches around the side of the head. Cutelaba briefly latches onto a rear-naked choke, and the newcomer fights out of it, breaks the body triangle and muscles back to his feet. Erslan tries to wrangle Cutelaba down to the floor, and when they hit 50/50 position, Cutelaba turns the tables and tosses Erslan effortlessly to the mat. Cutelaba climbs into full mount, and he takes Erslan’s back and slides off of it. Falling to his back, Cutelaba briefly considers a triangle choke, but Erslan keeps himself flat on top of his adversary to ride out the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Round 3
The heavy hitters have reached the third round—as many of the fights tonight have done so far—and it starts off gingerly as neither man wants to overcommit. Erslan walks the favorite down, and he swings for the fences with a monster right hand. Cutelaba counters him brilliantly with a right hand, only for Erslan to duck under a second blow and hit an easy takedown. Erslan gets dragged into the guard when assuming top position, but he finds himself struggling to mount any offense. Cutelaba either holds on tightly or pushes off Erslan enough to get space so that Erslan cannot reach him. When not pushed by Cutelaba’s legs, Erslan utilizes tight chest pressure, smothering rather than attacking. Erslan stands up and drills “The Hulk” with a huge right hand, and it is one-and-done when Cutelaba kicks him off. Erslan lowers himself back to top control, and Cutelaba is flat on his back not entirely sure which way to lean. Cutelaba briefly considers a kimura, and Erslan sees it coming a mile away and wrenches his arm out. Cutelaba looks for an omoplata shoulder lock, which he uses to get enough leverage to work his way to his feet. Erslan controls Cutelaba from behind, dragging the Moldovan to his seat against the fencing to further nullify him. Erslan is warned for hooking his fingers inside of Cutelaba’s gloves, and Erslan lets go and starts slugging Cutelaba in the chops. Cutelaba stands up, and Erslan tries to muscle him back down. Cutelaba turns him around and imposes his weight to attempt to wrench Erslan to the mat, dropping low for a double and tossing the newcomer to the floor. Time runs out, and these two have surprisingly left it in the hands of the judges.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Erslan (29-28 Cutelaba)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Erslan (29-28 Cutelaba)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Erslan (29-28 Cutelaba)
The Official Result
Ion Cutelaba def. Ivan Erslan via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Ivan Erslan but does not bet on him. He notes that Cuțelaba is feast or famine and can be knocked out, but Erslan has holes in his grappling defense. If Cuțelaba wrestles early, he can win, but if he stands, he'll likely get knocked out. Angelo is not betting on a UFC newcomer with grappling issues.
Big Brady picks Ivan Erslan by first-round knockout, citing Cuțelaba's tendency to find ways to lose and his poor cardio. He notes Erslan has power and good takedown defense, and if he stuffs takedowns, he could knock out Cuțelaba early. He expects the fight to end in the first round.
Cody picks Erslan as a slight underdog, noting Cuțelaba's inconsistency and poor fight IQ. He believes Erslan has better striking and takedown defense, and can keep the fight standing. However, he acknowledges Cuțelaba's power and explosiveness make this a 50/50 fight, and he's not confident.
Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Cuțelaba is a 'five-tool loser' who has lost every way possible. He notes that Erslan is a back-foot counter striker who may struggle if Cuțelaba doesn't come forward, but ultimately Cuțelaba's tendency to lose makes Erslan the pick.
Daniel Vreeland picks Ivan Erslan to win. He thinks Erslan is a technical striker with good power, speed, and durability, and that he can recover from being dropped. He believes Cuțelaba will gas out or make mistakes, and Erslan will catch him. He notes Erslan's takedown defense looks solid and that Cuțelaba is not at a good camp.
JP picks Ivan Erslan because he doesn't trust Ion Cuțelaba, who is inconsistent and has low fight IQ. He notes Cuțelaba lost to Ryan Spann and Johnny Walker, whom he considers low-IQ fighters. He thinks Erslan has power and is more calculated, and calls it a coin flip but sides with the dog.
Paul leans towards Erslan, citing Cuțelaba's poor takedown accuracy and tendency to gas. He notes that Erslan has good takedown defense and power, but the fight is volatile. He doesn't plan to bet heavily but takes the slight dog.
The MMA Guru picks Ivan Erslan over Ion Cuțelaba, noting Erslan's well-roundedness and experience against good competition. He believes Cuțelaba's reign over lower-level opponents will end. He predicts a second-round TKO for Erslan.
Zane thinks Erslan is a capable, big, powerful athlete who fits the UFC light heavyweight baseline. He notes that Cuțelaba finds ways to lose and has a poor record, while Erslan has a whole host of first-round knockouts. Zane believes Erslan will probably beat Cuțelaba, though he has some long-term concerns about Erslan's style.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philipe Lins | 0 | 47 of 97 | 48% | 119 of 171 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 67 of 115 | 58% | 73 of 121 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 5:34 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philipe Lins | 0 | 23 of 42 | 54% | 24 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 33 of 50 | 66% | 34 of 51 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 | |
| 2 | Philipe Lins | 0 | 13 of 20 | 65% | 27 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 19 of 29 | 65% | 22 of 32 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:26 | |
| 3 | Philipe Lins | 0 | 11 of 35 | 31% | 68 of 93 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 15 of 36 | 41% | 17 of 38 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:46 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philipe Lins | 47 of 97 | 48% | 33 of 82 | 9 of 9 | 5 of 6 | 42 of 90 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 67 of 115 | 58% | 37 of 82 | 7 of 9 | 23 of 24 | 57 of 100 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philipe Lins | 23 of 42 | 54% | 14 of 32 | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 22 of 39 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 33 of 50 | 66% | 16 of 31 | 3 of 4 | 14 of 15 | 32 of 47 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Philipe Lins | 13 of 20 | 65% | 8 of 15 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 19 of 29 | 65% | 11 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 7 | 13 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 7 | |
| 3 | Philipe Lins | 11 of 35 | 31% | 11 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 33 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 15 of 36 | 41% | 10 of 30 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 32 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cutelaba (-135), Lins (+114)
Round 1
At long last, we will finally see the oft-delayed light heavyweight showdown between Cutelaba (17-9-1, 1 NC; 6-8-1 UFC) and Lins (17-5, 3-2 UFC). This fight was initially slated for an October 2023 event, and a fight night medical scratch for Lins delayed it until now. Both men sharing their preferred method of victory of the knockout, referee Mike Beltran may have his hands full until it is all over. The two have to be separated when Cutelaba walks right in front of his opponent during the introductions, and they do not touch gloves when completed. Lins strikes first with a low kick, and Cutelaba answers immediately with the same blow. Lins goes low, and Cutelaba tries to catch it and go over the top with a right hand. Lins slides back in the nick of time, and he connects with a heavy calf kick that Cutelaba does not like. Cutelaba gives him a lighter kick back to the same target, and he intercepts an advancing Lins with a jab. Lins comes out swinging, and he ends a combination with a low kick that gets checked. Cutelaba turns his hips into a leg kick, and Lins throws one back as Cutelaba reaches for it. Lins hops in, lands a straight left, and gets out of harm’s way before the counter lands. Lins lands a hard calf kick, and Cutelaba swings heavy punches him that bounce the Brazilian off the cage. Lins ricochets off and chambers to fire a low kick, and he buckles Cutelaba’s leg for a second. Cutelaba shakes it off and winds up with a right hand, and he blasts Lins in the face and sends him flying to his seat. Lins pops back up, no worse for wear, and he throws a leg kick. Cutelaba checks it and grins, and he reaches out with an overhand right. Cutelaba preemptively lifts his leg ahead of time to prevent a kick from landing, and this allow Lins to pops him with a right hand over the top. Lins then goes low with a heavy leg kick, and he shoots in for a single. Cutelaba hops back to the wall, elbows Lins in the face and drags his leg back down. Lins backpedals and lets go with a head kick, and Cutelaba charges him and busts him in the chops with an elbow. Lins scores a leg kick, draws a wobble, and fires off a one-two that gets Cutelaba’s attention. Cutelaba bites down on his mouthpiece and starts trading heavy leather, cracking “Monstro,” and Lins throws back hard. Cutelaba gets rocked as they keep throwing, and Lins shoots for a takedown that ultimately fails. Cutelaba lashes out with an elbow that cuts the Brazilian on the cheek, and he wades into a brawl and slugs it out with his opponent. Lins backs off, scores a low kick, and the tense round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Lins
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Lins
Round 2
Lins opens up in the second round to throw a low kick at the compromised lead leg of his opponent. Lins motions that he has done some damage to his foe’s leg, and he throws another that takes Cutelaba’s balance away. Cutelaba changes stances and is hurt badly from the kicks, and it is swelled and damaged. Cutelaba blitzes, walking through a low kick so he can throw hands, and he ignores another kick so he can engage in a brawl. Lins shrugs off a back fist and scores another devastating leg kick, and Cutelaba is tough as nails as his calf has swelled up on multiple places. Cutelaba overswings, and Lins ducks and circles around to take his back standing so he can take the fight down. Cutelaba keeps on his feet, and they spin around in the clinch until Lins trips his man up and falls on top of him. Lins lands in half guard, and he smothers his opponent without getting any ground-and-pound off. The crowd rains down boos as Lins holds on from on top, and Cutelaba hangs on to force a standup. Cutelaba pushes off and Lins stands up, and they start talking to one another. Lins lowers himself down, and he leans back before taking an upkick on the chin. Lins leaps down and hammers his man with standing-to-ground punches, and Cutelaba explodes through to get back to his feet and put his back to the fence. Lins attempts another takedown, and Cutelaba shuts it down. Cutelaba squirrels away with 30 seconds left in the round, and he plods forward and shoots in right after absorbing a low kick. Lins shucks it off, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lins
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Lins
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Lins
Round 3
The two are so excited to fight, they have to get ushered back to their corners by Beltran before he clocks them in. When they commence, Cutelaba pushes forward, and he checks a low kick and limps forward. Lins winds up with a left hand, and Cutelaba’s aggression makes Lins trip up. Cutelaba swarms forward, and he opens himself up to a takedown by swinging for the bleachers. Lins takes him down, and holds him there for a few seconds. Cutelaba muscles his way up, only to get dragged down with a mat return. Cutelaba attempts a kimura to sweep, but this only allows Lins to turn the corner and take his back. Cutelaba goes for another double wrist lock to force his way back to his feet, and he succeeds with his back to the wall. Lins presses heavily on his man against the cage, and Cutelaba pushes off and swings hard but misses the mark. Lins strafes to the side, trying to get away as he sucks wind. Cutelaba charges at him, ignoring jabs so he can throw bombs. Lins shoots for a single and is stood up, and Cutelaba hacks down with an elbow on the back of the head. Beltran immediately calls time and very sternly warns Cutelaba for the blatant foul. Beltran resets them in the center of the cage rather than putting them back in the clinch where Lins was. Cutelaba thanks him for this by rushing forward to throw hands, and he catches Lins with a right hand but cannot hurt him enough before Lins shoots. Lins knees him in the body, and he hangs on to run the clock out. Lins softens him up with knees from both sides, and he shoots in for a double. Cutelaba sprawls his hips to stop the takedown, and he bops Lins with short right hands until Beltran splits them up at the 40-second mark. Cutelaba plods forward while Lins runs away, and he throws two punches and eats a right hand. Cutelaba screams at Lins, and he wings punches that Lins can avoid. Lins knocks Cutelaba back with a left hook, and he gets bounced off the wall with a counter. The fight ends, and it could be a close one where a 30-27 tally might not illustrate just how evenly matched it was.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lins (29-28 Lins)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Lins (30-27 Lins)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Lins (30-27 Lins)
The Official Result
Philipe Lins def. Ion Cutelaba via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo rolls the dice on Ion Cuțelaba, noting his dangerous grappling and power, despite his questionable chin. He thinks Cuțelaba can win because Lins hasn't faced good takedown artists. He warns Cuțelaba gets finished often but says his losses are to quality opponents. He won't bet on this fight due to Cuțelaba's chinny nature.
Big Brady picks Philipe Lins to win by decision, but is not confident. He calls the fight a 'dog or pass' because he doesn't trust either fighter. He notes that Cuțelaba has only 5 minutes of gas and tends to fade, while Lins has shown he can go 15 minutes. He expects a chaotic fight but thinks Lins can win a greasy decision.
Cody thinks Cuțelaba is explosive but has terrible cardio and often fades after the first round. He believes Lins is durable and can survive the initial onslaught, then take over as the fight goes on. However, he notes Lins has a history of pulling out of fights, which makes him hard to trust.
Daniel flips a coin and picks Cuțelaba. He notes Cuțelaba is dangerous early but can gas out, while Lins has been knocked out before but looked good at 205. He has very low confidence and says he could see it going either way.
Lins has been on a three-fight winning streak since moving down to light heavyweight, showing good power and the ability to mix in the clinch and wear on opponents. Cuțelaba relies on early knockouts but tends to gas out and become vulnerable if he doesn't get the finish. Lins is more skilled overall and should be able to roll with Cuțelaba's big shots, then grind on him in the clinch and slow him down. I expect Lins to showcase a full MMA arsenal and pick up a decision victory. The plus money is a good value.
Paul agrees that Cuțelaba is a one-round fighter and that Lins can weather the storm. He also notes Lins' durability and ability to go the distance, but he is concerned about Lins' frequent withdrawals from fights.
The MMA Guru picks Ion Cuțelaba, acknowledging his inconsistency but highlighting his physical freak athleticism and moments of brilliance. He believes Philipe Lins lacks the athleticism and power to punish Cuțelaba's mistakes, and that Cuțelaba will get his own way and finish early. He notes Cuțelaba's losses came against strong, athletic fighters like Nikita Krylov and Johnny Walker, which Lins is not.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 30 of 40 | 75% | 30 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tanner Boser | 0 | 30 of 40 | 75% | 30 of 40 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:17 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Cuțelaba | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 30 of 40 | 75% | 27 of 36 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 16 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ion Cuțelaba | 5 of 16 | 31% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tanner Boser | 30 of 40 | 75% | 27 of 36 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 16 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cutelaba (-130), Boser (+110)
Round 1
While there are no heavyweight matches littering the lineup tonight, this next fight may seem like the closest of any. Two men with their backs against the proverbial wall come to blows, when ex-heavyweight Boser (20-9-1, 4-4 UFC) makes his move down in weight having dropped three of his last four. Cutelaba (16-9-1, 1 NC; 5-8-1 UFC) sports the same unsuccessful record the last couple years, so they are both in dire need of a win. Watching out for any nonsense or an errant blow will be referee Keith Peterson, as this potential mad dash begins with a glove touch. The first 30 seconds go by without a strike, and as soon as the crowd turns on them, they surge into action. Both men throw bombs, and Boser gets knocked back and bounces off the cage. Cutelaba flicks out front kicks as Boser backpedals, and the Canadian sticks out a jab to avoid a huge overhand right.
Cutelaba launches a missile of a right hand that collides square on the jaw of the ex-heavyweight, and Boser is on rubber legs and in big trouble as he falls to his knee up against the wall. With sheer force of will, Cutelaba charges in and angrily hurls Boser down on the mat, where he begins to unload his right fist repeatedly with Boser on his knees. Cutelaba continues pounding on the exposed face of Boser, and Boser tries to stand but is wobbled and his head is getting knocked around like a heavy bag.
“The Hulk” keeps on smashing Boser’s noggin until Peterson calls a stop to the fight, with Boser not defending himself or improving his position. This is a huge win for Cutelaba, who ends a long losing streak to get back in the win column in a big way.
The Official Result
Ion Cutelaba def. Tanner Boser R1 2:05 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Tanner Boser as an underdog, noting the line has flipped from Boser being a favorite to an underdog. He believes Boser has all the power, chin, and athleticism to win, especially at light heavyweight where he looks in great shape. He notes Cuțelaba has no chin and gets finished in losses. He has a quarter-unit bet on Boser at +105 and may add more.
Big Brady picks Ion Cuțelaba to win by first-round TKO via ground and pound. He notes Cuțelaba's excellent first-round wrestling and Boser's terrible takedown defense and ground game. However, he warns that Cuțelaba has only one round of gas, so if it goes past the first, Boser could win. He suggests a live bet on Boser if the fight leaves the first round.
Cody is tentative, wanting to see Boser's weigh-in at 205. He thinks Cuțelaba's wrestling should be effective early, but Boser's cardio and size could be factors. He picks Cuțelaba for now but could switch.
Connor also picks Boser but with hesitation, agreeing that Cuțelaba's erratic style and poor fight IQ make him prone to losing. He notes that Boser's consistent, unimaginative approach may be enough to outlast Cuțelaba's wild aggression. However, Connor warns that dropping to light heavyweight could be a terrible idea for Boser, as the speed of the division may expose him to shots he didn't see at heavyweight.
Cuțelaba's wrestling background should be the key against Boser, who has grappling deficiencies. Boser is moving to light heavyweight but still has issues with takedown defense. Cuțelaba is desperate for a win and may revert to his wrestling. However, his confidence and game plan are uncertain after three straight losses. Expect a grinding decision if he uses his wrestling.
Paul notes Boser has made 205 before and has good striking and cardio. He thinks Cuțelaba will win the first round but gas, allowing Boser to take over. He likes Boser as a live underdog and picks him outright.
The MMA Guru picks Tanner Boser to win, possibly by finish, as he drops to light heavyweight. He believes Boser's improved physique, footwork, and boxing will overwhelm Cuțelaba, who is on a three-fight losing streak and may be mentally fragile. He notes Cuțelaba's wrestling and durability but thinks Boser's pressure and striking will be too much.
Zane picks Boser hesitantly, citing Cuțelaba's tendency to self-destruct and Boser's consistency. He notes that Cuțelaba has become overly reliant on takedowns and burns energy, while Boser is durable and methodical. However, Zane expresses concern about Boser dropping to light heavyweight, as the speed and athleticism of the division may negate his durability advantage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 1 | 24 of 42 | 57% | 24 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 9 of 26 | 34% | 30 of 57 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 3:32 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:07 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 5 of 6 | 83% | 26 of 37 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:32 | |
| 2 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 1 | 22 of 36 | 61% | 22 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 0 | 4 of 20 | 20% | 4 of 20 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Nzechukwu | 24 of 42 | 57% | 22 of 40 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 10 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 9 of 26 | 34% | 7 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 8 of 24 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 2 of 6 | 33% | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 5 of 6 | 83% | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Kennedy Nzechukwu | 22 of 36 | 61% | 20 of 34 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 10 |
| Ion Cuțelaba | 4 of 20 | 20% | 3 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nzechukwu (-175), Cutelaba (+150)
Round 1
Do not adjust your set, we have reached the main event of the evening. This three-round light heavyweight affair is the new marquee matchup, if you have not been following the news today thus far. With knockout rates of 70% or higher, they very well might not need those 15 minutes, and referee Keith Peterson is on high alert and prepared to dispose of any nonsense that rears its ugly head. Nzechukwu (10-3, 4-3 UFC) looks to put two wins together after his demolition of Karl Roberson in July, while Cutelaba (16-8-1, 1 NC; 5-7-1 UFC) is gunning to get back in the win column. This almost certainly ultraviolent affair begins with a touch of gloves as these two are thrilled to be here, and it’s on with the makeshift headliner. Nzechukwu begins with a jab and a one-two, and he trips up Cutelaba in an odd exchange. Cutelaba unloads with three punches that appear to hurt Nzechukwu, and he suddenly grabs a takedown even though his right hand stung the Fortis MMA fighter. Cutelaba elevates and drops Nzechukwu to his knees, and Nzechukwu climbs back up to absorb several crisp uppercuts. Nzechukwu breaks the grip around his waist and blocks a high knee just in the nick of time. Cutelaba secures a trip, and Nzechukwu nearly grabs the top of the cage to stop it from succeeding. “The Hulk” falls straight into full mount, and he drops down a few punches until Nzechukwu drags him back to half guard. The defensive grappling of Nzechukwu allows him to bring Cutelaba back to the guard, and he kicks off and fights to his feet. Cutelaba grabs him from behind and considers lifting and slamming Nzechukwu again, but that does not succeed on a second attempt. Cutelaba hits a throw and lands in scarf hold position, and he isolates Nzechukwu’s arm while slamming his left hand into Nzechukwu’s face. Cutelaba cannot get the armlock, and Nzechukwu does enough to fight out of the position and stand back up. Cutelaba defends with a standing kimura effort, in which he plans on taking the fight back down to the mat again. Cutelaba stomps the toes several times with his heel, doing so until the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Cutelaba
Round 2
Fists are bumped to commence Round 2, and the strikes come fast and furious from both fighters. Nzechukwu reaches with a left hand, and Cutelaba loads up on power punches. Cutelaba rushes forward for a takedown, and Nzechukwu times a perfect knee that busts into Cutelaba’s chin. Cutelaba eats it like a platter of friptura and somehow is not completely out from the devastating blow. Nzechukwu looks hammer the nail, but Cutelaba works his way back up to his feet and swings for the fences. As they wildly continue striking, a foot from Cutelaba comes up and smacks into the cup. Nzechukwu bellows but takes a couple seconds before Peterson can even pause the fight to wave him off and say he wants to continue fighting. Cutelaba strikes, and
Nzechukwu lashes back with a flying knee that cracks the Moldovan’s chin. When Nzechukwu plants both feet on the ground, he shoves Cutelaba back, and Cutelaba is in big trouble as his legs go splayed like a baby deer on a frozen pond. Nzechukwu loads up and smashes “The Hulk” with several punches, punctuated by a ruthless uppercut that practically separates Cutelaba from his senses. While Nzechukwu beats on him, Cutelaba reaches one knee while leaned up against the fence, but the assault is not slowing. “African Savage” swings his fists like wrecking balls, and the damage is insurmountable as Peterson intervenes to rescue Cutelaba from any further harm.
That is one more comeback victory for Nzechukwu, who woke up this morning and chose violence, earning what should register as the biggest win of his career. The man who can unleash great vengeance and furious anger is soft-spoken on the microphone, giving his love to his mother suffering from illness and praising his training partners and team for the end result. That’s it. There are no more fights tonight after this one. With luck, Derrick Lewis will recover from his illness soon and get back to action. The UFC takes next week off for Thanksgiving, and it will return in Orlando in December. We will be here for it, and we hope you are too.
The Official Result
Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Ion Cutelaba R2 1:02 via TKO (Flying Knee and Punches)
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