Ion Cutebala vs. Magomed Ankalaev Prediction and Odds, UFC Fight Night 175

Rewind to February 29th when Ion Cutelaba stormed the cage during pre-fight announcements before slashing his throat in overt bravado at Magomed Ankalaev. Almost three minutes later Cutelaba again erupted in histrionics as referee Kevin MacDonald made a gut call to halt the wobbling light heavyweight from taking more early damage. The stoppage was questionable enough, and emotions intense enough, for an immediate rematch between Cutelaba and Ankalaev this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 175.

Ion Cutelaba(15-5, +275)

Ion Cutelaba suffered the first TKO loss of his eight-year professional MMA life in February. While two fighters -one being Glover Teixeria- have submitted the aggressive 26-year-old, no other heavy hitter could erase Cutebala within distance. That fact speaks both to the Sambo trainee’s toughness and his upcoming opponent’s technical prowess. Standing 4-4 inside Octagon grounds, Cutelaba wields a come-forward style which sometimes leaves him open to counter shots from more composed dealers. Though, when facing lesser fare Cutelaba typically bulldozes opponents within five minutes. This offense-or-bust approach nets the freewheeling 205 lb’er 5.29 significant strikes landed per minute and 2.59 takedowns per 15 minutes. Though, Ankalaev is a striking level beyond Cutelaba.

Magomed Ankalaev(13-1, -335)

With four straight UFC wins following a 2018 Octagon debut submission loss vs. Paul Craig, Magomed Ankalaev verges on fringe light heavyweight contention. The 28-year-old Russian has stopped three of those four challenges and holds a key psychological edge vs. Cutelaba. Further, at 13-1 Ankalaev is considered among the division’s rising prospects while many older names slide down the rankings. Dynamic performances againstMarcin Prachino, Klidson Abreu and Dalcha Lungiambula make Ankalaev one to watch during Saturday’s intense UFC Fight Night 175 opener. Overall, the Gorets FT affiliate lands 3.46 strikes per minute and 0.46 takedowns per 15 minutes.

The Prediction: After eight UFC appearances the pattern for Cutelaba has emerged: he's offensively dominant vs. lesser men and unable to defeat more savvy opponents. As shown in February, Ankalaev is a bit much for Cutelaba. With that in mind, expect an action rematch between these two as Ankalaev lands heavier leather to again put away his opponent during one of their wild exchanges.

The Pick: Magomed Ankalaev by TKO

Odds courtesy ofBestFightOdds.com