UFC Fight Night 175: Smith vs. Rakic - Predictions and Picks

#4 UFC Light Heavyweight Division: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Ion Cutelaba

Magomed Ankalaev's first fight with Ion Cutelaba was one of the most controversial of 2020

This marks the fourth time the UFC have attempted to book this intriguing Light Heavyweight clash in 2020. And one can only hope that the two actually make it into the Octagon this time.

After initially facing off at UFC Fight Night 169 back in February in a fight that ended in controversy – more on that later. The promotion attempted to book a rematch at UFC 249, only to see COVID-19 force the cancelation of that show.

The fight was then re-booked for UFC 252 two weeks ago, only for Cutelaba to test positive for COVID-19. Whether he’s had enough time to recover from the virus is anyone’s guess. But the signs suggest he’s fine as the UFC have simply shifted the fight onto this card.

So who will come out on top? Well, going into that initial fight in February, I felt like the advantage lay with Ankalaev. I suspected that the stoic Dagestani would be able to absorb some early striking punishment from Cutelaba, wait for him to slow down slightly, and then take over with his powerful wrestling.

As it happened though, Ankalaev didn’t even need to use his wrestling. Rather than ‘The Hulk’ overwhelming him with aggression, it was actually Ankalaev who looked to have his opponent outgunned on the feet.

The Dagestani landed some huge, sharp strikes, and while referee Kevin MacDonald had a stinker by stopping the fight far too early, the truth is that Cutelaba was definitely in trouble. Could he have survived? Well, yes, but for how much longer is very much in question.

Overall, what we did learn is that Ankalaev isn’t the kind of man to wilt under the pressure that Cutelaba can definitely bring. And with that knowledge, I find it hard to pick ‘The Hulk’ here, as every one of his UFC wins has come against an opponent he was able to overwhelm with his aggression.

Ankalaev may well have to use that stellar grappling game in this one, but in all honesty, it shouldn’t matter. Cutelaba is always dangerous but I just don’t think he’s got the skills required to defeat Ankalaev, who may well be the best prospect in the UFC at 205lbs.

In the end, I’m making the same prediction that I made for this fight at UFC 252 – Ankalaev by decision.

The Pick: Ankalaev via unanimous decision