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Following A Controversial Stoppage, Ankalaev-Cutelaba II Rumored For UFC 249

By Fight Sports Mar 5, 2020

The fans wanted it and so did Ion Cutelaba. The UFC has been in a giving mood lately, and it appears we may have gotten our wish. According to ESPN, Cutelaba will have his rematch against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 249 in Brooklyn.

The bout comes after the controversial stoppage from their fight at UFC Norfolk. Ankalaev started the fight off hot, especially after Cutelaba rushed him before the round could begin. Ankalaev hit punches and head kicks that appeared to have staggered Cutelaba. He was defending himself but he looked as though he was about to fall off of his feet. Referee Kevin MacDonald ended up calling the bout :38 seconds into the fight.

Cutelaba appeared to “wake up”, and was going after the referee for stopping the bout. “The Hulk” appeared to have been toying with Ankalaev, utilizing the rope-a-dope technique. If true, it could be seen after the fight that Cutelaba was functional.

Woah! Controversial finish at #UFCNorfolk 👀 pic.twitter.com/5rDDr9lMVV

— UFC (@ufc) March 1, 2020

Following the bout, Cutelaba’s team was looking to file an appeal. The idea of having the bout overturned was on their mind. Now, a rematch can decide who the real winner is.

UFC 249 takes place inside the Barclays Center on April 18. The scheduled main event is Khabib Nurmagomedov defending his UFC Lightweight Title against Tony Ferguson.