What Fight Was Taken Off Of UFC 252?

It looks like Ion Cutelaba will have to wait once again to get a measure of revenge against Magomed Ankalaev.

Igor Lazorin was the first to confirm that Cutelaba is out of his bout this weekend at UFC 252 following a positive COVID-19 test. As of now, there is no replacement opponent set for Ankalaev. Manager Tiago Okamura later told MMA Fighting that Cutelaba is quarantining and will have an eye kept on him over the next few days.

Cuțelaba (15-5, 1 NC) made his professional debut in 2012. Joining the UFC in 2016, “The Hulk” is 4-4 with the promotion. His last fight was a TKO loss at the hands of Ankalaev, which was deemed controversial.

At UFC Norfolk in February, 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 0:38 seconds into the fight. Cutelaba appeared to have been toying with Ankalaev, utilizing the rope-a-dope technique. He appealed the loss right away to no avail.

Ankalaev (14-1) is on a four-fight win streak. Making his UFC debut in 2018, Ankalaev last fought against Cuțelaba. He started his career fighting all over Russia, winning the WCFA Light Heavyweight Title.

The two were supposed to fight in a rematch at UFC 249 on April 18. The bout was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

UFC 252 will be taking place on Saturday, August 15 from inside the APEX Center in Las Vegas. The main event will be a trilogy fight between UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier.