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Ion
Cutelaba’s rematch with Magomed
Ankalaev will have to wait yet again.
The UFC announced in a statement
on Saturday that Cutelaba has tested positive for COVID-19, and as
a result, his light heavyweight clash with Magomed
Ankalaev at
UFC Fight Night 175 has been postponed.
“Due to a positive COVID-19 test, Ion Cutelaba’s light heavyweight
fight against Magomed Ankalaev has been removed from today’s
undercard and will be rescheduled for a later date,” the UFC
statement read.
It’s the
second time a positive COVID-19 test has derailed Cutelaba. The
Moldovan fighter also tested positive for the virus prior to UFC
252, which scrapped a proposed matchup with Ankalaev on Aug.
15.
As a result, UFC Fight Night 175 will proceed with 10 bouts. The
card takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and is headlined by a
light heavyweight tilt pitting Anthony
Smith against Aleksandar
Rakic. The four-bout main card streams on ESPN+ beginning at 9
p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT after prelims on ESPN and ESPN+ at 6:00 p.m./3:00
p.m. ET.
Cutelaba and Ankalaev initially squared off at UFC Norfolk on Feb.
29, with Ankalaev winning via first-round technical knockout.
Cutelaba disputed the stoppage, claiming that he was feigning
wobbling as part of his strategy to deceive his opponent. However,
Cutelaba’s appeal with the Virgina Athletic Commission was denied.
The two light heavyweights were also slated to meet on April 18
before that card was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
