Magomed Ankalaev – Ion Cutelaba Rematch is Off…Again

Due to how their first fight went and ended, a lot of fans have been eagerly awaiting a rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Ion Cutelaba. But, recently the UFC announced that the light heavyweight bout has been removed from today’s UFC Vegas 8 card.

Positive test for COVID-19 has postponed the fight again

 A rematch between Ankalaev and Cutelaba was booked – for the third time – for today’s event at the Apex Facility in Las Vegas. But, not long ago, the UFC posted the statement below.

Due to a positive COVID-19 test, Ion Cutelaba’s light heavyweight bout against Magomed Ankalaev has been removed from today’s card and will be rescheduled for a later date.

The statement doesn’t outright say that Cutelaba is the one who tested positive for COVID-19. But, the way the statement’s worded, one could infer that. Hopefully whoever tested positive remains healthy and has a speedy recovery.

Cutelaba tested positive for the coronavirus last month, and as a result, an August 15th booking for the rematch was postponed. The rematch was originally supposed to take place at UFC 249 in April. But, the event was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Controversial end to first fight

The two fought for the first time on Februar 29th, and Ankalaev was awarded the TKO win at the 38 second mark.

But, the referee’s decision to stop the fight was a controversial one. Cutelaba took some heavy shots from Ankalaev moments in, but he appeared to be playing possum and exaggerating how hurt he was, right before the fight was called.

UFC Vegas 8 line-up

Here is the updated line-up for today’s UFC Vegas 8 card.

Main Event: Anthony Smith vs Aleksandar Rakic

Co-Main Event: Robbie Lawler vs Neil Magny

Ji Yeon Kim vs Alexa Grasso

Ricardo Lamas vs Bill Algeo

Maki Pitolo  vs Impa Kasanganay

Alessio Di Chirico vs Zak Cummings

Alex Caceres vs Austin Springer

Sean Brady vs Christian Aguilera

Polyana Viana vs Emily Whitmire

Mallory Martin vs Hannah Cifers