The UFC is finalizing a matchup in the light heavyweight division. MMA DNA was the first to report that the promotion is finalizing a matchup between Ion Cutelaba (15-6, 1 NC) and Devin “Brown Bear” Clark (12-5). The matchup will take place on May 1st.
Cutelaba has become quite the interesting fixture in the UFC‘s light heavyweight division. Between his intense and entertaining pre-fight weigh-ins or his fighting style, there are a lot of people that like to tune in when Cutelaba is on the docket.
For the first time since 2019, Cutelaba will be fighting someone that’s not Magomed Ankalaev. Back in February of 2020, Cutelaba took on Ankalaev. After a brief exchange, it appeared that Cutelaba was hurt. Well, at least that’s what the referee believed.
The ref stepped in to stop the action and Cutelaba immediately went crazy. Ultimately, it appeared that Cutelaba was playing a bit of possum to draw Ankalaev into a brawl. However, it backfired when the referee stepped in.
The UFC did give Cutelaba a chance at redemption. At UFC 254, Cutelaba got a rematch with Ankalaev. However, this time Ankalaev left no doubts as he put Cutelaba out cold. Cutelaba will now try to get some redemption when he faces Devin Clark.
UFC’s Brown Bear looking to bounce back
Devin Clark just had the biggest opportunity of his career back in November. After Curtis Blaydes tested positive for COVID, Clark’s matchup with Anthony Smith was bumped to the main event in November.
Clark got a UFC main event slot opposite a former title challenger. Had Clark won that matchup, he could’ve been looking at a solid ranking and a top ten opponent next. However, Clark was submitted by Anthony Smith in the first round.
That loss snapped a two-fight win streak for The Brown Bear. Now, Clark will get a chance against a fighter with some solid name recognition and a fighter who used to be in the rankings. Whoever wins this matchup might be close to getting a UFC ranking by their name in May.