Ion Cutelaba | |
---|---|
Born | Ion Nicolae Cutelaba December 14, 1993 Chișinău, Moldova |
Other names | The Hulk |
Nationality | Moldovan |
Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14.6 st) |
Division |
Light Heavyweight Heavyweight |
Reach | 75.0 in (191 cm) |
Fighting out of | Chișinău, Moldova |
Team | Timoshkov Sport Club CSA Moldova |
Years active | 2012–present |
Mixed martial arts record | |
Total | 16 |
Wins | 12 |
By knockout | 9 |
By submission | 2 |
By decision | 1 |
Losses | 3 |
By submission | 1 |
By decision | 1 |
By disqualification | 1 |
No contests | 1 |
Other information | |
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog |
Ion Nicolae Cutelaba (born December 14, 1993) is a Moldovan professional mixed martial artist who competes in the light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Born and raised in Chișinău, Cutelaba began training and competing in Greco-Roman wrestling as an adolescent. He additionally competed in Sambo and judo, becoming a national champion in both. In 2012, representing Moldova, Cutelaba finished first in the 90 kg category of the European Sambo Championships.
Cutelaba made his professional debut in April 2012, competing primarily for regional promotions across Eastern Europe. He amassed a record of 11-1 (1) before signing with the UFC in the spring of 2016.
Cutelaba made his promotional debut against Misha Cirkunov on June 18, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 89. He lost the fight via submission in the third round.
Cutelaba next faced Jonathan Wilson on October 1, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 96. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Cutelaba next faced Jared Cannonier on December 3, 2016 at The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Subsequently, both fighters earned Fight of the Night honors.