The fight card gets a little heavier in the light heavyweight bout of the UFC Fight Night Vegas 80, to be held at UFC APEX stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada city on October 7, 2023. In this division, we have Philipe ‘Monstro’ Lins vs. Ion ‘The Hulk’ Cutelaba. Both fighters are trying to make a statement in this fight.
As the fight night comes closer, all eyes will be on the main event of the night. But one fight that should not be missed by UFC fans across the world and that is this fight between Philipe Lins vs. Ion Cutelaba.
Philipe’s previously fought against Maxim Grishin who had a record of 32 wins and 9 losses. “Monstro” emerged victorious in the fight via decision.
Ion “The Hulk” Cutelaba has fought against big names in the light heavyweight division such as the number seven ranked light heavyweight UFC fighter in the world, Johnny Walker. Which Walker won by a rear-naked choke in round one itself.
Philipe Lins vs. Ion Cutelaba stats
| Stats | Philipe Lins | Ion Cutelaba |
| Wins | 17 | 17 |
| Loses | 5 | 9 |
| Height | 6’2” | 6’1” |
| Division | Light Heavyweight | Light Heavyweight |
| Reach | 78” | 75” |
| Age | 38 | 29 |
Philipe Lins vs. Ion Cutelaba predictions
Lins is on his three-fight win streak after transitioning to the light heavyweight, in his words this division “makes him feel comfortable”. His first two fights in the UFC heavyweight division ended in a loss, which may have disheartened the fighter as he was the PFL’s heavyweight champion after all.
Fighting out of the American Top Team, this Brazilian had his last two fights this year with the first ending in a knockout victory. Philipe’s UFC stats indicate his striking ability as he has a 50% knockout rate with a 46% striking accuracy and 3.59 significant strikes landed per minute, his takedown defense is at 100%.
He’s coming into Saturday night swinging 👊@PhillipeLins takes on Ion Cutelaba in the #UFCVegas80 Featured Prelim! pic.twitter.com/Fh2eqtrefv
— UFC (@ufc) October 4, 2023
His opponent Ion Cutelaba on the other hand has had more fights in the UFC than his opponent. This Moldovian is a Sambo fighter, with a record of 17-9-1. According to his UFC stats, he has fourteen first-round finishes with twelve finishes by knockout.
The Sambo fighter has a good takedown defense of 77% and a good takedown accuracy of 59%. The Hulk has 4.63 significant strikes landed per minute.
Both these fighters pack vicious capabilities to finish the fight. Judging by their skills and stats, we would have to go with Philipe ‘Monstro’ Lins via decision. As he might have the experience and skills to emerge victorious in this fight by unanimous decision. Although, this fight could go both ways. Who do you think will win this light-heavyweight bout? Let us know in the comments.
