Ion Cutelaba has been pulled from the UFC 252 line-up.
The light heavyweight was originally scheduled to have a rematch against Magomed Ankalaev at the pay-per-view event; however, Cutelaba has tested positive for the coronavirus, thus the 26-year-old’s exit from the upcoming show. UFC has yet to make the announcement publicly, with the news being reported by TASS and MMA Junkie.
In terms of Magomed Ankalaev, a replacement will not step in to fight the light heavyweight. It’s likely that the match-up will be rescheduled for a later date, though that hasn’t been confirmed just yet. The rematch was coming off the heels of their controversial first bout back in February.
Ankalaev mounted pressure on Cutelaba with several kicks and punches and referee Kevin MacDonald called off the fight. The stoppage was deemed too early by many as Cutelaba was still on his feet and actually engaging with Ankalaev before the referee deemed him the winner.
UFC 252 takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN/ESPN+. Check out the updated line-up below:
UFC Heavyweight Championship: Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier
Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera
Junior Dos Santos vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
John Dodson vs. Merab Dvalishvili
Livinha Souza vs. Ashley Yoder
Felice Herrig vs. Virna Jandiroba
Jorge Gonzalez vs. Ike Villanueva
Herbert Burns vs. Daniel Pineda
Chris Daukaus vs. Parker Porter