UFC Auckland saw another quick main card finish, with Ion Cutelaba only needing 22 seconds to dispatch Henrique da Silva.
A rare meeting of light heavyweight prospects occurred at UFC Auckland between Ion Cutelaba and Henrique da Silva. Both have had their Octagon struggle though, sporting 1-2 and 2-2 records in the UFC respectively.
Henrique da Silva’s Octagon career kicked off with a bang, as he knocked out Jonathan Wilson and submitted Joachim Christensen. He’s unfortunately struggled since then, getting submitted by Paul Craig and dropping a decision to Jordan Johnson.
Ion Cutelaba has sandwiched a win over the aforementioned Jonathan Wilson between losses to Misha Cirkunov and Jared Cannonier. He is a very exciting striker that loves to throw down. Cutelaba also claimed that the only chance da Silva has in this fight is if he runs away.
The fight began before the referee asked if each fighter was ready. During Ion Cutelaba’s introduction, he walked across the Octagon and got in the face of Henrique da Silva, similar to the introduction staredown of Junior dos Santos vs. Cain Velasquez.
When the fight actually began, Cutelaba wasted no time, rushing across the Octagon and throwing bombs at da Silva. The Brazilian was not standing much longer, as the fourth punch put him down. Cutelaba got into stacked guard and smashed da Silva with one hand while the other one pinned him by the neck. The brutal ground-and-pound put da Silva to sleep and the ref jumped in to prevent further punishment.
Cutelaba’s interview was great too. After Brian Stann asked him why he was in such a rush, Cutelaba explained that it is very late in his country of Moldova, and he wanted to be able to say good night to his son. Even through a translator, Cutelaba came across as very likable.
