Las Vegas, NV — Moldovan light heavyweight Ion Cutelaba plans to prove he belongs in the world’s largest mixed martial arts promotion at UFC 279.
After a setback against Ryan Spann last time out, Cutelaba (16-7-1, 1NC) still gets prime placement on a Pay-Per-View card this Saturday, opposite Johnny Walker.
“UFC will see that I deserve to be here,” Cutelaba told media outlets including Cageside Press during this week’s UFC 279 media day. “I’m sure that I’m going to take the place that I deserve.”
For the second straight fight, Cutelaba is preparing for an opponent significantly taller than himself. Though he had a humorous take on that. “I’m actually not worried at all that he’s taller than me,” the Moldovan stated. “I got myself some high heels.”
On a more serious note, Cutelaba respects his opponent, but sees him as an obstacle to be removed. “I have a lot of respect for Johnny Walker just as a human being. I know he’s a very strong opponent, but he’s in my way, and on Saturday I’ll make sure that he’s not there anymore.”
As to what you can expect in the fight itself, “Just look at me and look at Johnny,” Cutelaba suggested. “We’re both very chaotic and very explosive. So it’s going to definitely be a show. Just hang on and Saturday is going to be crazy.”
Ahead of the fight, Walker suggested that Cutelaba’s aggression has led to gaps in his game. Ion Cutelaba himself begs to differ.
“That’s what he thinks, that I’m making mistakes. But I’m not. I don’t have any gaps,” said Cutelaba. “He’s very wrong. I’m very ready and very prepared.”
Watch the full UFC 279 media day appearance by Ion Cutelaba above. The event takes place this Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is now headlined by Nate Diaz vs. Tony Ferguson.
