Light heavyweights Ion Cutelaba and Philipe Lins were the final fight of the UFC 299 early preliminary card in Miami on Saturday, in a fight that had originally been scheduled for last October.
That initial match-up had fallen through the day of the fight, and it was clear the pair were ready to finally settle business, following a heated face-off during Friday’s UFC 299 ceremonial weigh-ins. But then, when is Ion Cutelaba not heated?
Round 1 Lins came out with an obvious game plan of landing calf kicks like they were running out of style. Cutelaba’s lead leg was very compromised early so the Moldovian went into aggressive mode and rocked Lins with heavy shots. Lins survived getting dropped and continues to pushing Cutelaba’s left leg with calf kicks.
Round 2 began with Lins going back to that calf kick and Cutelaba clearly in pain because of it. After a few more kicks Cutelaba went into destroyer mode knowing he was running out of time because of the calf.
Eventually Lins was able to get the takedown which may have helped Cutelaba a bit in terms of dealing with the lead leg. After some a playful chat Lins dropped some heavy shots on Cutelaba who scrambled to his feet.
Round 3 Cutelaba clearly needed a finish with the amount of damage he suffered throughout the fight. Lins began to get real tired and tried to land more calf kicks, but Cutelaba was in his face and landing.
Lins must have felt he had the fight won because he changed his strategy to throwing whatever he needed to in order to shoot the takedown and slow the pace. He kept that going until the horn sounded.
Official Result: Philipe Lins def. Ion Cutelaba via Unanimous Decision (29-28×3)
