KSW veteran and well-traveled European standout Ivan Erslan arrived in the octagon at UFC Paris, welcomed by Moldova’s Ion Cutelaba.
The promotion thought enough of the pairing to set it as the featured prelim in Paris, with Cutelaba looking to bounce back from a loss to Philipe Lins. Erslan had won his final KSW bout in February and was bypassing the usual routes like the Contender Series, Ultimate Fighter, and Dana White’s Lookin’ for a Fight to land in the UFC.
The fight kicked off and Erslan was the first one to land with a nice right hand. Cutelaba responded with a leg kick. Erslan got off some good punches in the clich but Cutelaba landed hard having Erslan back up. Both guys were starting to sit down on their punches. Cutelaba was doing a bit more chasing and Erslan was timing his strikes. Cutelaba attempted a takedown but an easy stuff from Erslan. Erslan was doing good with the jab but Cutelaba did drop him briefly with the right. It didn’t really hurt Erslan but Cutelaba got a takedown. It didn’t last long as Erslan got right back to his feet. With a minute left Erslan landed a good outside leg kick and one-two. Cutelaba was trying to crash the pocket but didn’t land anything in the closing seconds.
In round two Cutelaba was active early mixing it up. He was throwing the leg kicks with the punches while mixing in the takedown attempts. Erslan was more tentative early in round two maybe looking for the opening. Erslan would attempt a takedown of his own half way through the round but nothing. Right after Cutelaba got in on a single leg and kicked out the planted leg to take the back. Erslan almost gave him his nack but was able to get back to his feet. With a minute left as they broke off the clinch, Cutelaba got a nicely-times double leg. Cutelaba made a mistake jumping on the back too high and fell off the back. Erslan ended the round on top but did zero damage.
In the final round, it was pretty clear Erslan needed a finish. The round started with Erslan pressing forward. Erslan probably wanting a brawl but Cutelaba shot in for a takedown. It was badly timed and Erslan defended as Cutelaba pulled guard. Cutelaba stuck off his back was obviously breathing heavily. Erslan was lacking the urgency landing almost nothing. Cutelaba almost got to his feet but instead, Erslan remained in the guard. Cutelaba was able to work to his knees and get back up. Erslan still had control of the waist he’s pull Cutelaba down. Needing a finish Erslan was too patient. Cutelaba would finally reverse positions along the cage and got the takedown right as the bell sounded.
Official Result: Ion Cutelaba def. Ivan Erslan by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
