Seattle, WA — Light heavyweight Ion Cutelaba (18-10-1, 1NC) will look to build on a September win against Ivan Erslan when he returns to the octagon at UFC Seattle this weekend.
In preparation for his fight with Ibo Aslan, he’s changed things up in terms of training. “I trained for this fight with a different coach. I got a lot of experience, a lot of reps and I’m so ready,” he revealed during this week’s media day, speaking with media outlets including Cageside Press. “I’m so so charged and ready that I actually want to see myself what I can show there.”
The Moldovan also addressed Aslan claiming that he’ll be able to handle Cutelaba’s well-known aggression, and put the pressure on himself. “I’ve prepared hard for this for three months. I know exactly what to expect from him. I know that he’s a very exciting fighter, that he likes to pressure. But as he said my way, I also have an answer for whatever pressure he can bring.”
Forgoing his translator and using a bit of English, Cutelaba also noted it would be a “big surprise” if Aslan was able to handle his aggression.
Asked about weigh-ins (Cutelaba often paints himself up as The Hulk and has been known to get in opponent’s faces), the light heavyweight said only that “You know I’ve been here for a long time, I know my work really well, I know my job and I do whatever I can to do my job to the fullest every time.”
Speaking of being in the UFC a long time, one thing Ion Cutelaba believes will factor in come Saturday is his experience. “I think 99% of the fight will be decided by my experience,” he predicted.
Watch the full UFC Seattle media day appearance by Ion Cutelaba above.
