Ion Cutelaba Tests Positive for COVID-19, Rematch vs. Magomed Ankalaev Postponed

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Ion Cutelaba’s rematch with Magomed Ankalaev will have to wait yet again.

The UFC announced in a statement on Saturday that Cutelaba has tested positive for COVID-19, and as a result, his light heavyweight clash with Magomed Ankalaev at UFC Fight Night 175 has been postponed.

“Due to a positive COVID-19 test, Ion Cutelaba’s light heavyweight fight against Magomed Ankalaev has been removed from today’s undercard and will be rescheduled for a later date,” the UFC statement read.

It’s the second time a positive COVID-19 test has derailed Cutelaba. The Moldovan fighter also tested positive for the virus prior to UFC 252, which scrapped a proposed matchup with Ankalaev on Aug. 15.

As a result, UFC Fight Night 175 will proceed with 10 bouts. The card takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and is headlined by a light heavyweight tilt pitting Anthony Smith against Aleksandar Rakic. The four-bout main card streams on ESPN+ beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT after prelims on ESPN and ESPN+ at 6:00 p.m./3:00 p.m. ET.

Cutelaba and Ankalaev initially squared off at UFC Norfolk on Feb. 29, with Ankalaev winning via first-round technical knockout. Cutelaba disputed the stoppage, claiming that he was feigning wobbling as part of his strategy to deceive his opponent. However, Cutelaba’s appeal with the Virgina Athletic Commission was denied. The two light heavyweights were also slated to meet on April 18 before that card was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.