Feb 29, 2020; Norfolk, Virginia, USA; Ion Cutelaba (red gloves) reacts to losing against Magomed Ankalaev (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Chartway Arena. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Ion Cutelaba rematch off after positive COVID-19 test
UFC on ESPN+ 33 is taking a late hit after Ion Cutelaba tested positive for COVID-19.
According to the UFC’s website, the light-heavyweight rematch between Ion Cutelaba and Magomed Ankalaev has been called off. The two were scheduled to kick off the main card.
“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 promotion’s statement said.
The rematch will need to wait a little longer after multiple failed attempts. The two were rebooked for UFC 249 back in April, but the entire card was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Ankalaev and Cutelaba was rescheduled for UFC 252 on Aug. 15, but the bout was scrapped after Cutelaba tested positive for COVID-19. The fight was pushed back two additional weeks, only for Cutelaba to test positive again.
The promotion did not reveal when the test was administered or when the positive test result occurred. Cutelaba did participate in the virtual media day on Wednesday and face-to-face stare-down with Ankalaev.
