UFC Norfolk results: Magomed Ankalaev earns controversial stoppage win over Ion Cutelaba
On Saturday night, Feb. 29, 2020, the UFC returns to action for their very first leap year event in the company’s history with UFC on ESPN+ 27.
The event takes place at the Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Va. and will be headlined by a flyweight title fight between Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo, in which only Benavidez can capture UFC gold with a win due to Figueiredo missing weight.
In a featured light heavyweight bout — that many feel has “Fight of the Night” written all over it — Ion Cutelaba takes on Magomed Ankalaev. Cutelaba looks to make it two consecutive wins following his brutal first round TKO finish of Khalil Rountree at September’s UFC Copenhagen event. “The Hulk” has won three out of his last four and looks to take a step up the 205-pound divisional ladder.
After losing his Octagon debut in the final second via submission to Paul Craig, Ankalaev has won his last three fights. In his most recent bout, the 27-year-old fighter from Russia finished Dalcha Lungiambula with a front kick KO in the third round at November’s UFC Moscow event.
Here is how the light heavyweight bout between Ion Cutelaba and Magomed Ankalaev went down at UFC Norfolk, including round-by-round scoring. For full event results, check them out right here.
ROUND 1
Security had to step in before this one even got started… 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Wu9ePy3kYC
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 1, 2020
Whoa! Cutelaba just marched across the cage and got right into Ankalaev’s face, which forced a separation. Oh, man! They meet in the center as the official fight begins and Cutelaba lands a kick to the body. Ankalaev with three monster head kicks in a row and Cutelaba looks wobbled, but is throwing big right hands of his own. Is he playing possum? The referee doesn’t think so and stops the fight. Cutelaba is furious! It was fun while it lasted.
Woah! Controversial finish at #UFCNorfolk 👀 pic.twitter.com/5rDDr9lMVV
— UFC (@ufc) March 1, 2020
Official result: Magomed Ankalaev def. Ion Cutelaba via KO – Round 1, 0:38
