Their first fight took place on May 15 earlier this year and ended up in a controversial finish. Since then, the UFC has been trying to book a rematch but has failed to do so twice. And it looks like the fight could be off for a third time just 24 hours before UFC 254.
According to reports from MMAFighting’s Mike Heck, one of Ion Cutelaba’s cornermen tested positive for COVID-19.
.@MikeHeck_JR said on @MMAFighting's weigh-in show that a source told him one of Ion Cutelaba's cornermen tested positive for COVID-19.
As of now, the fight is on. But Isi Fitikefu just weighed in as a backup in case Ankalaev-Cutelaba 2 is canceled (again).
— Nick Baldwin (@NickBaldwinMMA) October 23, 2020
“.@MikeHeck_JR said on @MMAFighting‘s weigh-in show that a source told him one of Ion Cutelaba’s cornermen tested positive for COVID-19. As of now, the fight is on. But Isi Fitikefu just weighed in as a backup in case Ankalaev-Cutelaba 2 is canceled (again).”
However, the UFC has yet to issue an official statement about this matter. Cutelaba and Ankalaev both made weight and faced off at the official weigh-ins last night. Isi Fitikefu (6-0) has also weighed in and is ready to step up in case Cutelaba or Ankalaev is unable to fight come Saturday.
F I N A L L Y .@AnkalaevM vs @ICutelaba 2️⃣ – LIVE on ESPN+ PPV
[ #UFC254 – Oct 24 – Main Card at 2pmET ] pic.twitter.com/xMCSmdZssT
— UFC (@ufc) October 23, 2020
The UFC already tried to book this rematch for UFC 249 and then later at UFC Vegas 8. Both attempts failed as Ion Cutelaba tested positive for COVID-19 both times. However, this time around, the UFC has a backup fighter ready to step in and face Ankalaev in case the reports are confirmed.
