Streaking Philipe Lins squares up against Ion Cutelaba, seeking a fourth win on the bounce that can potentially throw up a ranked opponent next year. Since moving down to Light heavyweight, Brazilian Lins is on a three-fight win streak. Even though he stopped Tanner Bosser earlier in the year to break a three-fight skid, the Moldovan Ion Cutelaba has struggled to find consistency in the division. The chaotic fighter hopes to land a telling finish as he faces Lins on the main card of UFC Fight Night 229 this weekend at the Apex.
MMA: UFC Light Heavyweight
Venue: UFC Apex, Las Vegas
Where to watch: ESPN+
Date: 8.10.2023. 2.30
Philipe Lins
Debuting at heavyweight in May 2020, Philipe Lins lost his first two fights in the UFC. The 2018 Professional Fighters League heavyweight tournament winner was obviously miscast as a heavyweight and only picked up his first victory when he dropped to 205 and secured a decision against Marcin Prachnio in April 2022. The 38-year-old fighter, who began fighting professionally in 2005, picked up a second win last February when he stopped Ovince Saint Preux with a first-round KO. Lins then followed that up in June with a decision over Maxim Grishin. “Monstro,” who has a Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, was unbeaten in his native Brazil from 2005 to 2014.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 38
- Height: 6.1”
- Weight: 205 Ibs
- Reach: 79”
- Record: 17-5
Ion Cutelaba
The 29-year-old Ion Cutelaba’s record in the UFC smacks of inconsistencies. With six wins and eight losses, an explanation may be surmised by the chaotic and reckless way the Moldovan fights. With power and willingness to go for broke, Cutelaba’s fights are usually wild with excitement and finishes. “Hulk” has thirteen knockouts from his seventeen victories. To be fair to him, he has lost to some recognizable names in the division, including Magomed Ankaleav, Ryan Spann, and Johnny Walker.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 29
- Height: 6.1”
- Weight: 205 Ibs
- Reach: 75”
- Record: 17-9-2
Betting Odds
One Bet365, Ion Cutelaba is a 1.66 favorite over the 2.25 Brazilian. Being that oddsmakers expect the bout to end inside the distance, Betwinner lists 2.5 odds for the bout to get to round three, while 1.52 odds is the price of the bout not making it to the final round.