Ion Cutelaba of Moldova and Ibo Aslan of Turkey are poised to deliver an action-packed bout in the prelims of UFC Seattle this weekend. Cutelaba, a mainstay of the 205-pound class in the UFC, expects to kick off the new year with a win over relative newcomer Ibo Aslan. Both fighters arrive at the Octagon having won last time with Aslan 2-0 in the UFC and riding a winning streak that stretches back to 2020. Aslan is the clear favorite of the bookies, but fans are promised an explosive contest.
Bet on Ion Cutelaba vs. Ibo Aslan with 1xBet
MMA: UFC Light Heavyweight
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Venue: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
Date: 23.02.2025 04:00
Ion Cutelaba
The 31-year-old Moldovan won a split decision over Ivan Erslan last September to end 2024 1-1 after he lost to Phillipe Lins earlier in the year. Ion Cutelaba was the Moldovan national champion in Sambo and Judo before transitioning to MMA. The former European Sambo champion (90kg) debuted in the UFC in 2016. In nearly ten years of promotion, Cutelaba has competed against many of the top guns in the light heavyweight class. His resume includes wins over Khalil Rountree Jr., Devin Clark, and Tanner Bosser. "The Huck’s UFC record stands at 7-9-1 (Draw).
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 31
- Height: 6’1”
- Reach: 75”
- Weight: 205lbs (93kg)
- Record: 18-10-2 (1 Draw, 1 NC)
Ibo Aslan
“The Last Ottoman” has won six straight fights, all by knockout. A powerful puncher, Ibo Aslan has 14 knockouts from his 14 victories, with only the sole loss on his record. Aslan earned his UFC stripes with a first-round TKO (punches) of his opponent in Dana White’s Contender Series 58 in late 2023. The 28-year-old followed up his good form by finishing Anton Turkalj in the third round of his promotional debut in March 2024. Aslan, who began training in kickboxing, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a teenager, stopped Raffael Cerqueira in his sophomore outing last October, closing out his rookie year with a 2-0 record.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 29
- Height: 6’3”
- Reach: 77.5”
- Weight: 205lbs (93kg)
- Record: 14-1
Betting Odds
Ion Cutelaba is a 2.465 underdog on 1xbet which lists a KO/TKO for Ibo Aslan at 1.8. Over 1.5 is at 1.83 odds on Bet365 which has over 2.5 at 2.90 odds. Cutelaba by decision is 5.40 on Betway, with Aslan by decision priced at 7.60 odds. Read more here.
Bet on Ion Cutelaba vs. Ibo Aslan with 1xBet
