LAS VEGAS – Despite just one victory in his past six octagon appearances, Ion Cutelaba isn’t stressing about his job security going into UFC Fight Night 215.
Cutelaba (16-8-1 MMA, 5-7-1 UFC) returns to action Saturday when he meets Kennedy Nzechukwu (10-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC) in the light heavyweight co-headliner at the UFC Apex. The card streams on ESPN+, and will represent a key moment in Cutelaba’s career.
Although his fights are consistently exciting one way or another, Cutelaba has lost back-to-back bouts and had his hand raised just once dating back to February 2020. He’s getting into the danger zone of when the UFC historically parts ways with struggling athletes, but Cutelaba said he’s not more concerned about that possibility now than he’s been ahead of any other fight.
“Our job is in jeopardy every time you get in the cage,” Cutelaba told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter at UFC Fight Night 215 media day. “This could be your last fight no matter what. But honestly, yeah, two losses in a row, it might even be three losses in a row. I don’t think I’m going to leave anywhere. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to stay in the UFC. The fact is I’m 100 percent prepared, and I’m going to show you I’m prepared this Saturday. I’m going to do whatever it takes. I’m going to knock him the hell out. If I have to die in that octagon, I’m going to leave my entire self in that octagon, and I’m going to show what I’m made of.”
After being submitted in the first round by Johnny Walker and Ryan Spann in his two most recent bouts, Cutelaba said he’s worked hard on the flaws of his game. Grappling defense is unlikely to be a key element in the next matchup, though, as Nzechukwu is predominantly a striker.
Cutelaba said if the fight stays standing, Nzechukwu isn’t going to be able to deal with what’s coming his way.
“I never said I want a quick finish, but of course it’s great,” Cutelaba said. “It’s less work for me and a quick day in the office. But I will say one thing: He’s going to lose his mind in there. When he sees me in front of him, he doesn’t know what to prepare for. He’ll see a hurricane in there.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 215.
