Magomed Ankalaev vs. Ion Cutelaba rematch in the works for UFC 252

Magomed Ankalaev and Ion Cutelaba will finally get to run things back.

Ankalaev (13-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) takes on Cutelaba (15-5 MMA, 4-4 UFC) at UFC 252 on Aug. 15, MMA Junkie confirmed the targeted booking after an initial report from MMA Fighting. The event does not have an official location at this time.

The pair were scheduled to rematch at UFC 249 on April 18, but the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ankalaev stopped Cutelaba in just 38 seconds in their first meeting in February. Referee Kevin MacDonald stopped the fight after Cutelaba appeared to be still responsive on his feet. The fight was ruled a TKO win for Ankalaev.

After dropping his UFC debut, top 15-ranked light heavyweight Ankalaev has won four in a row, which includes three stoppages and two “Performance of the Night” bonuses.

Cutelaba has split his past four appearances, but has two wins over Gadzhimurad Antigulov and Khalil Rountree in the first round.

With the addition, the current UFC 252 lineup includes:

Champ Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier – for heavyweight title
Felice Herrig vs. Virna Jandiroba
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Ion Cutelaba