Ion Cutelaba’s fight at UFC on FOX 30: Alvarez vs. Poirier 2 marked a welcome return to form for the young light heavyweight prospect from Moldova. After spending 6 months on the sidelines, due to a USADA investigation of voluntarily disclosed ‘Ozone Therapy’ – a form of blood doping – he fought off the early aggression of Gadzhimurad Antigulov to score a first round KO.
Unfortunately, however, for the fighter who once painted his entire body green for his UFC bout against Jonathan Wilson – and who walked out on Saturday to Bret Hart’s theme, while sporting a pair of the pro wrestler’s iconic sunglasses – he didn’t get to have quite the return to action he’d hoped for. Not due to anything that happened in the cage, or even on the night of the event, but instead due to cancelled plans for another special weigh in performance.
During his post-fight media scrum the ‘Hulk’ revealed that the UFC uniform sponsor, Reebok, axed his idea for a weigh-in outfit.
“He wanted to make a really good show at the weigh-ins, but Reebok didn’t allow them,” Cutelaba’s translator revealed to the attending media.
As to what “them” were, Cutelaba wouldn’t say, only telling the press that it was a “surprise.” But, that doesn’t mean that future displays are off the table. He sounded expectant that, for his next bout, he’d be able to put on “a really good show.”
Hopefully in the time between then and now he can sort things out with Reebok and continue bringing a little extra personality to the UFC’s pre-fight rituals.
This latest win brought the 24-year old’s record to 14-3, with one ‘No Contest.’ No word yet on just when he’ll be back in action or against who, but he sounds confident that big things are coming soon.
“Hey Cormier, I see you’re here,” Cutelaba told the light heavyweight champion – who was on color commentary duties cage side – in his post fight interview. “Keep the belt, I will come after you. And if you want a picture with me or my autograph, I’ll be outside.”
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