Ibo Aslan was defeated for the first time under the UFC banner with a rare submission at the Climate Pledge Arena.
The rising Turkish star has become one of the most exciting light-heavyweights in the world, and headlined a knockout-filled prelim card at UFC Seattle. And he took a big step up against octagon veteran Ion Cutelaba for a bout that promised fireworks.
In their 32 combined wins, just five had gone to the judges’ scorecards all on the record of Cutelaba. And after all stoppages on the previous preliminary card, there was real excitement for the pair to throw hands.
Ibo Aslan vs Ion Cutelaba UFC Seattle result
From the opening bell, Ibo Aslan and Ion Cutelaba were throwing big shots in an effort to land the knockout. It looked as though the veteran was rocked early, but he managed to get a big takedown halfway through the round that changed the fight’s complexion.
Cutelaba had never submitted anyone in his UFC career, in fact losing four by that very method in his nine promotional defeats. But he locked in a head-and-arm choke on the ground, and declared ‘I am power’ in an explosive victory.
‘Turkish Power’ Aslan had been one of the fastest-rising stars in the promotion, and attempted to give a thumbs up to the referee as he defended against the choke. But he ended up tapping out as he suffered his first defeat in the octagon.
UFC Seattle prelim card was full of finishes
The sole undercard fight at UFC Seattle which didn’t end in knockout saw Melquizael Costa defeat Andre Fili. That one ended in submission within one round.
It goes to show the exciting nature of the prelims, which were generally hastily thrown together, for the card at the Climate Pledge Arena. In fact, not one fight prior to the prelim headliner went past round two as all knockouts were landed across the board.
Modestas Bukauskas kicked off the action with a stunning combination to send Raffael Cerqueira to sleep in the first round of their clash. Immediately after that, Nursulton Ruziboev blasted out promotional newcomer Eric McConico, before Austin Vanderford marked his debut with a TKO.