MMA Preview – Glover Teixeira vs Ion Cutelaba at UFC on ESPN+ 8
AT A GLANCE
When is UFC on ESPN+ 8? Sunday 28th April, 2019 - 00:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN+ 8? BB&T Center, Sunrise, Florida
What channel is UFC on ESPN+ 8? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN+ 8? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
Are tickets still available for UFC on ESPN+ 8? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket-info?utm_source=ufc&utm_medium=tab&utm_campaign=tickets
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
This fight is back on after Ion Cutelaba pulled out of their January fight due to injury. Not wanting to miss out on a fight, Glover Teixeira took on the dangerous Karl Roberson on short notice and after nearly getting finished, he showed his warrior spirit by dragging himself back into the fight and submitting Roberson with a brilliant arm-triangle.
Dusting himself and getting back to business, the veteran is back focused on Cutelaba who will be grateful Teixeira is still interested in the fight. The Moldovan has a tremendous amount of potential but is yet to find his feet in the light heavyweight division. He is 3-2 in the UFC but is coming of his two best performances by knocking out Henrique da Silva and Gadzhimurad Antigulov.
THE PREDICTION
Cutelaba has all the skills to cause the upset through ferocious knockout power with high-level Sambo and Judo. However, Teixeira is a tough match-up for him as he is one of the most well-rounded fighters on the roster. He is a technically sound boxer and 2nd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a wealth of experience so Cutelaba will have to hold nothing back and search for a finish.
Their grappling skills are likely to cancel each other forcing a stand-up battle. Although Cutelaba has devastating power in his hands, Teixeira has the technique and durability to withstand the onslaught and find a finish of his own.
Winner: Teixeira via Submission
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric.
