UFC Fight Night Kansas City is almost upon us and fans have been eagerly waiting for the action-packed card. Former featherweight champion Max Holloway takes on rising Brit Arnold Allen in the main event of the evening. Another bout that has caught fans’ attention is a light heavyweight showdown between Tanner Boser and Ion Cutelaba.
Usually, a Fight Night followed by a massive Pay-per-view like UFC 287 isn’t the most worthwhile lineup of fights, however, such is not the case with this card. The card features the likes of Pedro Munhoz, Edson Barboza, Clay Guida, and more.
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Tanner Boser will be competing in the light heavyweight division for the first time in the promotion. The 31-year-old competed in the said division all the way in 2014 in regional Canadian organizations. ‘The Bulldozer‘ is currently 4-4 in the UFC and is confident of earning his first victory in the division currently ruled by Jamahal Hill.
Ion Cutelaba is known for his athleticism, punching power, and showmanship, however, his lack of defense and ability to maintain a good pace has offset those talents. The Moldovan fighter is heading into this bout on a 3-fight losing skid.
UFC Kansas City: Tanner Boser vs Ion Cutelaba fighter stats
Stats | Tanner Boser | Ion Cutelaba |
---|---|---|
Wins | 20 | 16 |
Losses | 9 | 9 |
Height | 1.87 m | 1.85 m |
Division | Heavyweight | Light Heavyweight |
Reach | 190 cm | 190 cm |
Age | 31 | 29 |
Boser vs Cutelaba: Fight Breakdown
As per the UFC stats, Boser seems to land an average of 4.21 significant strikes per min while absorbing 2.20 strikes in return. Compare that to Cutelaba’s stats, the 29-year-old lands an average of 4.43 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 3.30 in return. The defense stat might favor Tanner more since he stands tall at 1.87 m over Ion’s 1.85 m.
In terms of taking the fight to the canvas, Cutelaba has landed an average of 4.70 takedowns per 15 mins. His ability to stuff the opposition’s takedown stands at 77%. Compare to the Canadian fighter, Bosser has shown to defend 64% of takedowns, however, his ability to land one himself stands at a big zero. This might be the one area Cutelaba can capitalize on.
If ‘The Hulk‘ can land takedowns and gain the top position, he can potentially unleash hell upon Tanner. However, it is worth mentioning that his gas tank hasn’t always proven to be the best. On the other hand, if Boser can keep the fight on the feet, his strikes should prove to be more powerful down a weight class.
Ion is coming off a KO loss at a UFC Fight Night, where he landed 30 significant strikes while eating 24 in return. The Moldovan will now look for his first win since September 2021. Tanner has known to be a small heavyweight and relies heavily on his hand speed and conditioning. He is coming off a controversial decision loss to Rodrigo Nascimento.
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This bout sounds like a massive coin flip. However, given Cutelaba’s wealth of Octagon experiences, the Molvodan might just take the cake away with this one.