Cannonier outpoints Cutelaba in light heavyweight debut
Jared Cannonier was a new man at 205 pounds.
"The Killa Gorilla" dropped down to the light heavyweight division for the first time on Saturday and it proved to be a wise move as he topped Ion Cutelaba via unanimous decision at The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale in Las Vegas on Saturday.
LUTAÇA! Jared Cannonier vence Ion Cutelaba por decisão unânime dos juízes, com um triplo 29-28; #TUFFianle pic.twitter.com/zyMVBMSE7e
— Octógono UFC (@OctogonoVirtual) December 4, 2016
After splitting a pair of heavyweight bouts, Cannonier is now 1-0 in his new weight class. His overall record stands at 8-1.
The scorecards were even going into the final round as Cutelaba was able to control Round 1 with timely grappling, while Cannonier stayed mostly upright in Round 2 to impose his striking game on the Moldovan. By the time the action started to wind down in Round 3, Cannonier's confidence was through the roof and he dropped his hands as Cutelaba flailed at his chin.
Cannonier just stared em down like a gangster haha FOTN #TUFFinale pic.twitter.com/IeEhBRse5r
— Léno (@DavidLCarrion) December 4, 2016
Without a finish, Cutelaba could only watch as time ticked down on his second UFC loss in three appearances.