Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Ion Cutelaba and Khalil Rountree faced each other in a Light Heavyweight clash today (Sat., Sept. 28, 2019) at UFC Fight Night 160 inside Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark, only on ESPN+. In a wild fight, Cutelaba stopped his foe in the first round.
After a bout a minute of feints from both men, Rountree landed a hard hook and left kick, but Cutelaba countered with an immediate takedown. He was unable to secure top position easily, as Rountree forced his way back up, though both men used a lot of explosive energy. Back on the feet, a pair of big hooks landed for Rountree. Cutelaba answered with a Superman punch and then a complete takedown into full guard. He immediately scored with a huge elbow. Then, a few more. Rountree scrambled back up, but Cutelaba threw his opponent back down to the mat and really unleashed with a flurry of ground strikes. Rountree was unable to defend himself from the accurate and powerful blows, which quickly built up.
The referee called it off just moments later.
Though the fight only lasted about a half-round, there was a ton of action from both men. Cutelaba was able to follow a smarter gameplan, waiting to gain top position before unleashing his brutal assault. Rountree, meanwhile, did look quite dangerous on his feet, but it’s clear his defensive wrestling/grappling still need work.
Result: Ion Cutelaba defeats Khalil Rountree via first-round knockout
For complete UFC Fight Night 160: “Hermansson vs. Cannonier” results and play-by-play, click HERE!