The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight division is the least stacked weight class in mixed martial arts (MMA) today, which is why fight fans need to take notice when rising 205-pound prospects are on display. Luckily, light heavyweight youngster Ion Cutelaba and divisional newcomer Jared Cannonier will meet at TUF 24 Finale on Dec. 3 from Las Vegas, Nevada, per an announcement by UFC earlier this week.
Some of you may know Cutelaba from painting his entire body green for the UFC Fight Night 96 weigh ins earlier this month, while others remember the 22-year-old Moldovan from his torrid offensive pressure throughout his first two UFC appearances. Regardless, “Hulk” is beginning to gain some steam at 205 pounds and could easily make a push for the top 15 in 2017, especially after defeating Jonathan Wilson at UFC Fight Night 96 via decision to earn his first UFC win.
As for Cannonier, who has also compiled a 1-1 UFC record since his debut in 2015, this is a huge opportunity to make a statement in his drop down from heavyweight. The Alaskan native has only lost to UFC veteran Shawn Jordan in his professional career and has displayed the finishing ability as a heavyweight to eventually overwhelm opponents at the 205-pound level.
TUF 24 Finale will be headlined by a flyweight title fight between current champion Demetrious Johnson and the winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 24.