Ion Cutelaba has spent years being one of the UFC’s most unpredictable fighters on the roster, but don’t tell him he’s just the crazy brawler everyone remembers. Heading into UFC Vegas 119, the Moldovan veteran believes he’s evolved into a smarter, more complete fighter, and he plans to remind the division that he still has plenty left in the tank when he welcomes undefeated prospect Navajo Stirling into what he calls ‘the professor’s’ classroom on Saturday night.
“Honestly I really like matchups like this because for me this is a great experience first of all. Second of all, it’s a chance for me to show that I can still do a thing or two in there,” Cutelaba told reporters through a translator on Wednesday.
“Once in a while I kind of feel like a college professor. We’ve got these young students coming in here and I got to see if they’re going to pass my test or not, but I can do a thing or two, so I’ll show you what I can do still.”
Cutelaba has heard all the talk about who he used to be, but he says people are about to find out they’ve been watching the wrong version of him. With years of experience under his belt and a game that’s continued to evolve, the Moldovan believes he’s never been more dangerous heading into a fight than he is right now.
“The thing is the professor also learns and also evolves as he goes. I’m no longer the same person that you’re used to. I also have a lot of experience behind me, but I also have a lot of new skills that I’m acquiring as I go,” he said.
“At the moment I can tell you that I’ve never felt as good and as ready as I feel right now.”
Cutelaba feels like he’s finally figured himself out after years of showing flashes of brilliance but never quite putting it all together. Now, heading into another big opportunity, the veteran believes he’s unlocked the version of himself that’s capable of making a real run in the light heavyweight division.
“I always knew that something was missing, that I can do much more than what I’ve done so far. Whatever that thing was that was missing I think that I have found it. I think I’ve solved the puzzle,” he said.
“If God gives me health then I can show you that I’m actually a very good fighter.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Ion Cutelaba above. He faces Navajo Stirling at UFC Vegas 119 on Saturday night.