Ivan Erslan former KSW fighter scored a loss in his UFC debut

Ivan Erslan a two-time contender for the KSW belt lost his debut fight in the UFC.

Ivan Erslan a two-time contender for the KSW championship belt made his debut in the UFC organization today. The 32-year-old Croatian faced the experienced Ion Cutelaba in his first appearance in the world’s best MMA league.

The Moldovan has been fighting in the UFC since 2016 and has already fought sixteen fights in the organization’s octagon. Cutelaba has fights against fighters at the top of the rankings, but lost them quickly before time.

Ivan Erslan hit with a strong left. Cutelaba responds with a straight. Several strong punches of the Croatian. The Moldovan responds with a punch that knocked Erslan back. Both fighters hit at short range. Cutelaba tried to enter the legs however Erslan excelled in defense. Some kicks. Cutelaba again fired off a strong punch after which Erslan fell like a long one on the mat. The Croatian managed to collect himself, however, Ion went for an overthrow. The former KSW fighter gets up under the net. A moment of clinching and a stoppage in punches. Both fighters put a lot of force in their punches. Good left-right combination by Erslan. End of the first round.

A great combination of kicks and fist punches performed by Cutelaba. The fighter of combat sambo turned into a racial kickboxer in the octagon. The Croatian responds and the Moldovan looks connected. High kick on the part of Ion. Ivan Erslan tries to answer with equally strong punches. Clinch under the net. Cutelaba gets to his feet and then cuts the Croatian’s posture leg and moves the duel to the mat. Ion tries to get behind Ivan’s back. Erslan manages to defend himself and gets out of a very difficult position. Back to the stand-up. Cutelaba struggled to get a dosa on the ground but made a mistake and it was the Croatian who ended the round on top.

An exchange of blows to open the third period. Cutelaba wanted to go for a takedown, however Erslan excused himself and attempted a guillotine. Nothing came of it, however, as a consequence the fighters landed on the ground and it was the Croatian who was able to work from the top. A powerful hammerfist from Erslan’s side. Ivan keeps his rival on the mat however he needs to attack more often with punches. A lot of wrestling work.

Ion Cutelaba defeated Ivan Erslan after a unanimous decision by the judges