Ryan Spann vs. Ion Cutelaba is on the main card for UFC Fight Night betting on May 14.
These two light heavyweights were originally scheduled to square off in February before the fight was pushed back after Spann suffered an injury. Spann is the No. 13 ranked contender but UFC odds opened with the unranked Cutelaba as a -150 favorite before shifting all the way to -227 with Spann at +175.
Here are our best free Spann vs. Cutelaba picks and predictions for Saturday, May 14 from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Spann vs Cutelaba fight odds
Live odds courtesy of the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
Spann vs Cutelaba method of victory odds
| Method of Victory | Ryan Spann | Ion Cutelaba |
|---|---|---|
| To win by KO/TKO | +475 | -135 |
| To win by Decision | +600 | +750 |
| To win by Submission | +750 | +850 |
| Draw | +5,000 | +5,000 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook on May 14, 2022.
Spann vs Cutelaba picks
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Spann vs Cutelaba betting preview
Ryan "Superman" Spann will try to bounce back from a first-round submission loss to Anthony Smith last September. Spann is 6-2 in the octagon with his other defeat coming against Johnny Walker and notable stoppage victories versus Misha Cirkunov, and Devin Clark.
The 30-year-old bounced between the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions earlier in his MMA career but looks much better at 205 pounds with his 6-foot-5-inch frame. Spann is long and athletic with explosive kickboxing ability and dangerous submission skills.
Ion "The Hulk" Cutelaba is coming off a unanimous decision win against Clark in September. He's 2-3-1 in his last six fights with a knockout win against Khalil Rountree and stoppage losses to current champ Glover Teixeira and Top-5 contender Magomed Ankalaev (twice getting knocked out in the opening round).
The 28-year-old Moldovan comes from a sambo and Greco-Roman Wrestling background, and began his professional MMA career at the age of 18 while making his UFC debut at 22. Nicknamed "The Hulk" for obvious reasons, Cutelaba is strong and powerful with a solid base and knockout power in his hands.
Spann vs Cutelaba tale of the tape
| Ryan Spann | Ion Cutelaba | |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | Age | 28 |
| 6-foot-5 | Height | 6-foot-1 |
| 205lbs | Weight | 205lbs |
| 81 inches | Reach | 75 inches |
| 19-7 (5 KOs) | Record | 16-6 (12 KOs) |
Spann vs Cutelaba UFC prediction and best bet
Our prediction is compiled from the analysis of the fighters and is an indication of who we are leaning with to win this bout.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this fight or where the most value lies, and is where we would put some of our bankroll behind.
Prediction: Spann ML (+187)
These guys have been exposed by the top fighters in this division and although both are well-rounded, they also have clear weaknesses. Both can be a bit wild and hittable when it comes to striking and both have poor cardio and can gas out if they don't get a quick finish.
I do think Spann's speed and length could pose problems for Cutelaba, and while his defensive wrestling isn't the greatest, he has far more dangerous submission skills on the mat.
Ultimately, Cutelaba's tendency to go head-hunting in the early going could come back to cost him with Spann boasting a six-inch reach advantage and sharp counter-striking ability.
Prediction: Spann ML (+187 at bet365)
Best bet: Spann ML (+187)
With how chinny and wild both of these guys can be, this fight will likely come down to who will get cracked first. This is one matchup where I don't really agree with the line movement and while I think Cutelaba should be the favorite, he hasn't proven enough at this level to be a -200 favorite against someone ranked ahead of him. We'll back Superman at this price.
Pick: Spann ML (+187 at bet365)
