Exclusive fight news! It’s looking like Guram Kutateladze will make his octagon return on UFC 289, and according to Frontkick’s sources, the promotion is currently targeting a matchup between the Swedish-Georgian standout and Canadian veteran John Makdessi.
A few days ago, Kutateladze hinted at an upcoming fight this summer on his Instagram page. Now, we’re hearing from multiple sources that a lightweight bout between Kutateladze and Makdessi is in the works for June 10. The current status is that the fight is verbally agreed upon, although bout agreements are yet to be signed.
UFC 289 is scheduled for June 10 at a yet-to-be-announced venue. Rumors has it that the event will mark the promotion’s long-awaited return to Canada. There are differing reports out there regarding what city is be targeted – whether it be Vancouver, Calgary or someplace else – and nothing is officially confirmed as of this moment.
Guram Kutateladze holds win against now-ranked opponent
Many believe that Guram Kutateladze, who trains with some of the top fighters in Sweden at Allstars Training Center, are one of the best lightweights in the world outside the UFC’s top 15 rankings. And not without reason, since he actually defeated former KSW double champion and current No. 7 ranked contender Mateusz Gamrot by split decision in his promotional debut back in 2020.
Since then, Kutateladze has had multiple injuries causing him to cancel a few fights and to be out of competition for long stretches of time. He did square off against Damir Ismagulov last summer – a bout where he ended up on the losing side of a split decision after three closely-contested rounds – and was later scheduled to take on Thiago Moises earlier this year before a staph infection caused him to pull out.
Kutateladze pro record is currently 12-3 in MMA, with one win and one loss in the UFC.
As for John Makdessi, he’s a veteran of the world-leading promotion who made his UFC debut all the way back in 2010. The Canadian is coming off a loss to up-and-coming prospect Nasrat Haqparast by unanimous decision, but defeated Dana White’s Contender Series standout Ignacio Bahamondes by split decision before that.
Makdessi has spent the majority of his professional MMA career competing inside the octagon and currently holds a UFC record of 11-8, and a total mixed martial arts record of 18-8.
Updated UFC 289 fight card
Check out the latest UFC 289 fight card down below!
- Women’s flyweight bout: Miranda Maverick vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
- Middleweight bout: Eryk Anders vs. Marc-André Barriault
- Lightweight bout: Guram Kutateladze vs. John Makdessi
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