UFC Auckland results: Ion Cutelaba smashes Henrique da Silva in seconds

The third bout of the UFC Auckland main card occurred at light heavyweight, where 23-year-old Moldovan prospect Ion Cutelaba collided with Brazilian clinch specialist Henrique Da Silva.

Just like the fight that preceded it, this one was fast. 

Seconds into the first round, the young Cutelaba floored his foe with a thudding right hand to the jaw. From there, he nailed him to the canvas with a series of standing-to-ground punches. Less than 30 seconds into the first round, it was lights out for Da Silva.

Here’s the finish:

Ion Cutelaba talked big and hit bigger. The Hulk took out Frankenstein aka Henrique da Silva in less than :30! https://t.co/3jwKrYzP4T

— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) June 11, 2017

With this ferocious, knockout win, Cutelaba separates himself from a tough, decision loss to Jared Cannonier. The rising knockout artist is now 2-2 in the UFC’s Octagon, and continues to establish himself as a fighter to watch in the talent-starved light heavyweight division.

Da Silva, meanwhile, falls onto an unfortunate, three-fight skid, having been subbed by Paul Craig and decisioned by Jordan Johnson in his last two fights. The Brazilian is now 12-3 overall.

What do you think of Ion Cutelaba? Is the young Moldovan a future title challenger?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 6/10/2017.