Today’s UFC on FOX 14 card coming to us from Sweden sees Ligh Heavyweights Alexander Gustafsson and Anthony “Rumble” Johnson clash in the main event. Gustafsson has been a solid favorite throughout, and now that fight time is here he is a (-310) favorite over Johnson, who pays back at (+255). The five rounder has a over/under of 2.5 rounds, with the over paying (-160) and the under at (+135).
Gustafsson is fighting at home, and there is little in his recent fighting to hint that he is slipping or anything like that. Gustafsson is 7-1 in his last eight fights, with the lone loss coming to Jon Jones in a match that elevated the Swede because of his performance. Gustafsson is also holding a promise to be in the next title shot, although he has to win tyhis fight. One of the things that have defined Gustafsson is his focus, and that has not changed for this fight. When asked about Jones and a title shot, Gustafsson said he wouldn’t talk about anything but Johnson.
Johnson is an interesting case, and this fight will be a good measuring stick for how much of a factor he can be at the light heavyweight division in UFC. His oddyssey through the weight classes is well documented, and he certainly has appeared near flawless during his recent eight fight winning streak. A win over Andre Arlovski at heavyweight , a win over Phil Davis and a white wash of Rogerio Noguiera all hint of his potential. But he has not faced anyone as well-rounded as Gustafsson. Arlovski and Davis are both extremely one dimensional, and Johnson knew what he was facing pretty much.
The fight starts on the feet here, and Gustafsson’s length and motion are going to be critical. Johnson is going to have to get close to land his big punches, and Gustafsson not only has reach, he has his legs. Johnson’s dilemna will be spacing, as getting too close exposes him to the plum and clinch of Gustafsson, which are also very dangerous. He may have the option to take it to the ground, but the length of Gustafsson makes that dangerous too. Gustafsson is just more of a complete fighter, so Johnson is going to have to land that punch, it’s his only real chance.
Check out the UFC produced “Road to the Octagon: Gustafsson vs Johnson” which is a 40 plus minute look at the entire event’s main card:
