After more than one year away from competition, light heavyweight contender Thiago Silva will return to action against Alexander Gustafsson at Saturday’s UFC on Fuel TV 2. Against Gustafsson, Silva will have the chance to jump back into the mix for the 205-pound title, despite his failed drug test following a since-overturned win against Brandon Vera.
Meanwhile, the 25-year-old Gustafsson will be looking to take another step toward his first title shot while competing in front of his fellow countrymen in the UFC’s first trip Sweden. A win over Silva would mark the Swede’s fifth consecutive victory and put him near the front of the line for a meeting with the winner of an upcoming title fight between champion Jon Jones and Rashad Evans.
In a bout that will be pivotal for the title hopes of both fighters, let’s take a look at which competitor has the edge heading into Saturday’s event.