On April 14, 2012 at the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden UFC on Fuel TV will take place. This is also being billed as UFC Sweden in other countries. The main event is Alexander Gustafsson vs Thiago Silva.
Main Card
Light Heavy Weight: Gustafsson vs Silva
Thiago Silva was beasting TKOing people all over the place until he got TKO’d himself against Machida. While he came back with a quick KO against an aging Keith Jardine he was decisioned and almost won against Rashad Evans for a brief moment. Silva is taking on a rising star in Gustafsson. An exceptionally tall, precise striker, with excellent submissions. Gustafsson is not the KO artist Silva is, but he’s not a guy thats dropping 100 punches to take someone out. He is more of a 10 punch finisher. Alex is very good everywhere. If Gustafsson gets top control I think its going to stay that way until the ref pulls him off. Gustafsson also has a pretty good chin.
Its difficult not to take Gustafsson in his hometown, but I expect these odds to put this fight close to a pickem. I like Gustafsson as long as the odds stay tight.
I can see Gustafsson getting a takedown getting on top and getting the ref stoppage or a choke.
Light Heavyweight: Stann vs Sakara
Of all the fights Sakara has been in this matchup is pretty good for him. Stann is a standup puncher mostly which will play into Sakara’s strength. In any fight Sakara has that puncher’s chance due to his boxing background. Sakara has also worked on his wrestling and takedown defense.
Stann on the other hand has one giant hole and that is when he is on his back. He is very submittable something Sakara is adept too. Stann on the other hand is the stronger puncher, has a good chin, and his stamina is better than Sakara.
The difference here is ring rust. Sakara barely fights, while Stann has fought more regularly. However, if the odds are jacked 3-1 or higher for Stann, its worth a punt on Sakara.
I still think Stann is going to win though via overwhelm.
Middleweight: Thiago vs Bahadurzada
Should be an awesome fight two good punchers. Will pass though on playing.
Welterweight: Siver vs Nunes
Diego Nunes brings a lot to the table here. Slightly more athletic, less powerful though.
I got Nunes in the decision.
Featherweight: Johnson vs Maguire
Maguire showed a really good overall game and a matchup against DeMarques who also really blossomed since his stint on the TUF series should be an entertaining fight that goes the distance.
Maguire is really tricky and does a few things differently than other fighters. In his last fight he showed wild escapes and takedown setups that you rarely see.
Like I said I expect it to go the distance. Leaning towards Maguire.