Originally this was meant to be the UFC’s first visit to Denmark as they embarked on their quest to get into more Scandinavian markets. However, it was decided that the event would take place in Sweden, which makes sense given the main event is one of the most popular fighters in the promotion, Alexander Gustafsson. Here is the main card breakdown.
(Middleweight) Jack Hermansson vs Alex Nicholson: So we start of the main card with a slugfest. Hermansson has a record of 14 – 2 – 0, the Swede who is a former Cage Warriors Middleweight Champion, will have the local crowd on his side and will look to getting back to winning ways, as he lost his last fight Cezar Ferreira to submission. Nicholson is 7 – 3 – 0 and also lost his last fight to Sam Alvey. Nicholson has a slight reach advantage but it will all come down to whoever gets that punch.
(Welterweight) Oliver Enkamp vs Nordine Taleb: Originally Taleb was meant to face Emil Weber Meek, but Meek pulled out due to injury and was replaced by a debuting local Enkamp. Currently Enkamp is 7 – 0 – 0 and tough challenge for Taleb as he has a great ground game and is a big fan of chokes. Taleb is known for KO’s and going the distance. This will all depend on the night.
(Welterweight) Abdul Razak Alhassan vs Omari Akhmedov: Next, it’s experience vs steam. Despite Alhassan’s 2 year seniority over his opponent, he has a record of 7 – 0 – 0, with 7 first round knockouts. He’s is on a roll at the minute, also picking up a performance of the night in his UFC debut last November. His opponent Akhmedov is more of an all rounder but is also known for his knockouts in the first round. He has more of a rounded game as he trains with American top team. This is a tough challenge for both men, it could be decided on the ground, I can’t see this one going past the 1st round.
(Welterweight) Peter Sobotta vs Ben Saunders: The 5th of 5 welterweight bouts and the 3rd on the main card. An interesting bout, Sobotta is well known for his ground game, however Saunders has never been submitted. Saunders, another fighter who belongs to American top team, is more known for KO, but also has an impressive ground game; being the first fighter to execute an omoplata for a victory. Since coming back to UFC he is 5 – 1 – 0 while Sobotta is 3 – 1 – 0. If it goes to the ground, then who knows. This fight has the potential to become submission of the night.
(Light Heavyweight) Volkan Oezdemir vs Misha Cirkunov: Next, we have ground vs stand-up. Oezdemir is mostly known for his knockouts, however his last 2 bouts have finished by decision. Not that that’s a bad thing, his last victory was over Ovince St. Preux. Cirkunov is more of an all rounder but is known for his ground game. Both men have a similar record and it will most likely have a finish as opposed to a decision.
(Main Event) (Light Heavyweight) Alexander Gustafsson vs Glover Teixeira: By far the most important fight on the card, whoever wins this, you would imagine will face the winner of Jon Jones vs DC at UFC 214 for the belt. Both men are all rounders but are more known for the knockouts. Gustafsson is current #1 light heavyweight in the rankings if you exclude Jon Jones and Teixeira is #2. They’re known for being hard hitters. Gustafsson will have the advantage when it comes to the home support and size with height and reach. However Teixeira will have advantage with experience. This is the battle to find out who is next for a shot at the throne.
That’s our breakdown, the event is on UFC Fight Pass this Sunday night, no complaints please, it’s a bank holiday weekend. Let us know your thoughts below, on Facebook and Twitter