UFC Stockholm Preview

UFC Stockholm Preview

By Anuj Datta

Hometown hero Alexander Gustafsson will be headlining his 4th card in Stockholm, on June 1st, against fellow veteran Anthony Smith.

Both are fresh off a loss to Jon Jones, and they’ll be looking to bounce back in style at the others expense.

The co-main features another light heavyweight slugfest in the form of “The Sledgehammer” Ilir Latifi vs “No Time” Volkan Oezdemir.

Gustafsson is widely regarded as the best light heavyweight in the world not named Jon Jones or Daniel Cormier. But he seems to be at a crossroads in his career, having lost all three title shots, so it is unlikely he will get another chance at the gold anytime soon.

The option to move to heavyweight was put on the backburner when it was announced he would take on Anthony Smith. Smith will be participating in his 46th professional fight, but insists he’s as hungry as ever to continue and get another championship opportunity. The path to that is directly through Gustafsson.

Choosing to fight “The Mauler” less than 3 months after that lopsided defeat to Jones, is the sign of a man who doesn’t want to sit on the side lines and lick his wounds. He has openly admitted embarrassment of how the fight played out and is determined to waste no time in getting back to the number one contender spot.

Volkan Oezdemir has been on a decline since he challenged Daniel Cormier for the 205lb throne in January of last year. A brutal battle resulted in a loss to Anthony Smith and debatable decision to Dominick Reyes followed. He is hoping to snap a 3-fight losing streak to Swedish native Latifi. A man who is also looking to get back to winning ways after Corey Anderson temporarily halted his momentum, Latifi will want to put on a show in front of his home crowd. With over 20 combined finishes in 30 victories, don’t expect this one to go the distance.

Jimi Manuwa vs Aleksandar Rakic completes the LHW trio at the top of the bill. Manuwa will be looking to get back into the top 10 with a win over Rakic, and extend his career in the UFC. Currently 6-5 in the promotion, a fourth consecutive loss could spell the end of his time here.

It will be no easy task against the Austrian prospect, who hasn’t lost in 8 years. The “Poster Boy” will need to be at his devastating best to get past Rakic, who knows a win on Saturday will put him in line for big name fights down the road.

Makwan Amirkhani will be hoping to emulate what he did last time he was in Stockholm, against Chris Fishgold. “Mr Finland” secured a performance of the night bonus back at UFC on Fox 14, with a sensational 8 second knockout of Andrew Ogle in his debut. The solitary knockout on his record, Amirkhani is known for his grappling prowess. Fishgold however, is no slouch in that department with 13 career wins of his own coming by submission. This one could well be a battle of wits on the ground.

A bout that’s flying under the radar is Damir Hadzovic vs Christos Giagos. For two lightweights who have had a tough introduction to the UFC, a slot on the main card gives them the exposure to showcase their skills to a wider audience. In a talent rich division, an impressive win will be vital for any chance of progression.

To kick off the main card, Daniel Teymur takes on “The Korean Falcon” Sung Bin Jo, who will be looking to extend his unblemished record to 10-0. Teymur will be hoping to spoil the welcome party and in turn pick up his first victory since 2016.

Both men boast a 100% finish rate; and this could easily be fight of the night.

Gustafsson and Smith are two of the most likable fighters on the roster, but once the octagon door closes, are amongst the most ruthless. “Lionheart” will need all of that to get past the favourite Gustafsson.

For Gus it is a matter of putting the losses to Jones behind him and moving forward because if he loses, retirement isn’t too much of a stretch to imagine.