MMA Preview – Alexander Gustafsson vs Anthony Smith at UFC Fight Night 153
AT A GLANCE
When is UFC Fight Night 153? Saturday 1st June, 2019 - 16:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 153? Ericsson Globe, Stockholm, Sweden
What channel is UFC Fight Night 153 on? BT Sport 3
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 153? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live and you can take advantage of a free trial with ESPN+ and subscribe now by clicking here!
Are tickets still available for UFC Fight Night 153? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket-info?utm_source=ufc&utm_medium=tab&utm_campaign=tickets
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
Alexander ‘The Mauler’ Gustafsson makes the walk in front of his home fans in Stockholm to take on Anthony ‘Lionheart’ Smith who is also fresh off a humbling against the light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
The King of Sweden will have everyone cheering for him at UFC Fight Night 153 and he will welcome all of the encouragement as he looks to bounce back from getting dominated by Jon Jones in their rematch in December last year. Gustafsson was eventually finished in the third round by Jones who was more prepared this time round and took great pleasure in snapping The Mauler’s two-fight winning streak.
Smith lasted longer in his title fight, taking Jones to a decision which was a combination of toughness and a hesitancy from Jones to pull the trigger. Nonetheless, Smith’s rise in the last year has been remarkable and this experience will only make him a better fighter but he is taking on another elite light heavyweight after a quick turnaround.
THE PREDICTION
After a bruising battle with one of the greatest fighters of all time, both men will be fancying their chances but if they do not respect each other’s skills, they will be looking at two losses in a row.
Smith will back his chin but absorbing nearly five significant strikes a minute is never a good idea against one of the best strikers in the division. That said, he will go toe-to-toe with the Swede, knowing he has the power to finish with one crack to the jaw.
He has a good chance of a knockout as the majority of this fight will remain on the feet where they will both exchange heavy leather but Gustafsson has the technique to out-box Smith and utilise his reach to dip in and out of range to pepper him with combinations.
‘Lionheart’ will be dangerous for all five rounds but will be better off on the ground so will have to mix in takedowns and try and conduct the tempo. However, the technique, range and takedown defence is likely to pile on the damage and although Smith lasted five rounds with Jones, the Stockholm crowd may help ‘The Mauler’ find a finish just like he did last time he performed in the capital against Glover Teixeira.
Winner: Gustafsson via KO/TKO
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric.
