UFC 127 Preview: The Prelims

Alexander Gustafsson (left) has tremendous long-term potential. | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

The Matchup: Gustafsson was entertaining and intriguing in his submission victory over Cyrille Diabate at UFC 120, using nice jiu-jitsu for the finishing choke in the second round. He was steamrolled by the talented Phil Davis in his second UFC bout, and that kind of recovery does wonders for a guy’s confidence. Te Huna, meanwhile, is a local attraction whose only previous UFC appearance saw him take out Igor Pokrajac in a tough three-round scrap.

Gustafsson is rangy and athletic, and he figures to keep improving. Te Huna will want to outmuscle him if he cannot stay even on the feet, and Gustafsson should have the grappling and positional ability to counter him effectively in tie-ups and on the mat. Plus, despite being 6-foot-5, he seems to be able to put a lot of power into his shots, a chronic problem for taller fighters who are not heavyweights.

The Pick: Gustafsson by third-round submission in a live bout that sees both guys take some licks.

Next Fight: Ring vs. Fukuda