UFC Fight Night 109: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Glover Teixeira Odds and Prediction

Alexander Gustafsson and Glover Teixeira headline the UFC’s later foray in Sweden. The two former Light Heavyweight title contenders will square off in a five round bout at the Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden on May 28th, 2017.

One More Crack At The Title?

Both Fighters are looking for one more crack at the world title. Gustafsson got two chances, one against Jon Jones in 2013 and another to Daniel Cormier in 2015. He lost both bouts by close decision. In fact, some believe he beat Jon Jones at UFC 165. Those heartbreaks have not prevented the Swedish Mauler from working his way back to the top one more time. Gustafsson has split his last six bouts at 3-3, with his losses coming to Jones, Cormier and Anthony Johnson. Gus is coming off an impressive unanimous decision win over Jan Blachowicz at UFC Fight Night 93.

Glover Teixeira also challenged Jon Jones for the world title at UFC 172 in 2014. Jones beat him by clear and wide unanimous decision. Since then, Teixeira has managed to return to the top of the rankings with stoppage wins over Ovince St. Preux, Patrick Cummins and Rashad Evans. However, he is coming off a 13-second knockout loss to Anthony ‘Rumble” Johnson at UFC 202.

Odds and Prediction

This one’s as close as it gets. Gustafsson is favored at -175 While Teixeira is the slight underdog at +150.

The home court advantage almost always is a factor. In this case, Gustafsson loves to fight in his hometown. In fact, the Swedish Mauler is 5-1 when fighting in Stockholm although it’s worth noting that his last fight there was a first round KO loss to Rumble Johnson. However, he isn’t fighting Rumble Johnson here.

Glover Teixeira may possess the same power as Anthony Johnson but he is no Rumble. Against a much younger, more athletic and equally powerful opponent like Gustafsson, Teixeira can be overwhelmed. Remember that in his last bout, Rumble Johnson ( yes he too ) rushed him and knocked him out in 13 seconds. Turn the tables now: Gus is no Rumble Johnson either. But the Swede is just as aggressive and relentless. We’re just not confident of Teixeira once he gets swarmed.

It’s a pick‘em fight but we’re going with the younger and the rangier Alexander Gustafsson to win a striking battle here.