The UFC continues its torrid January this Saturday when it returns to Stockholm, Sweden for UFC of FOX 14.
While the card is a little top-heavy, there are certainly more than handful of interesting fights.
Let’s take a look at the 5 most intriguing bouts on the card.
5. Nicholas Musoke vs. Albert Tumenov
Musoke, the hometown Swede, has won 3 of 4 appearances inside the UFC with his lone loss coming via decision to rising contender Kelvin Gastulem. Tumenov has won his last 2 fights via devastating knockout. The Russian is an elite striker who is looking to make waves in the welterweight division. The winner of this fight certainly moves up the ladder and would be deserving of a more high profile fight next time out.
4. Neil Seery vs. Chris Beal
Chris “The Real Deal” Beal was a prospect to watch in the bantamweight division looking to establish himself as a flyweight contender. He is 11-0 in his professional career and an impressive win would likely vault him directly into contender status in a division as shallow as flyweight. Standing in his way is the durable Neil Seery. Seery’s excellent movement and MMA boxing should provide a stiff test for Beal. Don’t count this one out for Fight of the Night potential.
3. Dan Henderson vs. Gegard Mousasi
Two longtime veterans of the sport who are in need of a victory. Henderson is 1-4 in his last 5 and, at 44, is clearly on the tail end of his Hall of Fame career. Mousasi is just 2-2 since joining the UFC, albeit with his two losses coming to the elite of the middleweight division. It’s a wonder these two have never crossed paths before but here we are. Expect a mostly standup battle with Mousasi’s smooth kickboxing against Henderson’s rangy jab and power right hand. Can Henderson’s chin hold up or will Mousasi become yet another victim of the H-bomb?
2. Phil Davis vs. Ryan Bader
Another pair of veteran contenders that are just now crossing paths, Davis and Bader both look to make a step towards title contention with a win in Stockholm on Saturday. Davis, the only man other than champion Jon Jones to beat Alexander Gustafsson, is looking to build on a decision win over former number one contender Glover Teixeira. Bader has won 3 in a row, all dominant decision victories. Each man has fallen short in the past when they have gotten opportunities to break through. A win here puts them “in the mix”.
1. Alexander Gustafsson vs. Anthony Johnson
A true number one contender’s bout in every sense of the term. Gustafsson is looking for another shot at what he believes to be his while Rumble Johnson is looking to fulfill the potential many have seen in him form years. Johnson is likely to use his takedown defense and superior power as his way to victory. Gustafsson’s boxing, movement, and underrated wrestling will be push Johnson to the limit. Can Johnson complete his comeback or will Gustafsson book his ticket to the rematch we have all been waiting for?