UFC 133 Preview: The Prelims

---

Light Heavyweights
Matt Hamill (10-3, 9-3 UFC) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (11-1, 3-1 UFC)

The Matchup: Hamill was neither impressive nor terrible in his clear-cut decision loss to Quinton Jackson in May; he simply could not match up well against a guy that simply bested in him in key areas. It was a bad style matchup and perhaps an indicator that “The Hammer” is going to have long-term problems breaking into the elite level in the UFC’s stacked light heavyweight division. With that said, Gustafsson is a better style matchup for him.

A lanky 205-pounder at 6-foot-5, the Swede is aggressive and willing to risk himself to improve position or attempt submissions. Wrestlers stay up late at night contemplating the possibilities of grabbing a guy built like that.

Hamill’s standup is along the lines of fellow power grappler Ryan Bader -- heavy and conventional, with basic fundamentals devoid of flash. He can definitely bang, as well as dictate where the fight goes. Gustafsson has shown some pop in his early career, as well as decent scrambling in some spots of his UFC bouts. Still, Hamill should be able to neutralize him on the ground.

The Pick: The fight trends toward Hamill the longer it goes. He will do a moderate degree of damage standing and on the ground, while riding that advantage to a third-round stoppage.

Continue Reading » Next Fight: Ivan Menjivar vs. Nick Pace