Join us as we preview a hot UFC prospect from this week’s UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Aspinall MMA event. Read on for our complete betting guide taking a first look at our hottest prospect of the week, Alexander Gustafsson, and his opponent Nikita Krylov, including UFC odds, our free expert UFC picks, predictions, and analysis.
Alexander Gustafsson vs. Nikita Krylov
UFC Light Heavyweight Bout
Saturday, July 23, 2022 – 04:00 PM EDT at O2 Arena
Alexander Gustafsson (18-7-0)
After thirteen years spent in the UFC roster pool, some would argue that Alexander "The Mauler" Gustafsson is far from a prospect, and they'd be correct. However, with such a drop in the level of competition he's facing this weekend, I believe he'll be the prosperous fighter leaving the 02 Arena in London on Saturday afternoon.
Gustafsson was arguably the successor in his bout versus Jon Jones for the light heavyweight championship in 2013, despite the actual decision made by the UFC judges. He's fought the who's who of 205lb competitors, including the likes of Daniel Cormier, Glover Teixeira, Fabricio Werdum, Jan Blachowicz, Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, and Anthony Smith.
The Swedish-born 35-year-old is often considered one of the best light heavyweights to have never obtained championship gold, and it's difficult to argue this opinion. Alexander
Alexander Gustafsson Fight Analysis
As a legend in his own right, Gustafsson undoubtedly held his own versus the former generation, and his layoff from the octagon naturally produces some concerns. But when we focus on his skill set, he's one of the most well-rounded fighters in the light heavyweight division.
Gustafsson looked incredible against Werdum last time out – up until the submission finish – and his striking offense is still present with an elite level of intelligence that can assist him in outstriking today's 205lb fighters.
When we evaluate Gustafsson's grappling, I can only remember him being easily taken down by the former Olympic wrestler and two-division champion in Daniel Cormier. Jon Jones is the only other fighter to succeed in grappling the Swede; need I say more?
He should own a level of boxing far superior to Krylov, with great footwork and an evasive style with probing jabs that lead into nice combinations. Envisioning Krylov out-grappling Gustafsson just doesn't sit right, as the veteran boasts some of the best takedown defense in the division.
Gustafsson vs. Krylov Betting Pick and Odds
Nikita Krylov (27-9-0) is a veteran mixed martial artist in his own right. With more than 30 professional fights to his name, the Ukrainian representative doesn't own the elite-level UFC experience of his opponent this weekend. Still, he's been competing inside a cage since 2012 and is only
Sportsbooks have positioned Krylov as a -195 betting favorite, but I'm struggling to give him a clear path to victory that can justify these betting odds.
I believe Krylov's greatest chance for success is to grapple, but this is an approach where I expect Gustafsson to handle the oncoming attacks soundly. In the stand-up area, the former title challenger will utilize his size and keep Krylov on the back foot with his offensive striking. In addition, Krylov is also on a losing streak, and he hasn't looked impressive enough to earn the available betting price we're looking at.
UFC London Pick: Alexander Gustafsson to Win (+170) [1u returns 1.70u] with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
UFC London Main Card and Odds
- Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes [UFC heavyweight main event bout]
- Jack Hermansson vs. Chris Curtis [UFC middleweight co-main event bout]
- Paddy Pimblett vs. Jordan Leavitt [UFC lightweight bout]
- Nikita Krylov vs. Alexander Gustafsson [UFC light heavyweight bout]
- Molly McCann vs. Hannah Goldy [UFC women's flyweight bout]
- Paul Craig vs. Volkan Oezdemir [UFC light heavyweight bout]
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
