UFC Stockholm Betting Tips
It is the fifth time the UFC’s Octagon lands in Stockholm, and there is a familiar cast on the Nordic card. Swede Alexander Gustafsson is in another showcase fight in the main event, except this time the Mauler hopes to be victorious in front of the local fans, unlike his KO experience to Anthony Johnson back in 2015.
Betsafe Ambassador Jack Hermansson fights in his home country of Sweden for the first time on the main card, as the Oslo-based fighter faces American Alex Nicholson.
Let’s take a look at next Sunday’s card going down at the Ericsson Globe.
Early preliminary card
The “Bosnian Bomber” stepped in on short notice last April for his UFC debut, but this time the Denmark-based Hadzovic has had plenty of time to get ready for the grappling ace Held. The Polish fighter is a big favorite in this, and Hadzovic will have to be precise in his striking and knees to get his first Octagon victory.
Till could be the future of UK MMA with his dynamic striking. The UK fighter has been a bit off the radar since a draw in his last outing in 2015, but the Liverpool native is back. Till should have the advantage standing here against the German Ayari who is riding a 7 fight winning streak..
Preliminary card
Musoke has not been in the Octagon since 2015. After several injuries, the Stockholm-based fighter will be facing Serbia’s Velickovic. This should be a tough and competitive fight, and will depend on how much ring rust the inactive Musoke has after nearly two years away.
Mad Dog asked to fight for the very last time before he hangs up his gloves, and he got his wish as a last minute replacement to face Silva. The Brazilian will face a hostile Madadi and home crowd in Stockholm. Madadi had inspired performances in Stockholm before, most notably his “Submission of the Night” upset win over Michael Johnson, and worth watching to see if he can do it over the undefeated Brazilian.
Two middleweights will clash here in the middleweight division. The Americans are coming in after losses, and the 30-year-old Camozzi and 36-year-old Smith will see who can keep relevant in the division before calling it a career in the top organization.
Bantamweights will headline the prelim card, as the big favorite Munhoz takes on Stasiak from Poland. “The Young Punisher” has two straight submissions and will be looking for a third in a row, and it might just happen if Stasiak isn’t careful with his offensive wrestling that leaves opportunity for a quick finish.
Main card
Betsafe Ambassador Hermansson was impressive in his UFC debut, beating Scott Askham at the UFC in Hamburg. In his second outing, the “Joker” was submitted by Brazilian Cezar Ferreira in Brazil. Now, the Swede returns against Nicholson, who has one win and two losses in the Octagon, most recently losing to American Sam Alvey. The Oslo-based fighter is a favorite, and with the local fans behind him, the wreslter should be able to get the job done.
Oliver Enkamp (7-0) vs. Nordine Taleb (12-4)
Enkamp will make his UFC debut on 12 days notice, as he fills in for an injured Betsafe Ambassador Emil Weber Meek. Taleb trains out of Tristar gym in Canada. The 35-year-old has a 4 win and 2 loss record in the Octagon, including started off with three straight wins in the UFC. Enkamp is in good shape, competing in a grappling tournament just two weeks ago. This fight should take place on the feet, with the quicker Enkamp will be trying to land some spinning kicks on the bigger and slower Taleb.
Akhmedov is a Dagestani fighter that recently sent vet Kyle Noke into retirement. Undefeated Alhassan is a Ghanaian fighter that showed good power in his hands in his debut KO in only 53 seconds. Akhmedov has nearly three times the experience, but comes into this fight as an underdog. I like a play on Omari to test the unproven Alhassan.
At 30 years old, the Polish-German fighter is looking better than ever. The welterweight was dominant over Nicolas Dalby last year and has won eight of nine bouts. Sounders is on a two fight winning streak and will look for his 30 professional bouts to make a difference. Both fighters are deadly on the ground, but I like the Sobotta in this pick em’.
Cirkunov is one of the biggest favorites on the card, and there is good reason for this. With four wins and no losses in the Octagon, the Latvian fighter has looked unstoppable. The Toronto based fighter will face Oezdemir from Switzerland. Volcano did upset “OSP” in his UFC debut, so if you want a play on a real underdog, here is your opportunity.
Alexander Gustafsson (17-4) vs. Glover Teixeira (26-5)
The Swedish superstar comes into the headlining match in his home town as a huge favorite. The Allstars Training Center fighter could be looking at another title shot with a win over the crafty Brazilian.
Teixeira has power in his hands, but has slowed down in his speed over the last two years. Also, a former title challenger, I expect the Brazilian to try and get the fight to the ground. An uninspiring win over Jared Cannonier in his last outing shows that the 37 year old must step up his game in this matchup.
The Mauler has the reach and style to outpoint the shorter Glover from distance. Expect a unanimous decision or a late stoppage in the five-round main event.
About Ryan O’Leary
Ryan O’Leary is the founder of MMAViking.com, the premier source for daily mixed martial arts news in the Nordics. Established in 2008, the UFC credentialed media source has covered over 200 events cageside.
