Prior to Alexander Gustafsson and Jimi Manuwa stepping into the cage at the O2 Arena in London, there are five preliminary bouts for fans to enjoy.
The prelims get underway on UFC Fight Pass at approximately 12:55 p.m. EST.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Watch UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs Manuwa live on Sportsnet 360 Saturday starting at 3 p.m. EST / Noon PST
Here is a breakdown of what fans can expect to see.
Phil Harris vs. Louis Gaudinot
This fight will come down to how good Gaudinot’s take down defence is against the scrappy Brit, Harris. If Harris takes the fight to the ground, he has the experience and the jiu-jitsu to nullify his opponent’s offence. Gaudinot has the significant advantage on the feet, he needs to use his footwork to stay on the outside.
The Edge: Harris
Danny Mitchell vs. Igor Araujo
This fight will come down to how good Mitchell is at keeping Araujo from getting the top position. Mitchell, though submission savvy himself, will need to keep Araujo from taking him down by utilizing his jab. On the ground, Araujo has a clear edge and will constantly look to secure one of his slick arm-triangle finishes.
The Edge: Araujo
Brad Scott vs. Claudio Henrique da Silva
Brad Scott holds a significant size advantage over his opponent on Saturday. He will be looking to use his superior hand speed to catch the much slower da Silva as the Brazilian tries to secure the takedown. Da Silva’s main advantage in this fight will come if it hit’s the canvas his high level jiu-jitsu has earned him s submissions in his career thus far.
The Edge: Scott
Luke Barnatt vs. Mats Nilsson
Barnatt will hold a massive height and reach advantage over Nilsson. Barnatt needs to keep this fight standing and showcase his ever-improving boxing game. Nilsson is no stranger to fighting and beating taller opponents; he even once beat Alexander Gustafsson as an amateur. Against Barnatt, Nilsson will need to initiate the clinch and try to get the takedown against the cage to secure top position where he usually excels.
The Edge: Barnatt
Cyrille Diabate vs. Ilir Latifi
This fight could well come down to Latifi’s ability to close the distance. If Latifi manages to get his hands on Diabate, he has the strength and technical wrestling advantage and should be able to take the Frenchman to the canvas. Diabate holds a massive striking advantage over Latifi and will look to keep the wrestler at distance with a series of kicks and jabs.
The Edge : Latifi
Note: A bantamweight bout between Davey Grant and Canadian Roland Delorme has been cancelled after Grant was not cleared by doctors after an MRI revealed a tear to his meniscus.
