Last Updated on September 4, 2021 6:43 pm by Erwin Noguera
This is an anticipated fight as Alexander Gustafsson returns to the division. Although the Swede is a former title challenger and used to be one of the best, he opens as the underdog against his next opponent. Paul Craig is a dangerous fighter and a submission specialist. So, if he can defeat Gustafsson and control him on the ground, it will certainly be an easy win. However, he could take some good shots along the way. Therefore, anything can happen in this fight, and whoever imposes his game plan will surely win.
In Gambyl we show you the most relevant information of the UFC match. In the same way, we have prepared a series of sports predictions related to the match in which we show you the most interesting markets and odds.
Betting line and relevant UFC fight information:
Where: UFC APEX | Nevada
Date: 04/08/2021
Time: 13:30 ET / 10:30 PT.
Moneyline Odds: Paul Craig -102 | Alexander Gustafsson -108
Draw Odds: N/A
Where to Watch: UFC Fight Pass
Why bet on Alexander Gustafsson
Alexander Gustafsson is returning to the 205 division after announcing his retirement in June 2019. At a press conference, the Swedish martial artist justified the decision by saying “I don’t have it in me anymore.” However, he seems to have moved past that sentiment as he has already fought once at heavyweight since that press conference.
After suffering a loss in the heavier weight division, “The Mauler” has decided to return to the light heavyweight division as it is the best fit for him. Gustafsson has had his best and greatest years in the 205-pound division. Throughout his career, he fought for the light heavyweight belt a total of 3 times, but unfortunately, he came up short on all 3 occasions.
Regardless, Alexander Gustafsson is making his return against the dangerous Paul Craig. There are some concerns about this decision, as the Swede is currently on a 3 fight losing streak. Therefore, another loss could end his UFC career, especially since the Paul Craig vs. Alexander Gustafsson betting prediction is not in his favor!
Why bet on Paul Craig
Paul Craig has had a rough start to his UFC career after making his debut in December 2016. The Scottish mixed martial artist was bouncing back and forth between wins and losses against some unranked opponents. However, he seems to have finally gained some momentum with three straight wins in the last two years. Craig defeated both Jamahal Hill and Mauricio Rua by knockout, and Gadzhimurad Antigulov with a triangle choke. As a result, UFC decided to match him with their biggest test yet.
A win against a former title challenger will undoubtedly be a turning point in his career. Therefore, expect Craig to enter the octagon in the best shape of his life. Furthermore, the Scottish mixed martial artist will have an advantage over the inactive Gustafsson.
With these factors in mind, Craig will be hoping that age and ring rust have caught up with his opponent. But the question we have to ask ourselves is whether this will be enough to knock out a former title challenger like Gustafsson. Let’s see what the Paul Craig vs. Alexander Gustafsson betting prediction says.
Final betting analysis between Paul Craig and Alexander Gustafsson
At this time, Paul Craig has a professional MMA record of 15 wins and 4 losses. His greatest strengths are wrestling, grappling and submissions. On the other hand, his striking is mediocre. This is evident by Craig’s win record, which shows that the Scottish mixed martial artist has won 12 fights by submission, and only 3 came by knockout. Therefore, he will surely look to take the fight to the ground against the Mauler. In contrast, Alexander Gustafsson possesses an impressive striking skill set, but his ground game is mediocre. Therefore, he will surely take a different approach. Gustafsson will try to take advantage of his reach advantage and attack from the outside.
All in all, each fighter will try to impose his will and game plan on the other. However, early predictions are giving the edge to the Scot. For example, a recent tapology poll shows that 63% believe Craig will win by submission, while 37% voted for the former title challenger. Bookmakers and online sports betting sites in the United States also favor the Scottish mixed martial artist in their Paul Craig vs. Alexander Gustafsson betting prediction. At 22BET Sportsbook, the odds for Craig to win the fight are 1.70, while the odds for Gustafsson to win are 2.05. This fight will be exciting, so make sure you don’t miss it!
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