Alexander Gustafsson vs. Anthony Johnson: An Early Head-to-Toe Breakdown
Sometimes the pieces of the puzzle fall right into place.
Sometimes they fit together like ham and cheese on a fresh sesame roll.
Sometimes they satisfy the appetites of millions of mixed martial arts fans worldwide.
That's exactly the picture-perfect scenario the UFC has on the docket for January with an epic showdown between top light heavyweight title threats Alexander Gustafsson and Anthony Johnson at UFC on Fox 14.
It's a matchup between the two best strikers in the division not named Jon Jones and a blistering battle that could turn into one of the best top-contender bouts of all time.
To truly prepare for this monumental battle, here is an initial head-to-toe breakdown.
Striking Power
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Johnson's power is his biggest weapon.
That's no secret.
In order to counter Gustafsson's technique and precision, Rumble must get off early and land heavy blows.
As a naturally strong athlete who has brought his knockout ability along for the ride since his journey from welterweight to light heavyweight began, Johnson has the ability to send Gus to the canvas.
That's not to say that Gustafsson doesn't have one heck of a chin because he does, or that he doesn't command his own power-punching prowess, but AJ throws with bad intentions.
Whether it's an uppercut inside or a hook to an opponent looking to shoot, Johnson commands power at every turn of a fight.
MINOR ADVANTAGE: JOHNSON
Striking Precision
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Johnson is very calculated at what he does.
Sure, he often swings for the fences when the time calls for it, but for the most part he's able to sit back, remain patient and unload power punches when an opponent moves in.
However, when it comes to pure precision and the art of striking, he just doesn't compare to a guy like Gustafsson.
Blessed with an ability to milk every angle and each step taken inside of the cage, The Mauler is turning into one of the best all-around strikers in the sport today.
His efficiency was enough to drag Jones to the brink of defeat and Johnson may only possess half the elusiveness and quickness as the champ does, if that.
ADVANTAGE: GUSTAFSSON
Striking Versatility
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With an increased ability to defend takedowns and command cage space, Gustafsson is really starting to showcase his versatility.
Capable of launching penetrating jabs, combinations to the body, leg kicks, head kicks, knees and lunging elbows, the 27-year-old may encompass the most complete striking package in the division.
Now while Johnson is widely considered a knockout artist who sometimes relies on his wrestling defense to land a one-punch finish, his game certainly includes more than just his go-for-broke efforts.
Instead, Rumble can also finish opponents via head kick, in the clinch with vicious uppercuts or in close quarters where his chin reigns supreme.
But even that is not enough to match the offensive dexterity, fluidity, unpredictability and calculated destruction that Gustafsson brings to the table.
MAJOR ADVANTAGE: GUSTAFSSON
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Wrestling
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Gustafsson has trained alongside Phil Davis and stood his own in the wrestling department opposite Jones, but he's still not on the same level as Johnson.
Chalk it up to technique or raw athleticism, Rumble made Davis' takedown efforts look like a light breeze when the two met at UFC 172.
And that's saying a lot because Mr. Wonderful is widely considered the best wrestler in the light heavyweight division.
So while it's unlikely that this fight will turn into a wrestling match, it's important to know that Johnson most certainly has the advantage when it comes to implementing and defending a shot.
He's one of the toughest guys to get to the mat.
MINOR ADVANTAGE: JOHNSON
Submissions
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If you want to stand by Johnson's power and unflappable chin, then so be it.
They're his two biggest assets entering this fight and overwhelming traits that could very well bait Gustafsson into a brawl.
But if the towering European wants to take Johnson out, secure his second light heavyweight title shot and set himself up for the biggest payday of his career, then he has to look for a submission victory.
Throughout his entire career, Johnson has had trouble when defending a rear-naked choke. It plagued him opposite Vitor Belfort (who is not known for his submission skills) and Josh Koscheck (who is not known for his submission skills).
Well, it just so happens that Gustafsson's three career submissions victories have come by way of rear-naked choke.
It's going to be hard for Gus to gain that sort of leverage considering Johnson's takedown defense, but the Swede possesses the intelligence and instincts to look for a finish when the opportunity presents itself.
MAJOR ADVANTAGE: GUSTAFSSON
Verdict
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Besides potentially fight-ending power punches, Gustafsson is not going to encounter anything from Johnson that he didn't overcome when he fought Jones.
That may be a very cut-and-dry way to approach this fight, but when you nearly knock off the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world, things become a little easier moving forward.
Now, that doesn't mean that Gustafsson is taking this fight lightly, but as long as he can maintain his distance, land early and often, mix in a little clinch work and avoid a bloody war, he should be able to maneuver his way past Johnson to a title shot.
With the in-cage IQ and physical ability to keep a savage like Rumble at bay, The Mauler will ultimately taste victory.
VERDICT: GUSTAFSSON VIA THIRD-ROUND SUBMISSION
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