Key Statistics for UFC on Fuel TV 2

Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson vs. Thiago Silva

            Striking is the key area between Gustafsson and Silva. Silva has the advantage in nearly every aspect of the stand-up game. Gustafsson averages 2.98 strikes landed per minute at 40 percent accuracy. Meanwhile he absorbs 1.93 strikes per minute at a 48% defensive accuracy. The more experienced Silva lands 3.3 strikes per minute at a more efficient rate of 52 percent while only absorbing 1.72 strikes per minute at 65 percent defensive accuracy. Not only does Silva land more strikes but he also defends himself much better than the younger Gustafsson. All though Gustafsson is one of the emerging prospects of the MMA world, if this fight stays on the feet Silva has a major advantage.

Brian “All-American” Stann vs. Alessio “Legionarius” Sakara

            The key area in this matchup is grappling. Even though Stann and Sakara are even in the stand-up game (Stann has a 41 percent striking accuracy compared to Sakara’s 45 percent) “Legionarius” is a much better grappler. Stann’s takedown average per 15 minutes is 0.15 while Sakara’s is 2.19. Stann’s takedown accuracy is only 13 percent compared to Sakara’s outstanding 77 percent. Sakara’s takedown defense is also better at a 65 percent clip compared to the “All-American’s” 57 percent. With the striking in this matchup being even, I would give Sakara the win in this bout given his huge advantage in the grappling game.

Brad “One Punch” Pickett vs. Damacio “The Angel of Death” Page

            “One Punch” is a fitting nickname for Pickett since his striking arsenal is clearly lacking originality. Pickett lands 2.86 strikes per minute, which is a solid rate, but absorbs a whopping 4.51 strikes per minute. His striking accuracy is unacceptable at 29 percent. To put Pickett’s striking in perspective, he has not out-struck his opponent since 2009. Page isn’t all that better at 39 percent, but at least he only absorbs 2.29 strikes per minute. Given Pickett’s wreckless striking game, I give Page the nod in this bout.

**Statistics provided by FightMetric.com**