Alexander Gustafsson opened some eyes in Philadelphia and around the world of mixed martial arts. The 24-year-old Swede took out a guy that most have had a tough time with in Matt Hamill. Gustafsson stunned Hamill with a straight left and two powerful uppercuts with the right, and Hamill hit the deck. Gustafsson did major damage on the ground and referee Dan Miragliotta saved Hamill at 3:44 of the second round.
Hamill (10-4, 9-4 UFC) was a bloody mess around his mouth and his left eye was nearly closed after that 30 second pounding by Gustafsson. Keep in mind, this is the same Hamill who went the distance with Quinton "Rampage" Jackson less than three months ago at UFC 130. He also took out Tito Ortiz in 2010.
Gustafsson (12-1, 4-1 UFC) employed a smart gameplan in the opening round. He told Joe Rogan he wasn't comfortable, but what he did right was stay on the move. Hamill was clearly in less than stellar shape and looked tired early in the second round.
Hamill lacked explosion on several takedown attempts in the first round, that seemed to give Gustafsson confidence heading to the second. According to FightMetric, Hamill was 0-for-6 on takedown attempts. Without fear of being put on his back, Gustafsson began to charge forward with punches and kicks.
This was just the second time in his MMA career that Hamill lost via stoppage.
No comments:
Post a Comment