Gustafsson vs Shogun: Who will control distance?

[Rebel_LioN]

Gus is known for being very relaxed in the cage and uses his height and reach very effectively. Mainly a boxer, he has great footwork and with killer instincts.

Shogun has shown before he can get very technical (see machida 1). He mainly wants to fight in the pocket but with Gus, he may not get that type of fight who will want to get in and out. Now, shogun's leg kicks was his main weapon in his first fight with Machida who was also fighting at a long(er) distance than most traditional fighters.

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Gus has great TDD as displayed against Phil Davis, but the difference here is that, Phil wasn't a great striker and Shogun may have better success here because he's the most dangerous striker Gus has faced and he must respect that as well as his BJJ game(with shogun's GnP most underrated part of his striking game).

In conclusion, Gus may not want to spend too much time in the pocket or in the clinch with Shogun where he will have his best advantage. Although shogun is perfectly capable of catering to that in-and-out style Gus will probably employ. He throws these odd running hooks to get his opponents to back off and then plants his feet to throw his leg kicks. But with wild punches like that, will Gus be able to land a clean one and put Shogun down?

I don't see too many grappling exchanges initiated by Gus so I can see Shogun having improved gas in this fight. I hope we get a good one on FOX.

Gus by UD

[BrazilianDude]

Gus will be backing away and circling for most of the fight, until Shogun gasses. I think Gus takes this by UD, but a TKO is a possibility.

[Tysonalifrazier]

Gus will be best adviced to keep the distance and pepper Shogun from the outside.
If Shogun gets Gustafsson down,he will be in big trouble.Shoguns GnP is very dangerous.

[UL]

Gus will be running around the octagon for first 7 minutes but then Shogun connects on his chin and it is goodnight.

Shogun via TKO 2nd.

Depends on what Shogun comes too, if the Shogun vs Liddell/Machida comes then Shogun will fight smart and not start brawling then I think Shogun still wins as he will mix it with kicks, punches, knee and takedowns.

[wisdom blows]

Shogun will control the distance. He gets right in your grill. Gus will have to put Shogun on his back to stop him from moving forward.

[Moth82]

Gustafson is a fighter who is very much getting better, Shogun I fear is moving in the opposite direction. This is still by far Gustafson's biggest test though and I would not like to call it. Either way, I think it's gonna be a fun fight.

[BROWNPRIDE]

gus

[SnowBlynd]

Considering shogun almost waddles around the octagon and Gus is the longer guy and the most mobile lhw, who do you think?

[benjaminbuttons]

Originally Posted by Tysonalifrazier

Gus will be best adviced to keep the distance and pepper Shogun from the outside.
If Shogun gets Gustafsson down,he will be in big trouble.Shoguns GnP is very dangerous.

Shogun wont get Gus down though and dont u dare use Shogun taking down a gassed Hendo as an example of why he can.

Gus' TDD defense his imrpoved drastically since the Davis fight

[ThatGuyJovi]

Gus is taking this fight IMO. I think he will pick Shogun apart from the outside.