I believe they do, but it has been clear for years that the UFC also has a ton of respect for Mousasi.
Great fight.
Very interesting fight. However, I'd like to see Gustafsson fight Roger Gracie one of these days.
Obvious respect there. They gave him a good stylistic match up. If they wanted him embarrassed, they could have given him a wrestler like Rashad.
I'm not so sure this is a good stylistic match-up. Shogun would be better IMO. They have similar styles (good striking, good BJJ bottom game but mediocre wrestling, strong chins). However, Shogun has a lot more wear & tear and has turned into a brawler, while Mousasi still uses strategy and technique.
at first I was like
but then i was like