• UFC on Fuel 2

Gustafsson stops Silva in two rounds - Ortiz

ESPN staff
April 11, 2012
Alexander Gustafsson will stop Thiago Silva at UFC on Fuel 2, according to Tito Ortiz © Getty Images
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Tito Ortiz has hailed Swedish star Alexander Gustafsson as the real deal in the light-heavyweight division, and he has predicted a rough night for Thiago Silva at UFC on Fuel 2.

Ortiz, the most dominant 205lb champion in UFC history, is in Sweden to promote the weekend's card, which is headlined by one of the tightest main events of the year. Gustafsson, hugely talented but still relatively inexperienced, against the returning figure of the vicious Silva.

Much focus will be on Silva to see how he responds after a year away from the sport. Only beaten by Rashad Evans and Lyoto Machida in his career, the Brazilian is a step up in class for Gustafsson.

Ortiz holds no concerns for Gustafsson, though, naming him among a group of men ready to take the 205lb division forward in the future.

"If Gustafsson fights as he can do, it's the new generation of 205lb fighters - Gustafsson, Jon Jones, Rashad Evans - it's the new generation," Ortiz told ESPN.

Asked if the Swede beats Silva this weekend, Ortiz did not hesitate. "Gustafson beats Silva second round referee stoppage," the American flatly stated.

Sweden is abuzz with anticipation ahead of the weekend's card, which will play out in front of a sellout crowd. Gustafsson carries the hopes of a nation, and if he wins he will become a serious player at 205lbs.

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