Short Notice Shootout at UFC 316
When Andreas “Bane” Gustafsson hits the octagon at UFC 316 this Saturday in Newark, it’s under circumstances far from conventional. The 34-year-old Swedish fighter was already prepping to debut at UFC Vegas 107. Initially, he was booked against Jeremiah Wells, then Trevin Giles, but both fights fell apart late during fight week. Meanwhile, Khaos Williams, scheduled to fight on UFC 316, had two opponents pull out as well, Uros Medic due to a sinus infection, and then Albert Tadevosyan for undisclosed medical reasons. With both of these fighters losing their opponent just days before their fight, they mutually agreed to fight each other. The UFC made it official just six days before UFC 316.
Gustafsson comes in with a polished record of 11-2, boasting eight fights ended by knockout or submission and a highlight-worthy clinch knee finish on Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2024. Since then, he’s been booked for his official UFC debut three times, but all have fallen through due to his opponents pulling out. Standing at six feet one inch tall with a 73.5'' reach, he fights orthodox with aggressive forward pressure and crisp combinations. Gustafsson has also competed in professional boxing, with an undefeated record of 6-0.
Williams is also known for his unnatural raw punching power. He is 15-4 overall, with a 6-3 UFC record featuring four knockouts, all of which gave him Performance of the Night bonuses. He lives off power and pace inside the cage, often ending fights early, hunting for heavy right hands and gritty exchanges. He’s six feet with a 77” reach and also fights orthodox. In William’s last fight, he was submitted for the first time in his MMA career. Coming off that loss, he has a chance to regain some momentum.
Expect this fight to become a blow-for-blow matchup. Gustafsson will likely lead with sharp striking at range, while Williams will push forward, looking to land heavy haymakers. It should be a striking shootout: two finishers, both of whom are taking this on short notice. Regardless of the winner, this fight should be a great one and could even steal the show.
