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We're back with another betting prediction and pick for UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs. O'Malley 2 as we turn towards the Welterweight (170) Division for this next scrap on Saturday. Detroit's own Khaos Williams will take on Sweden's Andreas Gustafsson in a fight that's sure to bring fireworks. Check the UFC odds series for our Williams-Gustafsson prediction and pick.
Khaos Williams (15-4) has gone 6-3 since joining the UFC roster in 2020. He's gone a modest 3-2 over his last five fights, notching back-to-back wins but dropping his most recent bout via submission to Gabriel Bonfim. After a cancelled bout, he'll be the betting favorite against a short-notice opponent. Williams stands six feet tall with a 70-inch reach.
Andreas Gustafsson (11-2) will be making his UFC debut following a contract win on Dana White's Contender Series via knockout. He's a former KSW prospect with a 1-1 record who will take this fight on short notice following a withdrawal from Williams' previous opponent, looking to make some noise during his debut. Gustafsson stands 6-foot-1 with a 73.5-inch reach.
Here are the UFC 316 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
UFC 316 odds: Khaos Williams-Andreas Gustafsson odds
Khaos Williams: -192
Andreas Gustafsson: +160
Over 1.5 rounds: -160
Under 1.5 rounds: +124
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Why Khaos Williams will win
- Last Fight: (L) Gabriel Bonfim – SUB (D'arce choke, R2)
- Last 5: 3-2
- Finishes: 7 KO/TKO, 2 SUB
Khaos Williams overcorrected during his last bout against Gabriel Bonfim and fell into a submission on the ground, marking the first submission loss of his career. It was also the first time Williams had been finished in his professional career, so we should see a motivated version of him looking to get one back during this fight.
His solid chin and ability to knock opponents out will be his biggest strength as he tries to adjust to a new style of opponent at the last minute.
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Williams is a no-frills kickboxer and doesn't waste any time in engaging his opponent. He lands 5.36 significant strikes per minute, but his accuracy could use improvement at just 38%. Nevertheless, it only takes one clean shot for him to change the trajectory of a bout, and his overhand right will be his biggest weapon during this one.
Williams doesn't look towards the ground as his style is predicated on the feet, so he may have to work his 60% takedown defense against an active wrestler like Gustafsson. Still, look for him to throw knees up the middle during takedown attempts as he will have the upper hand if he's able to stuff away the shots and keep this fight standing.
Why Andreas Gustafsson will win
- Last Fight: (W) Pat Pytlik – KO (knees, R2)
- Last 5: 4-1
- Finishes: 8 KO/TKO, 2 SUB
Andreas Gustafsson earns this opportunity following a pull-out from Williams' previous opponent, but his knockout win on DWCS indicates he's ready for the big stage.
He's the No. 2-ranked prospect in Northern Europe and rides a three-fight winning streak with three knockouts heading into this fight. He's capable of damaging opponents with hands, knees, and kicks, so we should see a varied striking arsenal from him during his debut.
Gustafsson is also an active wrestler, landing 3.6 takedowns per fight at a 66% clip. While he'll want to stand and strike for the viral knockout, his clearest path to victory could be taking Williams down and holding him there while he earns control time on the ground.
He's also competent in chaining together submission attempts, so he'll be on the lookout for any openings, knowing his opponent fell to a submission during his last fight.
To be successful here, Gustafsson will have to match Williams' striking aggression and not shy away from the chaotic exchanges. If he's able to land clean, he should pair it with takedown attempts to keep Williams guessing as a varied offense will boast well for him in this one.
Final Khaos Williams-Andreas Gustafsson prediction & pick
Both fighters have combined for 15 knockout finishes throughout their professional career, so we should see an exciting scrap when it comes to the stand-up striking in this one. Andreas Gustafsson will be making his short-notice debut, so it'll be interesting to see if he opts to stand with Williams or whether he'll exploit the holes and search for the takedowns.
Williams, on the other hand, is more than capable of the knockout, and he'll be searching for it during this whole bout. His ability to dodge strikes will be paramount in countering and landing on his opponent, so we could see a methodical approach in closing the distance during the early rounds of this fight.
For our final prediction, we'll roll with Khaos Williams to earn the win behind his power striking. There are too many questions surrounding a short-notice debut for Gustafsson, and Williams will be motivated to earn a win back following his last loss.
Final Khaos Williams-Andreas Gustafsson prediction & pick: Khaos Williams (-192)
