4. Gunnar Nelson vs. Brandon Thatch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E_WUtuxngU Weight Class: Welterweight Gunnar Nelson (1311) may most often be referred to as simply a teammate of Conor McGregor, but he's more than just the brash Irish's fighter's right hand man. The native of Iceland is a strong wrestler who is expected to be one of the promotion's top stars in Europe, and who only recently suffered his first loss, at the hands of Rick Story last October. He looks to right the ship against Brandon Thatch (11-2), a late-notice injury replacement for original opponent John Hathaway. Thatch may arguably be a tougher fight for Nelson, especially given he now has to prepare for a different fighter. Thatch is also coming off a loss, but that was to Benson Henderson (who moved up in weight for it), a former lightweight champion. This is a classic grappler vs. striker bout. Nelson has had a high level of success is grappling and Jiu-Jitsu, taking gold at both the IBJJF Pan American and World Championships in 2009. Look for Iceland's first and only UFC fighter to right the ship and take a decision victory in this bout.
Jay Anderson
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Primarily covering the sport of MMA from Ontario, Canada, Jay Anderson has been writing for various publications covering sports, technology, and pop culture since 2001. Jay holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Guelph, and a Certificate in Leadership Skills from Humber College.
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