ROUNDTABLE: Who wins the Daniel Cormier vs. Alexander Gustafsson main event at UFC 192?

Who wins the Daniel Cormier vs. Alexander Gustafsson main event at UFC 192, and how?

DAYNE FOX, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

With the mauling that Rumble Johnson put on The Mauler being my freshest memory of Gustafsson, I’m having a hard time getting behind the idea that he can win, which isn’t fair to his talents. He’ll have a massive advantage in outside striking and has the footwork to keep the fight at that distance. But can he keep it there the whole time? I don’t think so. Cormier has proven to be one of the most durable fighters in the sport (remember the bomb Rumble landed on him in their first fight?), meaning he’ll eat a few to get the fight where he wants. Gustafsson has good takedown defense, but Cormier is the best wrestler in the division. Cormier will either grind out a decision or take a late TKO in the championship rounds.

FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I think Gustafsson takes this with a fourth round TKO. Cormier gasses while Gustafsson is able to stay at a higher level and I think that makes the difference. I think Cormier comes out and starts to wear down Gustafsson early, maybe even drops him a time or two, but then he fades late and Gustafsson is able to captialize. Cormier hits hard, but Gustafsson is tough enough to take it as long as he survives the first round. After that, Cormier gasses more and more and Gustafsson starts to pick him apart. I think it’s going to be a very tense fight, but I trust Gustafsson more down the stretch.

BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

I don’t know if I can mentally find a path to victory for Gustafsson. His chin has been tapped on courtesy of Rumble, and Cormier’s wrestling is just an entirely different category from anyone else on the planet. Cormier, if he chooses to grind and pound him out, will more than likely take home a decision win, but the length and determination of Gustafsson – who is the ultimate never give up fighter – could do him very well in the way of out working Cormier if he can stay on his feet. It feels like a classic wrestler vs striker matchup and it could become brutally violent. The edge has to go to Cormier to win by decision.

RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Jon Jones.