Going into UFC 316, Khaos Williams and Andreas Gustafsson collide in a welterweight showdown that could redefine their paths in the UFC. For Williams, a victory could propel him back into contention, showcasing his explosive striking and reinforcing his reputation as a dangerous fighter. His UFC journey has seen thrilling knockouts but also moments of inconsistency, making this a fight a chance to regain momentum.
For Gustafsson, a debut win against a seasoned opponent like Williams would mark him as an instant threat in the division, which could open doors to high-profile matchups in the future, and proving his contender series hype was no fluke. Both fighters have shown flashes of brilliance in the octagon, with Williams relying on his raw power and Gustafsson bringing his technical versatility. This prelim bout is a critical opportunity for either man to make a statement, elevate their stock, and possibly edge just a little closer to the welterweight title. You can expect an exciting clash going into the fight.
The upcoming UFC 316 event will feature a welterweight bout between Khaos Williams (15-4-0) vs. Andreas Gustafsson (11-2-0). Williams, a Detroit knockout artist with 8 knockouts, started his UFC career 6-3 with quick finishes over Alex Morono and Abdul Razak Alhassan. His highlight reel knockout of Carlston Harris in May 2024 earned him Performance of the Night. But a February 2025 loss submission loss to Gabriel Bonfim, snapped his two-fight win streak, which was also the first time Williams was finished in his career. A win against Gustafsson is crucial because it could put him back into contention.
Meanwhile, Gustafsson. A Swedish Contender Series standout, makes his UFC debut after a TKO over Pat Pytlik. Riding a three-fight KO streak, his aggressive pressure and 3.6 takedowns per fight pose a threat. A debut upset could mark him as a prospect to watch. With Williams’ power clashing against Gustafsson’s relentless grappling and pace, this fight is going to be a lot of fun to watch.
According to BetMGM, the oddsmakers are still giving Williams, the fighter with some UFC experience, an edge over Sweden’s Gustafsson. Williams, the KO artist, is a -185 favorite to win the fight, meanwhile, Gustafsson is a +150 underdog, set to make his UFC debut.
Gustafsson was supposed to debut earlier, but because of his separate bouts against Trevin Giles and Jeremiah Wells got cancelled. Now that he’s finally making his UFC debut, he will be taking on a fierce striker in Williams, who is arguably the toughest fighter and the hardest hitter he’s fought so far in his MMA career. Many doubt Gustafsson will be as effective as he was at FCR, Brave, or KSW, since their stages are much smaller compared to the UFC’s Octagon.
Williams’ sheer power on his strikes will be difficult, and there is a good chance that Gustafsson somehow secures a decision victory. However, for now, we believe that Williams will spoil the debut party for the Swedish fighter.
Official Prediction: Williams via Split decision
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