MMA Match Preview: Andreas Gustafsson (12-2) vs. Rinat Fakhretdinov (24-2-1)
Venue & Event Details
Event: UFC Fight Night 258: Imavov vs. Borralho
Bout: Andreas Gustafsson (Sweden) vs. Rinat Fakhretdinov (Russia) – Welterweight (170 lbs)
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Location: Accor Arena, Paris, France
Card Placement: Preliminary Card (fight 2 of 14)
Broadcast:
USA: ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass
UK: TNT Sports / discovery+
France: RMC Sport
Injury & Availability Report
Andreas Gustafsson: No reported injuries; completed full camp in Sweden.
Rinat Fakhretdinov: No reported injuries; camp split between Moscow and American Top Team.
Medical Suspensions: None entering fight week.
Fighter Profiles & Matchup Breakdown
Andreas “Bane” Gustafsson (12–2) – Sweden
Age: 34
Height/Reach: 6’1” / 73″ reach
Style: Pressure-heavy Greco-Roman wrestling base with clinch striking
UFC Record: 1–0 (DWCS alum)
Key Strengths:
Relentless pace and cardio
Strong upper-body takedowns and control
Durable — never finished in pro career
Recent Form:
W – Khaos Williams (UD) – UFC debut, June 2025
W – Pat Pytlik (KO – knee) – DWCS 2024
W – Two regional wins (KO, UD)
Tactical Notes: Gustafsson thrives in close quarters, chaining takedowns with dirty boxing and knees. His game is built on attrition and wearing opponents down over three rounds.
Rinat “Gladiator” Fakhretdinov (24–2–1) – Russia
Age: 33
Height/Reach: 6’0” / 74″ reach
Style: Well-rounded — fluid kickboxing with opportunistic wrestling
UFC Record: 5–0–1
Key Strengths:
23-fight unbeaten streak
Mixes striking and wrestling seamlessly
Strong defensive awareness and fight IQ
Recent Form:
W – Andreas Michailidis (UD)
W – Kevin Lee (SUB)
W – Bryan Battle (UD)
D – Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (Majority Draw)
W – Carlos Leal (UD – controversial)
Tactical Notes: Fakhretdinov is at his best when dictating pace with jabs and low kicks, then timing level changes to disrupt rhythm. Can be pressured late if forced into high-output grappling exchanges.
Fight History & Context
First Meeting: This is their first professional bout.
Career Trajectories:
Gustafsson: Late UFC arrival at 34, but made an immediate impact with a dominant upset over Williams.
Fakhretdinov: Undefeated in UFC, but recent performances have been closer and more scrutinized, making this a pivotal fight to maintain momentum.
Divisional Stakes: Winner could break into the top 20 of the UFC welterweight rankings.
Betting Trends
Gustafsson: 4-fight win streak; 3 of last 4 wins by finish.
Fakhretdinov: 4 of last 6 UFC fights have gone to decision; has never been finished in UFC.
Paris Factor: 7–3 record for European fighters in UFC Paris events since 2022.
FIGHT ODDS
Abdreas Gustafsson – 115
Rinat Fakhretdinov + 105
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025
