Business as usual - New opponent at UFC 189
Things rarely go exactly as planned in this world. John "The Hitman" Hathaway (11-2) is out with an injury so Gunnar has a new opponent, no other then Brandon "Rukus" Thatch. Thatch is know for his good striking and great finishing but all his wins have been by finishes. He lost his last bout against the 4 times UFC Champion Ben Henderson in a headliner fight in February that won him Fight of the Night bonus. Thatch was actually winning the fight until the 4th round when Henderson caught him in a rear-naked choke. Thatch only loss before that was by a split decision 7 years ago (2008).
Thatch was actually scheduled to fight John Howard on the preliminary card but instead, Howard now will meet Gunnar's team mate, Cathal Pendred who's on a 4 win streak in the UFC.
