Mousasi braced for UFC debut

Success in the UFC is built upon taking advantage of other's misfortunes and Alexander Gustafsson's bad luck has paved the way for two unheralded fighters to come within one big punch of a life-changing win.

Gegard Mousasi, a newcomer tipped to make an impact in the Octagon, was scheduled to meet Gustafsson but will now fight the little-known replacement Ilir Latif in the main-event at UFC on Fuel 9.

Gustafsson was supposed to fight Mousasi in his hometown of Stockholm, Sweden en route towards a light-heavyweight title shot but an enforced withdrawal due to a cut put the event in jeopardy.

The iconic Wanderlei Silva tweeted that he would step up before admitting that he had tricked everyone - including Mousasi - with a cruel April Fool's Day joke. Latif, Gustafsson's training partner, got the nod.

Mousasi, a veteran of other MMA organisations, goes from being an underdog against his original opponent to a heavy favourite against the late replacement.

"It's a high-risk fight," he told UFC.com. "I have a lot to lose and he has nothing to lose.

"Having my opponent change doesn't bother me because I trained for a fight. This is not rocket science."

Latif's involvement is out of a Hollywood script and a movie ending may be his best chance of victory, but he is determined to put a show for his Swedish countrymen.

"I'm not maybe the most technical fighter with the most advanced techniques, but I do my best and I fight with my heart," he vowed.

"During my life I didn't have many chances, so when I get the chance, I've got to take it."

Elsewhere, the card has a distinctly British feel with Sunderland's Ross Pearson meeting Ryan Couture in the co main-event. Brad Pickett and Conor McGregor are also in action.

UFC Sweden may be conspicuous for the absence of local hero Gustafsson but with Mousasi and Latif's last-minute collision, it will provide the platform for a rising contender.