Alexander Gustafsson Returns to UFC Light Heavyweight Action in an Explosive Match-Up at UFC London

Posted on by Matt James

All-time UFC great Alexander Gustafsson is set to make his return to the light heavyweight division after trying his hand at the heavyweight division. ‘The Mauler’ has been out of action for a while now and hasn’t been a consistent contender as he once was. However, he is looking to make his return to the division where he reached an all-time great status over the years.

The Swedish fighter takes on number 11 ranked Nikita Krylov who comes in with a 27-9-0 record and this is a prime opportunity for Gustafsson to push himself closer to the top ranks of the 205-pound division. ‘The Mauler’ has been away from the sport for a while now and will look to make a quick ascent up towards the title picture.

The scrap is set for UFC London, going down at the O2 Arena on July 23, 2022.

Gustafsson’s iconic fight against Jon Jones back in 2013 which was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame was ultimately a fight that took place in the light heavyweight division. This proves how accomplished he is as a light heavyweight fighter and it’s no surprise he is looking to make a run in that division once again.

‘The Mauler’ is ready to storm the 02 Arena against Nikita Krylov

Alexander Gustafsson last fought all the way back in July 2020 when he made his heavyweight debut against former champion Fabricio Werdum. ‘Vai Cavalo’ submitted Gustafsson via armbar at 2:30 of the first round and derailed his potential rise towards the heavyweight strap.

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Since then, Gustafsson has been hard at work in Stockholm Sweden’s All-star Training Center, putting in the work against rising star Khamzat Chimaev. ‘Borz’ Chimaev is a beast in every sense of the word and he has gone on record to say that Alexander Gustafsson has hit him harder than any other fighter thus far in his professional career.

The light heavyweight division has been bereft of big named competitors in recent years, and Gustafsson’s re-entry into the division will certainly add new life to the mix. Champion Glover Teixeira was soundly knocked out by Gustafsson when they fought back in 2017 and ‘The Mauler’ will favor his odds against the current champion.