BY MATTHEW ROTH
IMAGE: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Gustafsson has always been on of the best young fighters in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. After a small setback in a submission loss to Phil Davis, Gustafsson has quickly become the latest member into the elite class of 205-pounders under contract.

At UFC on Fox 5 in Seattle, he was faced with the biggest challenge of his career against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. Rua is not just a former-UFC light heavyweight champion, but is a legend in mixed martial arts after his storied PRIDE career that saw him win the 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix.

The Pressures of a Fighter

While it could be argued that Saturday’s event was his coming-out party, he didn’t feel as much pressure fighting on network television as he did fighting in front of his hometown crowd in Sweden earlier this year on UFC on Fuel TV against Thiago Silva.

“There was a lot of difference. The Sweden card, I was super nervous when I fought. There was a lot of pressure. And I did well in that fight. I was very confident in this fight and I felt good all the time,” Gustafsson told Bleacher Report.

“The fight against Shogun, I’m nervous before every fight. Shogun is a legend and he’s been around for a while and that was the toughest fight of my career so far.”

It’s interesting to hear a fighter say that. As an American fan, it’s easy to believe that the grander stage would equate to added pressure. The Fox events always garner more eyeballs and those Fuel TV cards never pull massive ratings.

But seeing him around Seattle during fight week, he appeared to be almost peaceful. Outwardly, he never let on that there was any pressure in his fight with Shogun.

Fighting the Legend

Even when he was walking out through the crowd with “Hearts on Fire” blasting over the KeyArena’s PA system, his face was that of a man who was focused on the task at hand.

“The only thing that was in my mind was my game plan and nothing else. Game plan and listening to my coaches. When I stepped into that cage, I didn’t see Shogun as Shogun. I saw him as an opponent like anyone else. It was only game plan and focus.”

What’s most interesting is that fans and media heard something similar that week from Rory MacDonald, who faced B.J. Penn. MacDonald said that he’s not worried about the legacy of his opponent.

Instead, he put it into his mind that he was just facing a man, and that past successes and failures had no real impact on the bout. It was the same way for Gustafsson, who saw Rua as just another opponent instead of the legend.

“It sometimes hits you. It hit me like ‘oh, I’m fighting Shogun and he’s been around’ but you have to have control over your thoughts and your feelings. We’re all professionals. I keep calm and confident.”

That early confidence almost cost him the fight as Shogun rushed forward and quickly rolled for a leg lock. Rua is known for having brutal leg attacks, and getting such a deep submission so early in the fight surely meant the end for Gustafsson.

It’s said by Joe Rogan constantly, and there’s truth to it, that the best chance for finishing a submission happens early in the first round when neither fighter is sweaty. But despite the submission attempt, Gustafsson didn’t lose his focus.

“You know, he had my foot but the submission itself, he didn’t get that far that I felt the submission. I drilled submission defense for foot locks and leg locks so I knew what I was supposed to do. It was under control.”

The Head Coach and Mentor

So whom does he credit for the vast improvements he’s made in his UFC career? His head coach and mentor, Andreas Michael. Michael is not just his boxing coach but also the man in charge of every training camp.

But he plays as big a role outside of the gym as he does inside.

“Andreas is my coach, my mentor, he does everything for me. He’s one of my best friends. He’s there all the time for me. He’s the right man for the job. He’s got such a good eye and he’s such a good coach. We work very well together. He will always be my head coach.”

“Wherever Andreas goes, I’ll go.”

And despite his success with Michael, he knows that there are many who have helped him along the way. When he is stateside, Gustafsson is a member of the Alliance Fight Team, with practices led by head coach Eric Del Fierro.

This one-two combination allows for them to not just improve his already existing skills but also create unique game plans depending on the opponent. In fact, he believes that Michael and Del Fierro may be the best combination in the sport.

“Andreas together with Eric Del Fierro make coaching a masterpiece. They’re both top level coaches. I develop every time and look to improve for every practice. I’m blessed to be part of the team I have at home and at Alliance with Del Fierro. I can’t ask for a better camp.”

The Future of the Division?

Like so many, the end goal is and always will be UFC gold. And after Saturday night, there’s a very legitimate chance that he achieves it in 2013. At the pre-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White stated that the winner of the Gustafsson-Rua bout would be next in line for the belt.

Just don’t expect to see Gustafsson wait around for his opportunity. After only fighting twice in 2012, he wants to be more active next year.

“I want the belt. I want to fight Jon Jones or whoever has the belt. I want the title and I want the title shot. I want to bring the belt back to Sweden. That’s my main goal. But I’m not going to wait eight months for a fight. I want to stay active.”

No matter what the future holds, one thing is clear.

The UFC light heavyweight division has been put on notice. If anyone wants a shot at the title, they have to go through the Swede to get it.

The post Alex Gustafsson Reflects on Career-Defining Win over Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By Denny Hodge
Alexander Gustafsson took one step closer to becoming the number one contender in the light heavyweight division, earning a dominating unanimous decision victory over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua with scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 30-26.

An exciting first round started with Gustaffson using his length to score from the outside, mixing in knees and uppercuts as the distance closed. Rua fought to get inside launching his patented overhand right. Gustafsson scored the first significant strike of the fight, dropping “Shogun” with a flurry. He followed to the mat but nearly got caught in a leg lock as “Shogun” looked to turn the tables on the mat. Gustafsson finally freed his leg then punished Rua with kicks and knees in the clinch to close out the opening stanza.

The second round started with a flurry as both guys stood in the pocket and threw power shots. Gustafsson came back with more knees to the body, as “Shogun” countered with powerful overhand rights. As Rua landed with power, Gustafsson scored with volume, landing combinations of kicks and punches in the exchanges. Gustafsson also managed several takedowns as he started to seize control of the bout.

Gustafsson really found his rhythm in the third, battering “Shogun” with knees and kicks to the body. He also managed to string together flurries of combinations as “Shogun” again loaded up with his right hand. A late kick to the liver stunned Rua, and Gustafsson attacked, landing big knees up the middle and short uppercuts at range before securing a late takedown just before the bell.

The dominating performance moves Alexander Gustafsson to 15-1 overall (7-1 UFC), and likely moves him into the position of number one contender at 205.

The post UFC on FOX 5 Main Card Recap: Alexander Gustafsson Defeats ‘Shogun’, Earns Unanimous Decision Victory appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By MMA Sucka
After winning a lopsided unanimous decision during his first UFC headlining gig at April 2012′s UFC on FUEL TV 2 in his own hometown of Stockholm, Sweden, it became obvious to fans everywhere that Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson (14-1) was ready for the MMA spotlight.

He recently said this about that night on MMASucka Radio, “Fighting in front of friends and family was nerve wracking, but it was the best experience of my life.”

Many believe it won’t be long now before the title talk reaches critical mass around this promising 25-year-old, who is currently riding a current five-fight UFC win-streak. But first, Gustafsson must defeat former PRIDE and UFC champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (21-6) in the co-main event at UFC on FOX 5, which airs live from Seattle, WA on Saturday, December 8, 2012.

Gustafsson shared these thoughts on this momentous fight:

“I am a fan of Shogun. He’s a former world champion and he’s fought everybody, so he’s a fighter I look up to and I like his fighting style. He really gives the fans a show. Before I started even in MMA I saw him in PRIDE ad in Youtube clips and stuff, so he’s been around as long as I’ve been training and it’s an honour for me to fight him.”

When asked to comment on how the fight might unfold, the fierce fighter within this often unassuming Swede came to the surface, “I see myself winning by KO or TKO in the second round.”

Rua is notoriously difficult to finish, having succumbed to strikes only once before, in a title fight with current divisional kingpin Jon Jones (17-1) at UFC 128. But it remains nonetheless plausible that Gustafsson, a volume puncher with a combination of accurate aggression, a seemingly endless gas tank, and a considerable reach advantage, might repeat that feat.

To help realize this dream, Gustafsson arrived stateside a full five weeks before fight day to conclude his camp at San Diego, CA’s Alliance MMA, home to a host of potential training partners, including Brandon “The Truth” Vera (12-6), who faced Rua at UFC on FOX 4 in August 2012, losing via fourth-round TKO after a spirited brawl.

More on Gustafsson’s trans-Atlantic training regimen:

“[MMA] is so much bigger here in the US. There are more sparring partners and a lot of variation in sparring with some really good wrestlers, but in Sweden we [also] have great MMA training and a great team…It’s just an
ongoing progress. It never stops. You train to learn new things everyday and to develop your whole game. I’ve got a lot to learn still in the submissions, in the boxing, in the wrestling, and everything. You never get fully learned.”

As enthusiastic a student as he is of the technical aspects of MMA, Gustafsson remains keenly aware of promotional realities, including the near necessity of beating a legend of the sport before entering serious title contention. In fact, that opportunity slipped away from him once already when Antonio Rogerio “Lil’ Nog” Nogueira (20-5) withdrew from and was replaced in their intended fight last April.

That he now has a second chance to leave that type of indelible mark on MMA at UFC on FOX 5 is not lost on Gustafsson.

However, considering Jones is set defend his title against Chael Sonnen (27-12-1) at UFC 158 in April 2013, and that Dan Henderson (29-8) and Lyoto Machida (18-3) are set for an apparent #1 contender’s match at UFC 157, it’s almost certain that no potential win over Rua, no matter how dramatic the method, will earn Gustafsson a guaranteed title shot.

Is “The Mauler” upset by this bottle-neck for the title? He easily could be since it was arguably largely manufactured by the UFC’s marketing machine, but still, the answer is no, at least not exactly:

“I’m happy for Chael. He’s a good guy. I hope he does as best as he can now when he has his shot, but it is a little sad for other light heavyweights who have been working hard and have been fighting in that division for a while. But I’m still happy for Chael.”

So who might Gustafsson fight next should he defeat Rua?

Depending on outcomes of several other scheduled fights, that opponent could be among the likes of Glover Teixeira (19-2), Rashad Evans (17-2), and “Lil’ Nog.” But unlike most fighters in similar situations, one fight Gustafsson says he will not pursue is a rematch against the lone man to ever defeat him, his current training partner and good friend Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis (10-1).

Then again, he also didn’t rule the fight out:

“Phil Davis has helped me a lot when it comes to training and to being a full time athlete… We have so many other opponents we can face. He’s a training partner and a friend of mine, so, if it’s up to me, I won’t fight him, but if the UFC put us in #1 title contender [fight], you never know. It’s our job and it’s what we do, so, yeah, it depends on the situation”

One thing is certain, the comparisons between Gustafsson and Jones are tantalizing to any MMA fan.

Both are young, being born just six month apart, each has a finishing rate well over 80% in wins, each has a lone defeat on his record, and the talented pair are natural athletes who use their superior reach, speed, and athleticism to great effect in the cage.

Some have even gone so far as to call Gustafsson the Swedish “Bones.” While flattering, that comparison holds little weight for the big Swede, but he also wants to see that fight made:

“It’s good feedback because he is the champion and the best in our division, but still we’re not the same at all. We’re from different backgrounds and we fight differently. So, I wouldn’t agree with that…I see myself at that level and I see myself doing well. I know I’ve got the tools to beat Jones or Chael. So I will be more than ready if I get that opportunity.”

To listen to the full interview with “The Mauler” and the rest of MMASucka Radio click HERE.

Make sure you follow @AlexTheMauler on Twitter and look out for his epic battle with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on Saturday December 8th live on FOX.

The post Alexander Gustafsson Opens Up About Fighting Maurício “Shogun” Rua appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By Gareth A Davies
UFC lightweight Ross Pearson believes Team Alliance training partner Alex Gustafsson could overwhelm Brazilian Shogun Rua next weekend in Seattle and become the next challenger to UFC light-heavyweight champion and wunderkind Jon Jones.

British UFC stand-out Ross Pearson revealed yesterday that Team Alliance training partner Alex Gustafsson has “some tricks up his sleeve” for his light-heavyweight showdown against Shogun Rua in Seattle next week and “could finish” the legendary Brazilian MMA fighter if he sticks to the strategy devised in camp.

Pearson, in San Diego preparing for his Dec 14 TUF Smashes finale against the Australia coach George Sotiropoulus, in a fight the Sunderland mixed martial artist insisted he “will be fuelled by anger in all the right ways” after developing a personal dislike for his rival coach on the televised series, views Gustafsson as the next contender to UFC champion Jon Jones.

“I’ve been around Alex for the last four weeks of his training camp at Alliance in San Diego, and he’s peaking right now. He’s looking great in the gym, and everything is on point: his boxing, his timing, his wrestling, everything is looking really good, as is his jujitsu,” Pearson said yesterday.

“He’s been working with my BJJ coach, Jimmy Harbison, and Alex has been upping his game on the ground. He’s ready to go in there and fight and take it to the next level.”

Pearson believes a victory over Shogun would propel Gustafsson into a match with the seemingly peerless UFC light-heavyweight champion Jones.

“This fight with Shogun will be a very tough fight for Alex. Shogun is a warrior, he’s a legend in the sport, he’s been in there with the best guys in the world, so he’s not going to show Alex any great respect. Alex will be seen as the up-and-coming fighter and it is a step up for him.”

“But I feel that once Shogun feels Alex’s power, and feels Alex’s speed and that range he can use, that’s when Shogun will gain Alex’s respect, and I reckon Shogun will be the one looking to take this fight to the floor.”

Gustafsson’s greatest weakness in his career to date has been his ground game, after his only career defeat to Phil Davis at UFC 112 in April, 2010, when he was submitted. Since then, the Swedish fighter has won five contests on the bounce.

Pearson revealed to The Telegraph: “But Alex has got some tricks up his sleeve, a game plan that he’s been working on. I just can’t see Alex losing the fight. If everything goes well and Alex sticks to the game plan, does what he has to do and listens to his coach I think Alex could quite easily finish Shogun.”

“It’s the biggest fight of Alex’s career, his biggest challenge. I definitely feel that after this fight, after he beats Shogun, he should be the next guy to fight John Jones. I’m sure Jones will beat Chael Sonnen in his next outing, but I think Alex is definitely the next guy in line. He’s young, he’s hungry, he hits hard, he’s powerful, he’s dangerous, and he brings the fight every time.”

Gustafsson meets Rua on the main card in Seattle, with the headline event Benson Henderson’s much-anticipated defence of the UFC lightweight title against Nate Diaz. Veteran former UFC champion BJ Penn also faces exciting Canadian welterweight Rory Macdonald on the main showcase.

The post Ross Pearson: UFC title contender Alex Gustafsson has ‘tricks up his sleeve’ and could finish Shogun Rua appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

Posted by Chris Leslie
The UFC’s Jon Anik ventured out to San Diego, California to sit down with Swedish sensation Alexander Gustaffson. Anik spoke to “The Mauler” about his emerging popularity as a rising contender in the UFC. Gustaffson will face his biggest test yet as he faces Mauricio “Shogun” Rua next week in Seattle at UFC on Fox 5.

The post UFC on Fox 5: 1 on 1 With Alexander Gustaffson “The Mauler” *VIDEO* appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By: Bruno

UFC Light heavy weight Phil Davis shows his fellow UFC-partner Alexander Gustafsson how you do a proper half Nelson.

The post Phil Davis Teaching Alexander Gustafsson The Half Nelson *VIDEO* appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By Dojo.TV

Last week I was once again lurking about down at Alliance MMA in Chula Vista, only on this day, I showed up to find a crew already filming Cruz and Gustafsson in a little pimp session for The Ultimate Insider. (I think… I also saw some Bad Boy branding on the backs of their GoPros, so they could have a hand in it as well). Anyway, Dom had been in and out of the gym since I’d been hanging around, but since he wasn’t one of the guys fighting in December (and he’s still healing), I’ve pretty much left him alone as far as the camera goes.

The post Spoiler alert! Dominick Cruz and Alexander Gustafsson Slap Leather for the Cameras *VIDEO* appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

BY KHURRAM AZIZ

UFC light heavyweight Alexander Gustafsson has laid out his blueprint for victory in what he says will be his toughest fight ever.

In an interview with MMA Fighting, the Swede revealed that his game plan against Shogun Rua will be similar to the one he implemented with devastating effect against Thiago Silva in his last match.

“I will try to stay on the outside and try to use my range and my footwork,” said Gustafsson. “You never know in a fight. Sometimes, you have to do things differently, take the initiative and adapt. It’s going to be a great fight for the fans. That’s for sure.”

Gustafsson and Rua will meet at UFC on Fox 5 in Seattle on December 8, 2012.

The match is crucial for both men as they seek a shot at Jon Jones’ title.

Rua is coming off a hard-earned win against Brandon Vera in a match that has put him back in the reckoning for the title he lost to Jones in 2011.

But for Gustafsson, a win will be a high point in a short but impressive career.

Gustafsson has won five straight fights in the unpredictable light heavyweight division, and many believe he is one of the only light heavyweights with the striking talent and range to seriously challenge Jones.

However, the fighter says for now his focus is not on the champion, but on Rua.

“I want to fight the champion. That’s my main goal: to bring the belt back to Sweden. That’s what I want to do, but I never look past any opponent,” said Gustafsson. “When I beat ‘Shogun,’ I will be more than prepared to fight for a title. That’s what I want to do.”

A win against Rua doesn’t guarantee the Swede a title shot, however. If Jones gets passed Chael Sonnen in his next fight, both Lyoto Machida and Dan Henderson are waiting in the wings. That’s not to forget Phil Davies, who also recently sealed an impressive win.

The post Alexander Gustafsson Confident Heading Into Shogun Rua Bout appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

By DOJO.TV

Alex “The Mauler” Gustafsson, described by some to be “the next big thing”, is fighting out of Team Alliance in Chula Vista and taking on Shogun Rua in December… Alex is the first of nine fighters out of Alliance we’ll be looking at over the coming weeks… As well as the gym and Coach Eric Delfierro…

The post VIDEO! Alex Gustafsson – The first of nine from Alliance going to The UFC in December appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

Article TheAzyunyh5

UFC on Fox 5: Alexander Gustafsson vs Maurício Shogun Rua

The post Alexander Gustafsson vs Shogun Rua Trailer appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

Video by Fighters Only Magazine

UFC fighters Alexander Gustafsson and Ross Pearson help to brighten the days of children at a local hospital in Nottingham, England.

The post Ross Pearson and Alexander Gustaffson hospital visit in Nottingham, UK appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

Article by Jesse Holland

I don’t think ratings will be an issue when ZUFFA returns to network television later this year.

That’s because Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has assembled a stacked fight card and line up for its next UFC on FOX 5 event on Dec. 8, 2012 at a location to be named, according to a report from USA Today.

While a technical knockout win over Brandon Vera didn’t get him the next shot at the light heavyweight title, former 205-pound kingpin Mauricio Rua is still in the discussion, but for how long, all depends on what he can do against top prospect Alexander Gustafsson in the UFC on FOX 5 co-main event.

“Shogun” (21-6) was aiming for a spot against the winner of Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson, who will collide at the UFC 151 pay-per-view (PPV) on Sept. 1, which ultimately went to fellow Brazilian Lyoto Machida after “The Dragon” outperformed Rua at the UFC on FOX 4 event a few weeks back.

The former PRIDE phenom hasn’t won back-to-back fights since knocking out Mark Coleman and Chuck Liddell in consecutive bouts over three years ago.

Gustafsson (14-1) knows a thing or two about disposing of rugged Brazilians.

“The Mauler” was tasked with welcoming Thiago Silva back to the Octagon, which he did in earnest, with a unanimous decision win over the American Top Team bruiser in the UFC on FUEL TV 2 main event last April.

The win over Silva marked his fifth straight and outside of a submission loss to Phil Davis earlier in his career, the towering Swede has been perfect as a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, notching wins over Matt Hamill and Vladimir Matyushenko in the process. But is he championship material?

We’re about to find out.

UFC on FOX 5 will be headlined by a lightweight title fight pitting reigning division champion Ben Henderson against division number one contender Nate Diaz. In addition, Rory MacDonald will try to move to the head of the welterweight class when he tangles with former champion B.J. Penn.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for future updates to this still developing fight card.

The post Alexander Gustafsson vs Shogun Rua booked for UFC on FOX 5 on Dec. 8 appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

Article By Dana Becker

Alexander Gustafsson earned a trademark win when he defeated Thiago Silva earlier this year in his native country of Sweden. Since that time, “The Mauler” has been sitting on the sidelines, healing up what he calls a “minor” hand injury.

“I never broke my hand, really, I just had some small injuries that I have been rehabbing,” said Gustafsson, during a recent interview on UFC Tonight. “It is all good. I’m hoping after the summer, September-October (to return to action).”

Gustafsson, just 25 years old, has lost just once in his professional MMA career, as Phil Davis submitted him back in 2010. After the defeat, Gustafsson seeked out Davis and trained with him, and has since won his last five fights – two via submission and two by TKO.

“I was 9-0 when I fought Phil and I thought I was a big shot,” Gustafsson said. “It brought me back to the ground. It was a learning experience for me and I finally understand what it takes to be an athlete on that level.”

The man atop the UFC’s light heavyweight division right now is Jon Jones. “Bones” will defend his title against Dan Henderson at UFC 151. Gustafsson offered up his prediction on the fight.

“Jones will win on decision,”Gustafsson said. “The only thing Dan has on Jones is his right hand. If (Jones) can stay away from that, he is going to win the fight (by) decision.”

The post Alexander Gustafsson Targeting Early Fall Return To Action appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

Article by MMAjunkie.com Staff
While the overall ratings mark for this past weekend’s UFC on FUEL TV 2 event dipped slightly from the channel’s debut event, the card still earned a few record figures for FUEL TV.

FUEL TV recently announced the card, which aired live on April 14 at 3 p.m. ET, served as the cornerstone of the most-watched day in FUEL TV history, with the channel averaging 71,000 total viewers for the day.

That figure marks an astonishing increase in viewers of 1,320 percent versus the April 2011 average.

UFC on FUEL TV 2 averaged 197,000 viewers. Its predecessor scored 217,000 viewers.

Despite the slight decrease in total viewership from February’s UFC on FUEL TV 1 event, this past weekend’s card actually marked the largest viewership in FUEL TV history in the channel’s designated target market, men 18-49.

The evening’s peak viewership, which came during the main event, saw 298,000 viewers watching the event.

UFC on FUEL TV 2, which is the second of six main-card broadcasts planned for the FOX-owned cable station in 2012, took place April 14 at Stockholm’s Ericsson Globe Arena. After six prelims on Facebook, the three-hour FUEL TV broadcast featured six bouts, including Alexander Gustafsson’s impressive decision win over Thiago Silva and Brian Stann’s stunning knockout of Alessio Sakara.

“After our spring break, we’re excited to welcome back the UFC with new live fights on FUEL TV,” FUEL TV exec George Greenberg stated. “Our second live ‘Fight Night’ delivered numbers right in line with our first. We’re enthusiastic for the upcoming schedule through the spring, summer and fall, and we know audiences will keep coming to FUEL TV for live UFC action, as well as key shoulder programming.”

The UFC recently moved much of its live-event programming from Spike TV to FX and FUEL TV thanks to its seven-year deal with FOX. FUEL TV has increased from approximately 30 million homes to 36 million in the past few months due in large part to the new UFC programming, which has set ratings records for the sports-oriented station. The UFC’s former home, Spike TV, is available in approximately 100 million homes.

The post UFC on FUEL TV 2 Ratings: Audience Peaks With 298,000 Viewers, Breaks All-Time Record appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

Article by Kelvin Hunt
Fighter weigh-in’s for the UFC on FUEL 2 event took place earlier today in preparation for Saturday afternoon’s fight card at the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. All fighters made weight and are ready to get it on tomorrow.

Main event fighters Alexander Gustafsson and Thiago Silva hit the 205 weight limit right on the dot with no issues. The co-main event saw Alessio Sakara at the middleweight limit of 186 pounds with Stann right on the nose at 185 pounds.

The only fighter with an issue was Dennis Siver who originally weighed in at 147 pounds before finally making weight on his second attempt. This is his first fight in the featherweight division.

The preliminary card will stream live on Facebook beginning at 12:30 pm ET/9:30 a.m. PT, and the main card will air on FUEL TV with a start time of 3 pm ET/12 p.m. PT.

Join us here at ProMMAnow.com (www.prommanow.com) Saturday afternoon for LIVE UFC on FUEL 2 fight results and play-by-play commentary. The full weigh-in results can be found below:

MAIN EVENT
Alexander Gustafsson (205) VS Thiago Silva (205)

FUEL TV MAIN CARD
Alessio Sakara (186) VS Brian Stann (185)
Siyar Bahadurzada (170) VS Paulo Thiago (170)
Diego Nunes (146) VS Dennis Siver (145*)
John Maguire (170) VS DaMarques Johnson (171)
Damacio Page (135) VS Brad Pickett (136)

ONLINE FIGHTS
James Head (170) VS Papy Abedi (171)
Tom DeBlass (205) VS Cyrille Diabate (206)
Magnus Cedenblad (185) VS Francis Carmont (186)
Yoislandy Izquierdo (155) VS Reza Madadi (155)
Besam Yousef (170) VS Simeon Thoresen (170)
Jason Young (145) VS Eric Wisely (145)

*Siver made weight on his second attempt after initially weighing in at 147 pounds

The post UFC on FUEL 2 Weigh-in Results appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

Article by Kelvin Hunt
The UFC on FUEL 2 main event features a light heavyweight bout between Alexander Gustafsson and Thiago Silva that’s set for Stockholm, Sweden. It’s an important fight in the grand scheme of things as Gustafsson is looking to solidify himself as a legitimate challenger for the title, and Silva is looking to get back on track after a one year suspension for a failed drug test. Let’s see how this one breaks down.

Thiago Silva (14-2, 1NC) was last seen in action against Brandon Vera winning via unanimous decision only to have the victory turned into a no contest because of a failed drug test from Silva. Silva was forced to serve a year suspension as a result and hasn’t fought since Jan. 2011. Silva is a big light heavyweight with powerful striking and a legitimate ground game where he inflicts heavy damage from the top position. His two losses are to former UFC light heavyweight champions Lyoto Machida and Rashad Evans. Silva has battled back problems in the past and used the time away from fighting to get that corrected.

Alexander Gustafsson (13-1) was last seen in action mauling Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 141 to win via TKO in the first round. In fact, Gustafsson has won four consecutive fights (finishing all four opponents) since suffering his lone defeat against Phil Davis at UFC 112. Gustafsson is a big light heavyweight standing six feet five inches, and has good takedown defense with knockout power.

Our sponsor Top Bet has Gustafsson as the betting favorite at (-230) and Silva s the underdog at (+190).

I’d have to agree with those odds. Silva will more than likely be affected by the long layoff, so it’ll take a while to get his timing down coupled with the reach advantage Gustafsson will have. It’ll be interesting to see how Silva looks in there tomorrow afternoon.

This fight will more than likely stay on the feet for the most part as both fighters prefer to strike. However, I can see Silva looking to take Gustafsson down if he finds little success while on the feet. Gustafsson has a nice straight right hand with good power, so be on the lookout for that to land against Silva.

Silva has demonstrated fairly accurate striking but is wild at times while on the feet. However, he does major damage with strikes on the ground once he attains a dominant position. The problem is I’m not sure he can get the fight there, especially with all the back problems he has had in the past. You never really fully recover from those in my opinion.

I like Gustafsson in this fight via TKO.

The post UFC on FUEL 2 preview: Alexander Gustafsson sets sights on Thiago Silva appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

Article by Mark Wayne
The UFC’s Spring drought will come to an end this weekend with UFC on Fuel TV 2: Gustafsson vs. Silva. For their second offering on the network, the promotion is taking their traveling road show to Sweden for the first time.

In the night’s main event, rising Swedish light heavyweight Alexander Gustafsson will appear before his countrymen to take on the returning Thiago Silva. Silva has been out of action since January of 2011 for trying to beat a drug test in the state of Nevada by submitting fake urine instead of his own (which he admitted was laced with banned substances). With his suspension run out, Silva will look to reestablish his presence in the 205lbs division. The 25-year-old Gustafsson is riding an impressive four-fight winning streak (all wins came via stoppage before the third round) into this fight and will have the added motivation of avenging teammate Brandon Vera, who Silva thrashed in his last fight.

Today, those fighters and a few more filled the dais for the UFC on Fuel TV 2 pre-fight press conference, which you can view in its entirety below, courtesy StudioMMA.

The post UFC Sweden Press Conference – Alex Gustafsson vs. Thiago *VIDEO* appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

Article by Matthew Roth
This weekend Alexander Gustafsson finds himself in the role of main event fighter for the first time in his UFC career. His opponent? The returning Thiago Silva. Originally Gustafsson was scheduled to face Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, but an injury caused Lil Nog to pull out of the fight.

At just 25 years old, Alexander Gustafsson will continue to develop into one of the top fighters in the light heavyweight division. Finishing Thiago Silva on Saturday night will just be another step along the way.

The fight is likely the most important of Alex’s career, not just because he’s the Swedish main eventer on a card in Sweden, but because a win will catapult him into the title picture.

High Level MMA Boxing and Knockout Power

Here’s some statistics for you.

9: Opponents that Alexander Gustafsson has finished by technical knockout.

1: Times that Alexander Gustafsson has gone to decision.

1: Fighters retired after getting TKOd by Alexander Gustafsson. That fighter by the way is Matt Hamill. Hamill was previously taken to decision by Rampage Jackson.

Quinton Jackson is known for his punching power but was unable to put Hamill away. Alex finished Matt in the second round with brutal punches and elbows on the ground.

It was such a one sided affair that Hamill decided to hang up the gloves immediately afterwards. MMA math doesn’t always work, but in this case it does.

Underrated Grappling

It’s easy to discount Alexander Gustafsson’s grappling acumen because he’s been finishing opponents on the feet. However, he’s also one of the most underrated grapplers at light heavyweight.

Due to his body type, he has an ability to play guard as well as fight from top control and give anyone he faces fits. Two of his five wins in the UFC have come by way of submission, and he’s always improving in the gym.

He’s currently a purple belt under Lloyd Irvin and based on stories from the gym, Alex is a monster on the ground due to his functional strength on the ground. Expect him to continue his development as a ground tactician as he grows as a fighter.

Training with an Elite Camp

Question: What do Phil Davis, Dominick Cruz, Ross Pearson and Alex Gustafsson all have in common?

Answer: The Alliance Training Center—or to be more specific—Eric Del Fierro.

Alliance is home to some of the best young fighters in MMA. Founded by Brandon Vera and part of Team Lloyd Irvin, Alliance has allowed Alex to grow from solid prospect to elite fighter.

Between the training staff and training partners, Alexander Gustafsson has everything he needs to become one of the best fighters in the world.

Eric Del Fierro has quickly become one of the best coaches in the sport and is sought after because of his ability to see minor technical holes in opponents and create game plans to exploit them.

While Alex is an incredible athlete, a lot of his success should be credited to his trainers and training partners.

Who Else Is There?

The reality is that there really aren’t any title contenders at light heavyweight beyond Rashad Evans and Dan Henderson. The top tier is filled with fighters in their mid-30s and most have had poor showings in their last fights.

A quick look at light heavyweight and it becomes very apparent that the division is in need of new challengers. Jon Jones has finished Shogun, Lyoto Machida and Rampage. There just aren’t a lot of available challengers to his belt. Alex is that guy.

Alex Gustafsson is interesting because he’s still incredibly young and has the physical gifts to compete with Jon Jones for the next decade.

The fight with Thiago Silva will be very telling about Gustafsson’s immediate future but only in that a loss could temporarily delay Alex’s climb through the ranks of light heavyweights.

The post UFC on Fuel 2: 4 Reasons Alexander Gustafsson Will Become a Title Contender appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

Article by Dave Coulson
The UFC makes its debut in Sweden next week with the UFC on FUEL 2 card and in the main event, hometown hero Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson is hoping to make his big mark on the UFC light heavyweight division.

Gustafsson takes on the always dangerous Thiago Silva in next Saturday’s main event. The 13-1 Gustafsson will try and win his fifth straight fights and sixth win inside the octagon. He’s facing an opponent in Silva who has not competed in over 15 months due to a suspension from Nevada.

While Gustafsson’s original opponent was to be Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, a win against Silva will do more for his standing in the 205 pound division than it would have if he’d defeated Lil Nog. And with the UFC’s light heavyweight division seemingly evaporating from the scene, the time for Gustafsson to be contending could be sooner than he had expected.

Gustafsson’s rise up the rankings has been at a nice pace. Following his loss to Phil Davis at UFC 112, Gustafsson began taking his training in wrestling up a notch by training alongside Davis at Alliance MMA in California. Gustafsson is undefeated since he began doing some of his training at Alliance and that includes wins over wrestling based fighters such as Matt Hamill and Vladimir Matyushenko.

Gustafsson made his UFC pay-per-view debut last December at UFC 141 and immediately impressed those who had not seen him before. Gustafsson dismantled Matyushenko in just over two minutes, immediately cementing himself as a threat to the division.

When taking a look at the current landscape of the light heavyweight division, the options for current champion Jon Jones are thinning quite quickly. Aside from Rashad Evans and Dan Henderson, there aren’t many names out there that have earned their right to a title shot. And with fighters like Rampage Jackson, Forrest Griffin and Tito Ortiz making their way out of the division, Gustafsson’s time to shine may be as early as later this year.

While a win over Silva in front of his friends and family in Sweden would be a great start to the year, a shot at the light heavyweight championship at the end of 2012 would be an even better end to the year.

The post Alexander Gustafsson Looks To Make His Mark in Sweden appeared first on Alliance Training Center.

Article by Jesse Holland
“Forrest Griffin told us that (Alexander Gustafsson) has been out here [in Las Vegas] and he’s been beating the living shit out of everybody. Forrest Griffin said this guy’s the real deal and he’s been out here in Vegas kicking everyone’s ass. He said people don’t even want to spar with him. He came here to Las Vegas to up his game and I guess he’s been beating the shit out of everybody. People are like ‘Yeah, I’m not fucking sparring with him today.’”

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight brawler Thiago Silva recently said he was ready to kill or be killed in Sweden, which is what it might come down to when he locks horns with native son Alexander Gustafsson at the UFC on FUEL TV 2 event on April 14 in Stockholm. According to UFC President Dana White (via Studio MMA), “The Mauler” has been kicking so much ass in “Sin City,” guys don’t even want to spar with him at the gym. Will he be able to carry that dominance over into his main event against Silva in less than a month?

The post Dana White: Alexander Gustafsson is Kicking So Much Ass, Guys Are Afraid To Spar With Him *VIDEO* appeared first on Alliance Training Center.