$Top 5 Options For Alexander Gustafsson\'s Next UFC Fight$

Top 5 Options For Alexander Gustafsson's Next UFC Fight

By Rick LaFitte

Top 5 Options For Alexander Gustafsson's Next UFC Fight

Alexander Gustafsson knees Daniel Cormier during epic UFC 192 light heavyweight title clash — Alexander Gustafsson has garnered plenty of praise for what proved to be another valiant but unsuccessful light heavyweight title challenge at UFC 192. “The Mauler” engaged in a serious slugfest with champion Daniel Cormier only to lose by split-decision. The talented Swede is looking at a lengthy medical suspension as the result of the punishment he sustained during that war in Houston. Here are the Top-5 options for Gustafsson’s next UFC fight.

5. Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

Alexander Gustafsson in UFC light heavyweight action against Anthony Johnson

5. Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

Alexander Gustafsson in UFC light heavyweight action against Anthony Johnson — This is the type of bounce-back fight that Gustafsson needs after facing a murderer’s row of Cormier, Anthony Johnson and Jon Jones in his last few bouts. While the 39-year-old Nogueira isn’t what he used to be, he tends to make for fan-friendly battles. “Lil Nog” has dropped his last two fights after a decision loss to Mauricio Rua at UFC 190. Gustafsson and Nogueira had been briefly linked to a bout in 2014 but it never materialized.

4. Alexander Gustafsson vs. Glover Teixeira/Patrick Cummins winner

Alexander Gustafsson punches Jimi Manuwa during UFC Fight Night 37 main event clash

4. Alexander Gustafsson vs. Glover Teixeira/Patrick Cummins winner

Alexander Gustafsson punches Jimi Manuwa during UFC Fight Night 37 main event clash — Gustafsson would likely get a solid test against the winner of the Fight Night 77 clash in Brazil between the former title challenger Glover Teixeira and the hard-nosed Patrick Cummins. The heavy-handed no. 4-ranked Teixeira would make for a potentially explosive affair against “The Mauler”, while Cummins’ tenacity and wrestling skills would undoubtedly provide a completely different kind of fight.

3. Alexander Gustafsson vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

Alexander Gustafsson poses during UFC 192 weigh-in

3. Alexander Gustafsson vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

Alexander Gustafsson poses during UFC 192 weigh-in — Jackson has expressed a desire to face fellow strikers in his latest UFC stint and Gustafsson would definitely meet that criteria. “Rampage” against Gustafsson would be a solid contest to consider on any Fight Night or pay-per-view event. The former champ's Octagon career remains in limbo due to his legal issues with Bellator. However, if Jackson does fight again in the UFC, a matchup against the towering Swede would make for a marquee clash.

2. Alexander Gustafsson vs. Rashad Evans

Alexander Gustafsson punches Jon Jones during light heavyweight title bout at UFC 165

2. Alexander Gustafsson vs. Rashad Evans

Alexander Gustafsson punches Jon Jones during light heavyweight title bout at UFC 165 — This matchup of a former two-time title challenger and a former champion certainly would have attractive potential. “Suga” had a disappointing return at UFC 192 after a lengthy absence as he dropped a unanimous decision to Ryan Bader. Evans has solid wrestling skills and good power but has had trouble pulling the trigger in some of his recent appearances. This contest would give Gustafsson and Evans the chance to get back into the title picture.

1. Alexander Gustafsson vs. Ovince St. Preux

Alexander Gustafsson lands punch on Mauricio

1. Alexander Gustafsson vs. Ovince St. Preux

Alexander Gustafsson lands punch on Mauricio — This is seemingly the best fight to make for both talented 205-pound competitors. The no. 2-ranked Gustafsson’s solid footwork, striking accuracy and toughness would be put to the test against the athletic St. Preux. The no. 5-ranked OSP suffered a submission loss in his last bout at Fight Night 73 against Glover Teixeira and undoubtedly would welcome the chance to rebound against one of the division’s best. It would have entertaining potential.

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