Jimi Manuwa: I Thought Gustafsson Would Avoid Me, But He’s A True Professional
Undefeated UFC light heavyweight prospect Jimi Manuwa has the opportunity of a lifetime when he faces off with former title challenger Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson at an unnamed UFC event in London next March 8.
“Poster Boy” has been running roughshod over UFC competition. He was last seen defeating Ryan Jimmo in a strange bout at UFC Fight Night 30. Jimmo was forced to succumb to an injury when it looked like he badly injured his leg in the second round. While it turned out that he was okay, Manuwa was clearly pushing the pace and winning the fight.
Prior to that Manuwa took out Cyrille Diabate and Kyle Kingsbury. He sits with a nice three-fight win streak in the Octagon but Gustafsson will undoubtedly by far his toughest test. Still looking to make a big name for himself, Manuwa met up with Fighters Only to discuss his surprise at Gustafsson’s willingness to fight him:
“Alex is a huge test for me, but it is one I have long dreamed of. I’m ready to take this opportunity to climb up the light-heavyweight ladder and get closer to my goal of being a UFC champion. I asked for this fight and thought Alex would avoid me, but he is a true professional and I have great respect for him. [Gustafsson] knows my record and he knows how unpredictable every fight can be in the UFC. We’ve seen Silva, Jones and GSP all showing their vulnerability this year.”
Indeed Gustafsson will be a huge test for Manuwa, who has shown impressive knockout power in finishing every one of his 14 opponents. The former UCMMA light heavyweight champ is quickly joining Michael Bisping as the UK’s favorite sons in MMA. If he can somehow get past Gustafsson he’ll instantly put his name into serious title contention.
But that will be no easy task. While Gustafsson is mainly known for his striking, he showed a new facet of his game when he took down UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones at UFC 165, something no other fighter had accomplished to that point. Gustafsson proved he can stand and trade with the best of them but he may look to take Manuwa to the ground to avoid “Poster Boy’s” fight-changing power.
All told, “The Mauler” is a supremely talented and evolving fighter who many still think deserves to have the championship wrapped around his waist. The general consensus is that Gustafsson will eventually rematch Jones should he get past Manuwa. “Bones” also has to defeat new number one contender Glover Teixeira in the main event of UFC 171, so a wrench could definitely be thrown in those plans.
And while he’s not all that widely known as of yet, Manuwa is the kind of fighter that you simply can’t look past. Can “Poster Boy” continue his dominant run against one of the best fighters in the world?
