Alexander Gustafsson has arrived.
The Swedish fighter has been on the radar of many MMA fans over the last few years due to his enormous potential, but he was without a true career-defining victory until last night.
Gustafsson was impressive in his three-round slugfest with Shogun Rua, dishing out two hard shots for every one that Rua sent his way and beating the brawler at his own game.
Most fighters would shy away from getting into a messy brawl with a known finisher like Shogun, but Gustafsson proved he is every bit as good as the hype that surrounds him by thoroughly outworking and out-striking an exhausted Shogun in the latter rounds.
With the win, Gustafsson can finally be considered a true threat to Jon Jones and the light heavyweight title, and his next fight will be crucial if he wants to realize his dream of becoming champion.