Fast-rising superstar Alexander Gustafsson has done a good job of making the UFC take notice of his tremendous skills. Utilizing a lengthy reach that prevented Thiago Silva from working his way inside, Gustafsson came out on top in the main event of UFC on FUEL TV 2 in his native country of Sweden.
Now sitting firmly in the Top 10, the young Swede has put together an impressive 6-1 record against hefty competition inside the Octagon.
Not only that, but with the event selling out in only three hours, Gustafsson proved to Zuffa brass that he has drawing power in European markets.
When a fighter produces results in the cage and at the gates, you’d better believe that Joe Silva takes notice. Gustafsson is on the verge of another step up in competition for his next fight. Here is a look at five options for that contest.
Note: Many fans are already calling for Gustafsson to get a title shot or No. 1 contender bout for his next fight. I promise you that neither of those options are on this list. Thiago Silva was unranked at the time of yesterday’s fight, as were all of Gustafsson’s former opponents. Gustafsson may or may not be ready for such an immense challenge, and if you need an example of a prospect that got pushed too far too soon, look no further than Phil Davis and his anemic performance against Rashad Evans earlier this year.