Title bouts and beautiful knockouts: Here are the most memorable Mauler-moments ever!

First title fight against Jon Jones

Alexander Gustafsson and Jon Jones in their legendary title bout at UFC 165. Photo: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

After eight wins in nine UFC fights, Gustafsson earned a title shot and faced light heavyweight champion Jon Jones in September 2013.

”Mauler” was considered a huge underdog coming into the fight, but turned out to be a way bigger challenge for the champion than any previous contender. Alex took Jones down for the first time in his career, used a stiff jab and great footwork to pick the champ apart, and gave him a bad cut above the right eye.

In the end, Jones won the fight via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46), but many fans and experts felt that Gustafsson was robbed of the title. After the fight, ”Bones” said that the Swede was the hardest fight of his career.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ESPN MMA (@espnmma)

They were both awarded the ”Fight of the Night” bonus and the bout was later named ”Fight of the Year” by World MMA Awards. Gustafsson also won the prize for ”2013 International Fighter of the Year”.

”I’d say Alexander Gustafsson was my toughest opponent,” Jones said years afterwards.

The fight is widely considered to be the greatest light heavyweight title bout of all time, and was inducted to UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing.