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Five possible GFL matchups for Alexander ”The Mauler” Gustafsson!
Alexander Gustafsson. Photo: Johnathon Michael-Frontkick.online
After an illustrious 15-year career with the UFC, Swedish MMA legend Alexander ”The Mauler” Gustafsson is officially parting ways with the organization. He will go to the Global Fight League (GFL), and most likely make his debut in 2025.
GFL is on a mission to revolutionize combat sports with a global, team-based league that will share 50% of event revenue with fighters, and signed a bunch of well-known athletes to their roster.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the potential GFL opponents for Alexander Gustafsson!
Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold. Photo via YouTube
- Age: 40
- Nationality: American
- Record: 16-6
- Past promotions: UFC, Karate Combat
- Notable wins: Chris Weidman, Lyoto Machida, Michael Bisping
Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold could be a very interesting opponent for the Swede. Rockhold fought as a light heavyweight as well and faced Jan Blachowicz in 2019. It’s not possible that the American will compete at 205 lbs in the GFL.
Thiago Santos
PFL fighter Thiago Santos. Photo via Instagram (@tmarretamma)
- Age: 40
- Nationality: Brasilian
- Record: 22-13-1
- Past promotions: UFC, PFL
- Notable wins: Jan Blachowicz, Jimi Manuwa
Former UFC title challenger Thiago Santos is another highly interesting matchup to do. Even though Santos had a tough time in both UFC and PFL he’s still a great fighter with devastating power.
Rafael Carvalho
Photo via Instagram (@rafaelcarvalhodesouza)
- Age: 38
- Nationality: Brasilian
- Record: 16-7
- Past promotions: Bellator,
- Notable wins: Melvin Manhoef, Alessio Sakara
Former Bellator middleweight champion Rafael Carvalho is a potential matchip for ”The Mauler”. After defending his strap three times he lost the strap to Gegard Mousasi and faced a couple of tough years as a MMA fighter.
In November last year he won the vacant Centurion light heavyweight title.
Emiliano Sordi
Emiliano Sordi. Photo via Instagram (@emiliano.sordi)
- Age: 33
- Nationality: Argentinian
- Record: 23-10
- Past promotions: UAE Warriors, PFL, Bellator
- Notable wins: Jordan Johnson
A veteran of both DWCS and Bellator, Emiliano Sordi claimed the PFL Light Heavyweight Championship in 2019 with a string of impressive performances. Since his championship run, he has competed across multiple promotions, experiencing varied levels of success.
Cleiton Silva
Cleiton Silva. Photo via Instagram (@predadorcleiton)
- Age: 40
- Nationality: Brasilian
- Record: 16-4
- Past promotions: BRAVE CF, PFL Europe
- Notable wins: Leonardo Mafra
Brasilian light heavyweight Cleiton Silva is a dangerous finisher with 12 out of his 16 wins coming via stoppage. He competed in promotions like BRAVE CF and PFL Europe and could be the next opponent for Alexander Gustafsson.
This is Alexander Gustafsson
Alexander Gustafsson. Photo: Johnathon Michael-Frontkick.online
- Age: 37
- Record: 18-7
- Nationality: Swedish
- Past promotions: UFC, Superior Challenge
- Notable wins: Glover Teixeira, Jan Blachowicz, Mauricio Rua
Widely considered to be the best UFC light heavyweight to never win a title. His first title bout against Jon Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest fights in MMA history.
During his long career he faced notable opponents like Daniel Cormier, Jan Blachowicz, Glover Teixeira, and Anthony ”Rumble” Johnson.
Gustafsson is the most important MMA fighter ever coming out of Sweden and was the face of Nordic MMA for many years.