Some of the most epic moments in Swedish combat sports history!

3. Alexander Gustafsson vs. Jon Jones 1, 2013

Alexander Gustafsson and Jon Jones. Photo: Tom Szczerbowski – USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 UFC light heavyweight title fight between Alexander Gustafsson and Jon Jones marks a before and after moment for how Swedish people viewed the sport of MMA.

When Alex stepped into the cage, very few expected that he would give Jones the hardest fight to this day. Over five tough and bloody rounds, Gustafsson gave the champion all kinds of hell as he battered and cut Jones in a way that no fighter has done before or after.

And even if he didn’t win the fight on the scorecards, the impact it had on Swedish MMA is unmeasurable.

When Gustafsson left the cage, he might have lost the razor-thin fight, but he had won the hearts of MMA fans all over the world – as well as the Swedish public in general.

”The Mauler” became a household name in a country where MMA was considered something for thugs. His fame reached well beyond the borders of combat sport, and opened doors for each and every fighter that is part of Swedish MMA today.