Gustafsson holds open workout

SWEDISH striker Alexander Gustafsson is in town to share a few valuable tricks to Filipino fighters who wish to contend on the world stage.

Coming off an explosive performance in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Gustafsson will show off the stuff that nearly earned him the UFC light heavyweight crown in an open workout tomorrow at Trinoma in Quezon City.

Gustafsson faced UFC light heavy champion Jon Jones last Sept. 21 and lost a close unanimous decision that MMA pundits considered the greatest light heavy title fight of all time.

“I’m looking forward for a rematch and next time I will do the thing that I do best, which is boxing,” said the 26-year-old former Swedish amateur boxing champion yesterday in a press conference.

Gustafsson didn’t get his wish as the UFC decided to pit him against British slugger Jimi Manuwa in March next year at London’s O2 Arena.

“He’s (Manuwa) strong, but I believe I’m better. I’m faster and I move a lot,” said the 6-foot-5 mauler who has a fight record of 15 wins in 17 fights, nine of them by knockout.

On a three-day tour facilitated by Balls Channel, Gustafsson of San Diego-based Alliance MMA will also have boxing clinics today at Fitness First gym in Makati and Ortigas.