Alexander Gustafsson is interested in taking another step forward in his career with a high-profile matchup with former light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz. Gustafsson’s Tweet on Friday sent to the UFC states “I am ready to replace Franklin against Tito Ortiz. Let me and Tito put on a show for the fans!” fully shows his intentions.
The timing for the fight would work, as both fighters are coming off of the same UFC 133 card in Philadelphia.
Gustafsson showed impressive stand-up skills and ability to avoid take-downs against the established wrestling and TUF veteran Matt Hamill. As The Mauler’s only perceived hole in his game is wrestling, since his sole loss came at the hands of NCAA champion Phil Davis, Ortiz would further show the Swede’s development. The Huntington Beach Bad Boy would be a much bigger name, and a huge step for Gustafsson, that now stands with a record 4 wins and 1 loss in the Octagon.
With expectations that Rich Franklin would face Tito Ortiz, the bout fell apart today. News came out that Franklin will undergo minor surgery on his shoulder that will put him on the sidelines for two to three months, opening Ortiz up to knew opportunities.
Another factor in the potential of the matchup is the UFC’s intent to hold a UFC in Sweden. Pitting Sweden’s rising star against the famed Ortiz would help elevate Gustafsson’s name with even the casual MMA fan, and a win would put the Swede on the map. With a matchup in November or December, this would position the UFC to feature Gustafsson, a potentially 5 win and 1 loss star with an Ortiz victory, on a Stockholm card in March or April.
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