Alexander Gustafsson
Active 2009–present · rated in 4 editions · peak overall 87.0
Scouting report
Length, boxing footwork, and fluid combinations allowed Alexander "The Mauler" Gustafsson to push prime Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier to close decisions in two of the most competitive title fights in UFC history. Hailing from Arboga, Sweden, Gustafsson headlined cards with stoppage wins over Glover Teixeira and Jan Blachowicz, his boxing reflected in a 90 Boxing rating and 85 Kickboxing.
Peak ratings
By edition
Gustafsson established himself as a title challenger across 2012 and 2013, defeating Thiago Silva in Stockholm and former champion Mauricio Rua in Seattle, before pushing pound-for-pound king Jon Jones across five rounds in a 2013 Fight of the Year at UFC 165 in Toronto. His footwork, boxing angles, and takedown defense are reflected in an 89 Boxing and 90 Cardio.
In 2014 and 2015, Gustafsson knocked out Jimi Manuwa in London, lost by first-round TKO to Anthony Johnson in Stockholm, and engaged Daniel Cormier in a five-round title fight at UFC 192 in Houston, losing a split decision. His combinations and wrestling defense anchor his 90 Boxing and 87 Fight IQ.
Gustafsson put together dominant light heavyweight performances across 2016 and 2017, defeating Jan Blachowicz in Hamburg and knocking out Glover Teixeira in the fifth round in Stockholm. His straight boxing combinations, lateral footwork, and wrestling defense justify his 91 Boxing and 90 Cardio.
Gustafsson challenged Jon Jones for the vacant light heavyweight belt in their December 2018 rematch at UFC 232 in Los Angeles, dropping a third-round TKO defeat, before suffering a fourth-round submission loss to Anthony Smith in Stockholm in June 2019. His volume boxing, reach management, and defensive wrestling are captured in his 89 Boxing and 85 Wrestling.
Alexander Gustafsson and the 6'5" boxer who nearly won the belt
Alexander Gustafsson stood 6'5" and threw clean boxing from a Swedish base. His first title fight with Jon Jones is remembered as one of the closest the champion ever had, and many watching thought he had done enough. He also beat Glover Teixeira with a knockout. He is a smart pick if you need reach and speed.
Gustafsson's eight ratings
Boxing. His top tool. A long jab, a quick straight, and good footwork let him hit and move.
Kickboxing. Solid. He uses kicks to change levels but his boxing does most of the work.
Wrestling. Good, and better than his lean frame suggests. He can defend takedowns and reverse position.
BJJ. The lowest of his numbers. He is comfortable in scrambles but not a submission hunter.
Strength. Good for the weight class, though not overwhelming.
Durability. He can absorb hard shots. He has also been stopped, so the chin is not perfect.
Cardio. Very good. His pace and footwork were still there late in the Jones fight.
Fight IQ. Smart in a fight, with strong adjustments between rounds.
Boxing with a reach advantage
Gustafsson's jab lands from outside, and his hands arrive before opponents can start their own. The reach makes it a safe way to win rounds. If your build needs a striker who scores steadily, this is the trait.
Not a submission threat: BJJ
His grappling is capable but not what he wins with. Against a top submission specialist, the risk rises once a scramble ends up on the mat. Choose teammates who cover ground work.
Keep exploring
Closest light heavyweight profiles to Alexander Gustafsson, measured by how near their peak attribute ratings sit across all eight categories.
- Aleksandar Rakicbest strength 89 · weakest bjj 78
- Dominick Reyesbest boxing 90 · weakest bjj 74
- Rashad Evansbest wrestling 90 · weakest bjj 80
- Jiri Prochazkabest boxing 92 · weakest bjj 80
- Light Heavyweight division guide: how the whole division rates and who to draft from it.
- Grappling vs striking in the draft: a guide that fits Alexander Gustafsson's strongest attribute, Boxing.
Draft Alexander Gustafsson into your build
Alexander Gustafsson enters the pool on any spin landing on light heavyweight between 2010 and 2019. Spin, draft eight attributes, then simulate 25 fights.
Ratings shown are my own estimates, made with AI assistance and informed by how Alexander Gustafsson is regarded by the MMA community. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Alexander Gustafsson's real-world abilities. How the ratings are made. See the disclaimer below. Ratings and write-ups by Haaris A. Last reviewed 2026-09-30; spot an error? Tell us. Read our editorial standards.