British light-heavyweight Jimi Manuwa (14-0) will face one of the division’s very top contenders when he meets Alexander Gustafsson (15-2), in the headline attraction of the UFC’s return to London in March.
Announced this evening on Tuesday’s edition of Beyond the Octagon on BT Sport, the bout comes following the withdrawal of injury prone contender Antonio Rogerio Nogueira who was recently announced to be Gustafsson’s opponent, only to pull out soon after.
Sweden’s Gustafsson most recently challenged Jon Jones for the UFC light-heavyweight championship at UFC 165 in September. Jones edged ‘The Mauler’ in a close yet highly debated unanimous decision that many saw going to the Swede. Should Gustafsson best Manuwa in London, he will once again be set to challenge for Jones’ crown.
In contrast, Manuwa (pictured) last competed at UFC Fight Night: Machida vs Munoz, in Manchester on October 26. 3-0 in his UFC career, it’s been a somewhat frustrating start for ‘The Posterboy’ who butchered American Kyle Kingsbury in his UFC debut forcing a doctor stoppage however, the knockout specialist went on to out-strike Cyrille Diabate and most recently Ryan Jimmo, only to be denied a finish with both opponents suffering mid-fight injuries.
Gustafsson vs Manuwa will take place on March 8 at London’s O2 Arena.
Photo: Mark Blundell
