UFC
Jimi Manuwa believes he's going to be the first U.K. fighter to win a UFC Title
Nov 9, 2013 - 11:55:28 AM Jimi Manuwa believes he's going to be the first U.K. fighter to win a UFC Title

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Next March in London, Jimi Manuwa's getting the biggest opportunity of his career when he takes on Alexander Gustafsson. Manuwa sees the one-time title challenger as the second best fighter in the division, and believes it's a potential springboard for him into the title picture.

"Other than Jones, he's the best in the world. Alex did a great job and came close," Manuwa said of Gustafsson's UFC 165 performance in an interview with SkySports.com.

"I see myself as up-and-coming, my record speaks for itself. I may not have fought the best on paper but I've destroyed everyone in front of me. I'm up there with the best."

Manuwa's extremely confident in what he can do in the cage, and believes he's going to be the first fighter out of the U.K. to reach the top of their respective division.

"I will be the first Brit to win a UFC belt. I've been saying that since I started training," he said. "I'm fighting Alex next and if I beat him I'm one or two fights away from the belt.

"Last time I fought in Wembley it was great. Manchester was crazy. I'm thinking that London will raise the roof. Nothing can stop me. I always said I'll be the first British champion."

Penick's Analysis: Manuwa's got a lot of power, and is a very dangerous fighter on the feet. He's got some holes in his game that some at the top may be able to exploit, and most will expect Gustafsson to do just that. However, if Manuwa does find a way to pull off the upset, he'll move himself into that title picture and give himself a chance to follow through on his thoughts here.