UFC
Alexander Gustafsson not underestimating Jimi Manuwa into UFC Fight Night 37
Mar 4, 2014 - 2:40:44 PM Alexander Gustafsson not underestimating Jimi Manuwa into UFC Fight Night 37

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

"It was tough in the beginning to stop thinking about the fight with Jon, but when I knew I was fighting Jimi, I realized I needed to take him very serious. I stopped thinking about the title and started thinking about my immediate future and my next challenge. He's very dangerous, and I think people are underestimating him a little bit. I don't. I know exactly how dangerous this guy is. He's just sneaking around under the radar and waiting to strike. He's a very good, dangerous fighter. I am ready. I've done my homework, and I have to be 100 percent in the fight. He's going to throw some bombs. We all know that. He's a very heavy hitter with his punches, his kicks and his knees. He's very good with his striking. But wherever the fight ends up, I'm going to have an answer."

-UFC Fight Night 37's Alexander Gustafsson talks to USA Today about turning his focus from his close title fight with Jon Jones to the matchup he's got in London this weekend with Jimi Manuwa.

Penick's Analysis: Gustafsson can't afford to overlook Manuwa here with what's at stake for him. A win gets him another shot at the UFC Light Heavyweight Title, likely against Jon Jones, and an upset loss would take that rematch away for quite some time. I don't expect him to slip up here; he's an elite talent, and while Manuwa can certainly be dangerous, it's not as if Gustafsson's never faced a dangerous opponent in his career. It would be quite surprising if Manuwa pulls this win off on Saturday, and if Gustafsson does what he should, he'll get the shot he wants later this year.