UFC star The Mauler visits Manila on Sunday

MANILA, Philippines – UFC’s rising star Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson, who gave light heavyweight champion Jon Jones the toughest fight of his career, is set to visit the country this weekend.

Dubbed as “The Mauler Takes Over Alexander Gustafsson in Manila UFC Tour, the 6-5 Swede fighter is scheduled to hold an open training on Sunday (November 10) starting at 2:30 p.m. in Trinoma Activity Center.

Gustafsson nearly beat Jones at UFC 165 when he took down the champion for the first time. But Jones was too proud to get beaten by the underdog essaying a come-from-behind victory via unanimous decision.

Jones, who was later sent to the hospital after the fight, acknowledged that it was the hardest fight of his career.

The 26-year old Gustafsson owns a record of 15 wins, nine via knockouts, against only two losses. He is originally scheduled to fight Antonio Nogueira on March 8 next year at UFC London but the latter backed out due to injury.

UFC announced on Wednesday that the undefeated Jimi Manuwa will take Nogueira’s place.

Gustafsson joins the long list of UFC stars which includes Hall of Famer Chuck Lidell, George St. Pierre, BJ Penn and most recently Fil-Am Mark Munoz, who were brought here by Balls, the home channel of UFC in the country.