Gustafsson vs. Mousasi Bout Official | UFC News

Top Light-heavyweight contender Alexander ‘The Mauler’ Gustafsson has signed up to fight a new addition from the Strikeforce roster in long-time top 205-pounder, Gegard Mousasi. The fight will take place in Gustafsson’s home country of Sweden on April 6th, at the Ericsson Globe Arena.

For Gustafsson, he comes off of a great 2012 that saw him defeat Mauricio Rua in early December and Thiago Silva in his home country back in April. The 26-year old Swede will be looking for a statement win to cement his place at the top of a very stacked division, in hopes for a title shot in late 2013.

Mousasi, 28, won’t be receiving any favors in his Octagon debut as his first test will be overcoming potential Octagon jitters while also defeating a top-5 Light-heavyweight contender in the process. No easy task for anyone, but Mousasi (and his fans alike) have waited along time for the Armenian to make his UFC debut to compete with the best fighters in the world. Now, Mousasi has his chance and with a win over Gustafsson, can easily cut the line to a title shot later this year.

As for the Ericsson Globe Arena, it previously hosted the UFC’s last trip to Sweden back in April when Gustafsson headlined UFC on Fuel TV. That event broke sports events records for the arena and sold out in about three hours.

The UFC released a statement from Executive Vice President, Garry Cook on the success of Swedish events.

“Sweden is an incredible market for the UFC and we’re excited to once again bring a major UFC card to the Ericsson Globe Arena,” Garry Cook, UFC Executive Vice President and Managing Director EMEA, said. “Alexander Gustafsson is a big star in Sweden and has quickly grown in popularity worldwide thanks to his success in the Octagon. We know the fans in Sweden will make the Ericsson Globe Arena an absolutely electric atmosphere as he takes on the very talented Gegard Mousasi on April 6.”

Tickets will go on sale February 9th to the public and February 7th for Fight Club Members.

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