5 greatest UFC fighters never to hold a title in the promotion

#4 Alexander Gustafsson

Slightly different circumstances would've seen Alexander Gustafsson crowned UFC Light-Heavyweight champion

The UFC’s first real Swedish superstar, Alexander Gustafsson retired last year after a loss to Anthony Smith, but had circumstances been slightly different – basically, had a couple of razor-close decisions gone his way – ‘The Mauler’ could well be recognised as perhaps the greatest UFC Light-Heavyweight champion of all time right now.

After putting together a 7-1 record after debuting in the UFC in 2009, including a big win over former UFC champion Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua, Gustafsson was handed a title shot against longtime champion Jon Jones at UFC 165, with ‘Bones’ looking for his 6th successful defense.

Nobody really gave the Swede a chance – but incredibly, he took the fight to the champion like no other had done, and it was only a late rally by Jones that allowed him to squeak out a decision. Many fans in fact had Gustafsson winning the fight.

Two years later, ‘The Mauler’ was handed a case of déjà vu; after a loss to top contender Anthony Johnson, he was awarded a surprising title shot against new champion Daniel Cormier, who had claimed the title when Jones was stripped following a hit-and-run incident.

Once again, Gustafsson gave an incredible effort, hurting ‘DC’ on numerous occasions – but despite many fans expecting to see his hand raised, the judges thought otherwise and awarded Cormier a split decision win.

A third title shot wasn’t quite as close; the Swede fought Jones for a second time with the vacant UFC Light-Heavyweight title on the line – but came up painfully short when ‘Bones’ finished him off in the third round by TKO.

Forgetting that loss for a second though, Gustafsson’s career is one defined by his two sliding doors moments – moments where he could’ve become a champion had things been slightly different.