Anthony Johnson put away Alexander Gustafsson with first-round punches in the UFC on Fox 14 headliner on Saturday at the Tele2 Arena in Stockholm, shocking nearly 30,000 Swedes in attendance. Gustafsson succumbed to an accumulation of blows 2:15 into round one, the decisive victory leaving “Rumble” as the No. 1 contender for Jon Jones and the Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight crown.
Gustafsson (16-3, 8-3 UFC) could not keep the Blackzilians brute at bay. Johnson clipped the Swede with an overhand right that dropped him to a knee and then swarmed with crippling follow-up shots. He never afforded Gustafsson the opportunity to breathe, as he ripped into him with punches that ultimately drove him to all fours. From there, he let loose with further punishment. Referee Marc Goddard gave “The Mauler” every chance to recover, but one last right hand from Johnson snuck under Gustafsson’s armpit, snapped his head upward and led to the stoppage.
Johnson (19-4, 10-4 UFC) has rattled off nine consecutive wins.
