Alexander Gustafsson vs. Jimi Manuwa: Twitter Reacts to Main Event

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Alexander Gustafsson has earned his second shot at the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship with his second-round TKO victory over Jimi Manuwa.

He took Manuwa down in the first round and immediately started looking for a submission, but the Brit showcased solid defensive grappling. It was a clear round for Gustafsson, but Manuwa showed he can hold his own on the mat.

The former title contender proved why he is the No. 1-ranked contender in the second frame. He blasted Manuwa in the face with a knee and followed up with a barrage of punches. The referee was forced to stop the action.

Manuwa, ranked No. 11, will go back to the drawing board after getting brutalized by the guy at the top of the food chain. The fight was a great opportunity, but he was not able to capitalize. If nothing else, this provided Manuwa with a great learning experience.

The focus will now switch to Jon Jones vs. Glover Teixeira. Just whom will Gustafsson face?

After such a performance, one can imagine how the world of social media responded. Let's take a look at Twitter's reaction to UFC Fight Night 37's main event.

Pre-Fight

Huge amount of support for Gustafsson behind me right now. Swedish flags all over.

- Steven Rondina (@srondina) March 8, 2014

Manuwa wins the battle of the cheers.

- Steven Rondina (@srondina) March 8, 2014

Main event time. Manuwa vs. Gustafsson. Curious to see how Gus responds from the 165 heartbreak and how Manuwa fairs on the big stage.

- Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 8, 2014 Round 1

After a short time on the feet, Gustafsson scored a takedown. He searched for a kimura but was unable to get Manuwa's arm. The Brit battled out of it and managed to stand to finish the round. It was a clear 10-9 for the No. 1-ranked light heavyweight.

The Swedish crowd is chanting 'punch him in the jaw', according to my Swedish neighbor in the media seats.

- Steven Rondina (@srondina) March 8, 2014

10-9 Gus. Impressed with Manuwa though early on here.

- TJ De Santis (@TJDeSantis) March 8, 2014 Round 2

One minute, 18 seconds into the second frame, and it was over. Gustafsson landed a strong knee with Manuwa against the fence and pelted him with punches until the referee intervened. A jubilant Gustafsson celebrated the all-important victory.

Gustaffson is BEAST!!!!!!!!!!!

- Dana White (@danawhite) March 8, 2014

Excellent knockout by Gustafsson. Staggered him with the knee, didn't stop.

- Steven Rondina (@srondina) March 8, 2014

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! The Maulerrrr!!!!!!

- UFC (@ufc) March 8, 2014 Post-Fight

OK, Gustafsson's front flip looked like the kinda shit I do on the living room floor for lulz, but that knee + hockey fight punches were A+.

- Jordan Breen (@jordanbreen) March 8, 2014

There you have it! The #1 contender in the world defeated a non top 10 fighter on an internet stream.

- FrontRowBrian (@FrontRowBrian) March 8, 2014

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! The Maulerrrr!!!!!!

- UFC (@ufc) March 8, 2014

Gustafsson wins via 2nd round TKO and then celebrates like a man who knows he has a date with destiny. Did what he needed to do.

- Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 8, 2014

'I want my title shot. Whenever you want!'

- Alexander Gustafsson (@AlexTheMauler) March 8, 2014