Top UFC light heavyweight contender Alexander Gustafsson spent a weekend in Manila for a busy press tour, which culminated with an open-workout at the Trinoma Activity Center in Quezon City, Philippines. Much like similar events done in the country through the years with UFC stars such as Georges St. Pierre, B.J. Penn, Chuck Liddell and Mark Munoz, "The Mauler" also drew thousands of Filipino fight fans for a simple public workout and demonstration.
BloodyElbow.com was on deck at the Trinoma Activity Center for the event, and shown above are photos by Paolo Tabuena.
On the same week where one of the largest super typhoons in history ravaged the Visayan provinces in the country, fans still came in droves, and the Swede was quick to acknowledge the devastation done. The event, dubbed as "The Mauler Takes Over" also sold every shirt they had in stock, with all proceeds going to the victims of the calamity.
"This is my first time in Asia. I love it here," Gustafsson exclaimed, "All my thoughts are with the people in the Visayas, who suffered from the super typhoon Yolanda."
Following the public workout, Gustafsson went to the crowd as he took pictures and signed autographs for as many fans as he could accommodate. The country has always been crazy about combat sports, and the UFC is rumored to be planning a 2014 event in Manila, with the promotion already starting to pick up available talent from the region.
After losing a razor split decision to Jon Jones, Gustafsson is set to take on unbeaten prospect, Jimi Manuwa on March.
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