SUMMARY
- Alexander Gustafsson has faced an array of legends and former champions, including the likes of Daniel Cormier, Jan Bachowicz, and Glover Teixeira.
- In a recent interview with Frontkick online the UFC Fighter shared his training update and plans for return to the Octagon.
UFC Hall of Famer and one of the most beloved mixed martial artists, Alexander Gustafsson, is back in training. Gustafsson has given the MMA community many memorable moments to cherish. He is also known to many as the fighter who came closest to dethroning UFC GOAT Jon Jones in his prime at UFC 165, also considered one of the greatest title matches.
Although the fight ended in a controversial decision win for Jones, many still believe it could have gone in favor of the Swedish UFC fighter. The bout was awarded Fight of the Night as well as Fight of the Year in 2013. Alexander Gustafsson has faced an array of legends and former champions, including the likes of Daniel Cormier, Jan Bachowicz, and Glover Teixeira.
In a recent interview with Frontkick online the UFC fighter shared his training update and plans for his return to the Octagon. He shared, “I don’t think about the competing part so much if it comes it comes, so it’s, so yeah time will tell, focus, focusing on myself to like I said to get back in shape and also try to, I think yeah I love this game I love to train I love to be around the guys”.
This indicated Alexander Gustafsson’s love for the game and his team, as well as his mindset being more Zen. Working on himself, he shared, gives him satisfaction and shows how fighting has been a part of his life for a long time. Gustafsson also stated how high-level training partners helped him improve his conditioning and skill level through sparring and gym sessions.
Alexander Gustafsson shares plans for UFC return
In the same interview, Alexander Gustafsson shares his plans for a UFC return. When asked on his return, he said, “If a fight will be on the table, let’s talk about that and let’s see what’s, how it feels and yeah take it from there basically, yeah I got a contract from UFC, been with UFC since 2009 so it’s been a while. I’m still in the business”. The UFC has yet to offer a fight that interests the Swedish fighter, who is open to discussion about his return.
Alexander Gustafsson back to training, not opposed to #UFC return: ‘Time will tell’ https://t.co/LofAQuqDv7 pic.twitter.com/vXuy6h989S
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 7, 2024
Gustafsson last stepped in the octagon against UFC Light Heavyweight Nikita Krylov at UFC Fight Night 208. He faced a devasting loss through a first-round KO. The Swedish has found it difficult to bounce back after his rematch loss against Jon Jones for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 232 and since is on a four-fight losing streak.
Alexander Gustafsson even went up a weight class, facing former Heavyweight Champion Fabrício Werdum at the UFC on ESPN 14. This decision didn’t go well for Gustafsson, who faced a dominant loss via first-round submission. UFC fighters such as former UFC Double Champion Daniel Cormier have suggested Alexander hang his gloves and call for retirement.
The 36-year-old claimed to be back in training mode for his conditioning and fun rather than preparing for an upcoming fight. He found it to be a way of life and a love for the sport and the environment shared with fellow training fighters. The Swedish fighter further stated that he was still under a UFC contract and willing to step into the Octagon again if felt right.