by King Hazard
Alexander Gustafsson’s time in the UFC has come to an end. That’s right! The Swedish mixed martial artist confirmed retirement during the post-fight press conference for UFC Stockholm.
As many of you know, “The Mauler” took on Anthony Smith last night in Stockholm, but lost in the fourth round by rear-naked choke. Soon after the fight was over, Gustafsson removed his gloves, dropped them to the canvas and declared “the show is over” before walking out of the six sided cage.
While he was questioned in the post-fight presser, the media wanted to know whether it was just emotions on display or whether it was truly the last time we see “The Mauler” inside the famous Octagon.
Gustafsson said,
I’m feeling that it’s pretty much a done deal. If you don’t feel you have it in you anymore then it is what it is. I had three title fights and, like I said, it’s been a great journey. This is it.
He later added,
I feel like I don’t do this for money or because of anything else, I do this because I want to be the best and beat the best and if I can’t do that then it is what it is. I lost to Jon and that was the third title fight and I felt like because I got a little bit of an injury in that fight and I didn’t get to show my capacity. So I had some hope in me still and I felt this Anthony Smith fight would be a great comeback and start climbing again. But now I lose to Anthony too. It feels like I don’t have it in me anymore. It’s like a confirmation to myself because I lost my three title fights.
Gustafsson (18-6) ends his time in the UFC with a record of 10-6, which includes stoppage wins over Glover Teixeira, Jimi Manuwa and Matt Hamill as well as decisions over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Thiago Silva and Jan Blachowicz.
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