Former UFC Light Heavyweight contender Alexander Gustafsson (10-6 UFC, 18-6 overall) is planning a return to the UFC, according to very prominent sources. The news was reported by Swedish MMA outlet mmanytt.se
According to the source, Gustafsson has been training and will soon plan for his return to the octagon. The anonymous source stated that Gustafsson’s training camp will take place in the US. Gustafsson in the past had been training at Alliance MMA in San Diego for his fights.
All accounts on social media indicate Gustafsson hasn’t stopped training.
“It’s just a matter of time before Alexander Gustafsson returns to the UFC. He’s training hard at the gym. A few things need to be sorted out before a new fight is booked. It’s just a question of when.”
Gustafsson last stepped into the octagon against Anthony Smith at UFC Fight Night 153 in June of 2019. Smith won the fight via rear-naked choke. Following the post-fight interview in the ring, Gustafsson unwrapped his gloves and placed them in the middle of the octagon and announced his retirement ” the show is over guys.”
Gustafsson has fought the best in the light heavyweight division. He holds victories over the likes of Glover Teixeria, Jan Blachowicz, Mauricio Rua and Jimi Manuawa. Gustafsson, however, will be remembered for his epic fights with Jon Jones. Jones vs Gustafsson first fought at UFC 165. In one of the best fights in UFC light heavy title history, Gustafsson and Jones went 5 full round which Jones inched out. Gustafsson became the first man to land a takedown on Jones. The two men had a rematch at UFC 232 where Jones secured 3rd round victory by TKO.
A potential opponent for Gustafsson’s return could be Volkan Oezdemir. Oezdemir has stated his desire to fight either Thiago Santos or Alexander Gustafsson next. Who do you think Gustafsson should fight next?