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Former Title Challenger Alexander Gustafsson Provides Update On His UFC Future: 'If A Fight Will Be On The Table...'

Originally posted on MMA News | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated 1/8/24

Former three-time UFC light heavyweight title challenger Alexander Gustafsson could find himself back in the cage after returning to gym activity at the Allstars Training Center in Stockholm, Sweden.

Gustafsson is widely regarded as one of the best to have never held gold on mixed martial arts' biggest stage. That wasn't without trying, with "The Mauler" earning three opportunities at the belt.

But after Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier stalled his ambitions in 2013 and 2015, respectively, the Swedish standout fell to defeat again in a rematch against "Bones" for the vacant strap in 2018.

Since then, it's been all downhill for Gustafsson. After a submission loss to Anthony Smith that led to a short-lived retirement and a quick defeat to Fabrício Werdum up at heavyweight, the 36-year-old was brutally knocked out by Nikita Krylov at the London-held UFC Fight Night in July 2022.

While the manner of that result left many calling for Gustafsson to hang up his gloves, it appears that "The Mauler" thinks he has more left in the tank.

Gustafsson Open To UFC Return For The Right Fight

A recent interview with Frontkick.online detailed Gustafsson's return to the mats at his longtime gym, Allstars Training Center.

While being interviewed, "The Mauler" outlined his goals for the new year, stating that he's focused on getting back into shape rather than making a return to active competition.

However, if the UFC was to place a fight on his table, Gustafsson confirmed he would consider a comeback.

"I’m going to be here much more now and focus a little bit on myself and my own training and mainly get back in shape. I don’t think about the competing part so much. If it comes, it comes, so time will tell," Gustafsson said. "I’m focusing on myself and getting back in shape, and also I love this game. I love to train and be around the guys and do some grappling, do some wrestling, hit some pads and do some light sparring. I’ve been doing this my whole career, so I’m glad to be back and do what I love to do.

"If a fight is on the table, let’s talk about that and see how it feels and take it from there," Gustafsson continued. "I have the contract with the UFC. I have been with the UFC since 2009, so it’s been a while. I’m still in the business. I’m still under contract. If I fight, it would be in the UFC."

Prior to his current four-fight losing skid, Gustafsson defeated a pair of then-future champions in Glover Teixeira and Jan Błachowicz, knocking the former out in brutal fashion.

He could look to add a similar result to his record this year, securing a better memory for the back-end of his MMA career in the process.

This article first appeared on MMA News and was syndicated with permission.

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