Alexander Gustafsson Vows to Bring Title to Sweden
Alexander Gustafsson Vows to Bring Title to Sweden
Alexander Gustafsson is a man on a mission, and he's pushing himself harder than ever to achieve his dreams. The former two-time UFC light heavyweight title
Alexander Gustafsson is a man on a mission, and he's pushing himself harder than ever to achieve his dreams.
The former two-time UFC light heavyweight title contender is in his home country of Sweden preparing for his return bout against Jan Blachowicz at UFC Hamburg on September 3.
Gustafsson hasn't fought since October at UFC 192, where he was defeated by Daniel Cormier in a five-round thriller that dropped a razor-tight split decision.
[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BI-A34mDVjE/" hide_caption="0"]
Having taken some time out of the game, Gustafsson is now ready to return and has his eyes set on the UFC light heavyweight title.
"My training is going great; it couldn't be better," Gustafsson said. "I'm really looking forward to making my return, but before I can think about that, I have another two weeks of hard training left. I've been pushing myself hard and I can't wait to show everyone the improvements I've made in Hamburg.
"Blachowicz is going to be a tough opponent, and I'm not underestimating him. I'm looking forward to getting back in the cage and proving to everyone I can be the best in the world at 205 pounds."
While this weekend will focus on McGregor versus Diaz, Gustafsson is going to keep a watchful eye over the co-main event between Anthony Johnson and Glover Teixeira. Gustafsson thinks it's going to be a tough fight that either man can win.
"It is a tough fight to call, and I can't pick a winner out of the two as I can see ways to victory for both of them," Gustafsson said. "Rumble can beat anyone in the first round with his power. He hits hard and is really explosive, but we saw that can fade if he goes into the later rounds like he did with DC.
"I'm excited to see what will happen in this fight because if Glover can make it past the first round, then I think anything can happen. If Teixeira stays out of trouble early then he might be able to seize his opportunity later on in the fight. As I said, it's going to be very close, so let's see what happens on Saturday."
Many have built up Teixeira versus Johnson as a number one contender fight for Daniel Cormier's UFC light heavyweight title, but Gustafsson isn't totally convinced that is the case. The Swede believes the UFC will do what they see fit. For now, he is focused on making a winning return in Germany next month.
"The winner of Glover and Johnson could go on to fight DC next for the title, but at the end of the day, it's always the UFC who decide what happens," Gustafsson said. "I'm only focusing on my fight coming up with Jan, and I'm not getting ahead of myself.
"Right now, the only thing I can promise is that I'm going to stay active and be ready for any challenge whenever it is presented to me. My time will come and sooner or later the belt will come home to Sweden with me."
The former two-time UFC light heavyweight title contender is in his home country of Sweden preparing for his return bout against Jan Blachowicz at UFC Hamburg on September 3.
Gustafsson hasn't fought since October at UFC 192, where he was defeated by Daniel Cormier in a five-round thriller that dropped a razor-tight split decision.
[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BI-A34mDVjE/" hide_caption="0"]
Having taken some time out of the game, Gustafsson is now ready to return and has his eyes set on the UFC light heavyweight title.
"My training is going great; it couldn't be better," Gustafsson said. "I'm really looking forward to making my return, but before I can think about that, I have another two weeks of hard training left. I've been pushing myself hard and I can't wait to show everyone the improvements I've made in Hamburg.
"Blachowicz is going to be a tough opponent, and I'm not underestimating him. I'm looking forward to getting back in the cage and proving to everyone I can be the best in the world at 205 pounds."
While this weekend will focus on McGregor versus Diaz, Gustafsson is going to keep a watchful eye over the co-main event between Anthony Johnson and Glover Teixeira. Gustafsson thinks it's going to be a tough fight that either man can win.
"It is a tough fight to call, and I can't pick a winner out of the two as I can see ways to victory for both of them," Gustafsson said. "Rumble can beat anyone in the first round with his power. He hits hard and is really explosive, but we saw that can fade if he goes into the later rounds like he did with DC.
"I'm excited to see what will happen in this fight because if Glover can make it past the first round, then I think anything can happen. If Teixeira stays out of trouble early then he might be able to seize his opportunity later on in the fight. As I said, it's going to be very close, so let's see what happens on Saturday."
Many have built up Teixeira versus Johnson as a number one contender fight for Daniel Cormier's UFC light heavyweight title, but Gustafsson isn't totally convinced that is the case. The Swede believes the UFC will do what they see fit. For now, he is focused on making a winning return in Germany next month.
"The winner of Glover and Johnson could go on to fight DC next for the title, but at the end of the day, it's always the UFC who decide what happens," Gustafsson said. "I'm only focusing on my fight coming up with Jan, and I'm not getting ahead of myself.
"Right now, the only thing I can promise is that I'm going to stay active and be ready for any challenge whenever it is presented to me. My time will come and sooner or later the belt will come home to Sweden with me."