ABU DHABI – Alexander Gustafsson has zero doubts about his return to MMA.
Gustafsson (18-6 MMA, 10-6 UFC), who retired in June 2019 after suffering a fourth-round submission loss to Anthony Smith, admits he reacted out of “heartbreak” and emotion.
It didn’t take long for him to get his itch back, and just over a year after walking away from the sport, he will be making his heavyweight debut when he takes on Fabricio Werdum (23-9-1 MMA, 11-6 UFC) on Saturday at UFC on ESPN 14, which takes place at Flash Forum at Yas Island and airs on ESPN.
The former three-time UFC light heavyweight title challenger doesn’t know if heavyweight is a permanent move but said he will take things fight by fight. If he finds success in his new weight class, then he’d certainly be open to a title shot.
“My focus is on my opponent, no matter who it is,” Gustafsson told reporters, including MMA Junkie, on Tuesday at UFC on ESPN 14 media day. “Now I’m fighting Werdum, so that’s all I’m thinking of right now, but when I beat Werdum, I’ll take another fight, and let’s see what happens. Maybe I go down to light heavyweight. Let’s see what happens, but right now I’m feeling really good to be in heavyweight, and I never felt this fresh for a long time.
“I feel really good, and I’m just ready to go. I beat Werdum on Saturday, and I have a couple of fights behind me at heavyweight and they give me the shot, I’m not going to say no, of course, but one day at a time.”
Gustafsson says he’s already experiencing a big difference in practice without having to cut the weight that was required for him to make 205 pounds and expects it to pay dividends when he faces former UFC heavyweight champion Werdum.
“My speed (will be key),” Gustafsson said. “I basically took everything from the light heavyweight division to heavyweight now, and I feel so much stronger. I perform better now than I did as a light heavyweight in my training camps, so I feel strong. I feel fast. I’m ready.”
He continued, “I want to be active. I’m here to stay. I’m not going anywhere, so let’s see what happens.”
UFC on ESPN 14: Alexander Gustafsson unsure if future at heavyweight but is 'here to stay'
