What’s Next For Alexander Gustafsson?

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Another weekend of fisticuffs has come and gone as UFC on ESPN 14 blew the roof off Flash Forum last Sat. night (July 25, 2020) on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The “Whittaker vs. Till” event marked the final “Fight Island” card until at least September.

Plenty of fighters were left licking their wounds, including Darren Till, who was outscored by Robert Whittaker in the main event (highlights). And Antonio Rogerio Noguiera, who will leave the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) on a loss, having never beaten Mauricio Rua in three separate attempts.

But which fighter is suffering from the worst post-fight hangover, now a few days removed from the show?

Alexander Gustafsson.

In a not-so-surprising announcement, Gustafsson revealed earlier this year that he would be mounting a comeback after calling it quits in June 2019. What did catch most fans by surprise was the news that “The Mauler” would be returning at Heavyweight.

It was a good decision at the time, as Gustafsson is one of the bigger fighters competing at 205 pounds, and since he was coming off two straight defeats, a trip north offered him a chance to get a new lease on his combat sports life.

Unfortunately for the Swedish superstar, his heavyweight debut proved to be a disastrous one after he was submitted by former division champion, Fabricio Werdum, in the very first round (see the highlights here).

Gustafsson’s best bet was to keep the fight on the feet, but once Werdum took the action to the mat, it was simply a matter of time before “Vai Cavalo” put his world-class jiu-jitsu skills to work. And that’s just what he did after latching on to a fight-ending armbar midway though the opening frame.

The loss marked the third straight for Gustafsson.

“It sucks to lose but I’m alive and healthy,” the towering Swede wrote on Twitter. “It’s a sport, a sport that I love! Thanks Werdum for a great fight and the UFC for the opportunity! Now let’s celebrate my brother and teammate kamza borz!!! He’s coming for everyone, be ready.”

In my eyes, Gustafsson is still a world-class talent who can string together a couple of big wins in a hurry. The question is, will he be motivated enough to try it after yet another high-profile defeat?

“The Mauler” retired after losing to Anthony Smith and with a quick loss in his first fight back, there is no telling where his head space is at. He can always go back down to Light Heavyweight where he enjoys a size and strength advantage, but I would prefer to see him hang around in the 265-pound division.

Werdum is about to bolt, as is Daniel Cormier, which means there’s an opportunity for Gustafsson to make some moves and insert himself into the Top 10 with a few quality wins. The problem is, I don’t see him taking just any random fight at this point in his career, and he didn’t prove he deserves a Top 15 opponent his next time out.

That’s why a fight against Tai Tuivasa seems fitting. “Bam Bam” has a rather good following, so it’s an easy fight to promote. Plus, Tuivasa is on a bit of a slump himself so both combatants are hungry for a win.

Objections?

For complete UFC on ESPN 14: “Whittaker vs. Till” results and play-by-play, click HERE!