Alexander Gustafsson’s future in the UFC could involve moving up a weight class.
The third time was not the charm for Alexander Gustafsson, as the Swede’s latest bid to become UFC light heavyweight champion ended in a third-round TKO loss to Jon Jones in the UFC 232 main event. He was agonizingly close to beating both Jones and Daniel Cormier in his previous two title fights, but this one was pretty firmly in Jon’s favor, with Jones up 20-18 on all scorecards at the time of the stoppage.
Speaking with the media at the post-fight press conference, Gustafsson was asked about potentially moving up a weight class, and admitted that it is a possibility.
“Yeah, of course,” Gustafsson said (via MMAjunkie). “The heavyweight division is also an alternative. I’m here to fight, either if it’s at light heavy or heavy. I have to talk to my coaches and see what’s next.”
Gustafsson (18-5) has never competed at heavyweight before, although he had a 209 lbs catchweight on the regional scene several years ago. He is still clearly one of the best light heavyweights in the world, but it’s not like it’d be incredibly difficult for the 31-year-old to find himself in the top-15 at heavyweight with 1-2 wins.
If he chooses to stay at 205 lbs, then there are certainly rising contenders like Dominick Reyes and Anthony Smith as potential opponents for him.