UFC Stockholm results: Smith taps Gustafsson, who appears to retire

Anthony Smith impressively submitted Alexander Gustafsson in the UFC Stockholm main event.

The UFC Stockholm event just concluded with the company’s #4 ranked light heavyweight Anthony Smith choking out the #2 ranked Alexander Gustafsson in the fourth round. Not only does Smith find himself back in the win column after falling short in his title fight with Jon Jones, but he also solidifies himself as one of the elites at 205-pounds. This is the first time that Gustafsson has been submitted since his match with Phil Davis back in 2010. In his post-fight interview, Gustafsson left his gloves in the Octagon, an indicator that he’s decided to retire.

Smith took the center of the Octagon as Gustafsson played the outside. Gustafsson checked the kick attempts of his foe, causing a cut to the shin. Smith appeared a bit more comfortable with throwing the volume. Gustafsson seemed to be more patient and defensive. The second-round looked a lot like the first. Gustafsson was working his leg kicks while Smith was getting aggressive with his hands. Gustafsson got going in the third round, throwing and landing more volume. He even hurt Smith with a body kick towards the end of the round, and used the moment to find top position.

Just when it looked as if Gustafsson was finding his groove, a botched takedown led to Smith taking top position. Smith took the back, and controlled the position until the neck of Gustafsson was exposed. He locked up the rear-naked choke to secure the win.

Main card:

Anthony Smith def. Alexander Gustafsson by submission (RNC) at 2:38 of round 4: Light heavyweight