There’s some good news for fans of Sweden’s top mixed martial artist as Alexander Gustafsson is reportedly changing camps to refocus on his career in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Ordinarily Swedish fans might be upset at the idea of their homegrown superstar leaving the country to fight at Alliance MMA in San Diego, California, however it certainly beats the alternative.
“Gus” was so devastated by his knockout loss to Anthony Johnson last January that he briefly considered retirement. However, that all changed with an unexpected title shot against Daniel Cormier at UFC 192, a fight that was every bit the war given to Jon Jones at UFC 165.
“The Mauler” lost that fight to Cormier by split decision, putting the Swede at 1-3 in his last four fights and once again casting speculation on retirement. But according to comments he made to Sweden’s “Expressen” newspaper, that’s not going to happen.
“I would like to have better defense and get my footwork as good as before,” he said. “Be faster. Have better defense. Be more aware. As Dominick Cruz is training at Alliance in San Diego, so I’ll learn some of his footwork there. I’m pretty sure I have the fastest footwork in the division.”
Gustafsson has trained at Alliance MMA before, the first time with Phil Davis after suffering his first career loss to the American via anaconda choke. Although he has split time in the U.S. in the past, Gus has continued to live in Sweden and train at The Allstars Training Center.
It won’t be a lonely move to America, however, as he’s to be accompanied by his girlfriend. It’s also not a permanent move, as Gus told Expressen that he will reevaluate his options after trying Alliance MMA for three months.
The Swede hasn’t been booked for any upcoming fights, however that’s been consistent with his frequency of appearances in recent years.
What do you think of the move to Alliance to work with Cruz? Do you foresee another title shot for “Mauler” in the future?