Tag: Alexander Gustafsson

Alexander Gustafsson Says Khamzat Chimaev Trains 5 Times Per Day

Alexander GustafssonAlexander Gustafsson has heaped praise on his teammate Khamzat Chimaev for the commitment and work ethic he shows in the gym, claiming that ‘The Wolf’ trains five times per day. Alexander Gustafsson lauds the commitment and work ethic of Khamzat Chimaev Gustafsson recently made a guest appearance on the MMA Hour Podcast and was discussing […]

Alexander Gustafsson

Alexander Gustafsson has heaped praise on his teammate Khamzat Chimaev for the commitment and work ethic he shows in the gym, claiming that ‘The Wolf’ trains five times per day.

Alexander Gustafsson lauds the commitment and work ethic of Khamzat Chimaev

Gustafsson recently made a guest appearance on the MMA Hour Podcast and was discussing a range of different topics and issues, one of which was Chimaev. Gustafsson took the opportunity to discuss Chimaev’s commendable discipline and training habits, saying:

“He [Khamzat Chimaev] works harder than I ever worked. This guy doesn’t have anything else than the gym and fighting. This what he eats, sleeps and is doing all day long. In my prime, when I fought Jon Jones and those guys back in the day, I did three sessions a day, and I sparred 20 rounds every sparring session. My conditioning was crazy. But this guy, he outworks me. He doesn’t get tired.”

Is Gilbert Burns next for Chimaev? Michael Bisping weighs in

Chimaev is undoubtedly one of, if not the most exciting prospects in the entirety of the UFC right now, and rumours are flying that he could be set for a mammoth step up in competition to face the number two ranked welterweight in the world right now, Gilbert Burns, a fight that UFC legend Michael Bisping is very excited for.

During a Q&A session on his YouTube channel, Bisping, the former middleweight champion of the world, said:

“I don’t think he’s too big of a step up. I think Khamzat Chimaev is more than capable of handling that. He’s had four fights in the UFC and smoked everybody. So, now it’s like, well, we’ve got to give him someone good.” Bisping said per Sportskeeda.

“He’s beaten very, very good competition. But I mean, we’ve got to step it up. We’ve got to give him a real test, and Gilbert Burns is. And Gilbert Burns seems down for it. And Chimaev seems down for it. And when he’s been as popular and successful as he has, now it’s time to start giving him serious fights.”

This is without a doubt, one of the most exciting matchups that could be made at welterweight. Chimaev, as mentioned above, is coming off of a demolishing submission win against Li Jingliang, whilst Burns is coming off of an impressively dominant decision win over Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. Will we see this fight happen? Don’t bet against it.

Do you think Khamzat Chimaev will become a UFC champion in 2022?

REPORT | Alexander Gustafsson vs. Ben Rothwell Set For May 21

Alexander GustafssonAlexander Gustafsson is set for his UFC return against Ben Rothwell in a heavyweight clash targeted for May 21st according to Frontkick. The former UFC Light Heavyweight title challenger will be making his heavyweight return after almost two years away from the sport. His last bout was the Swede’s UFC heavyweight debut against former champ […]

Alexander Gustafsson

Alexander Gustafsson is set for his UFC return against Ben Rothwell in a heavyweight clash targeted for May 21st according to Frontkick.

The former UFC Light Heavyweight title challenger will be making his heavyweight return after almost two years away from the sport. His last bout was the Swede’s UFC heavyweight debut against former champ Fabricio Werdum at UFC Fight Island 3, where he lost via a first-round armbar. 

Gustafsson announced his retirement from MMA following back-to-back losses at heavyweight versus Jon Jones and Anthony ‘Lion Heart’ Smith. ‘The Mauler’ soon retracted his statement in his l pursuit of a run at heavyweight. ‘The Mauler’ has only managed to win three of his last nine fights.

His proposed opponent, on the other hand, has won three of his last five fights, despite, Rothwell suffering a knockout loss in his last fight against Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC Vegas 42.

Can we see Alexander Gustafsson construct a run at the UFC Heavyweight title?

Gustafsson made his UFC debut at lightweight heavyweight at UFC 105, where he knocked out Jared Hamman inside the opening minute of the first round, just over a decade ago. He would go on to win six fights on the bounce, before losing a five-round slugfest against Jon Jones at UFC 165 for the 206-pound belt. 

Regardless of the setback, Alexander Gustafsson remained in the Light Heavyweight contender picture, fighting the likes of Daniel Cormier, Jan Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira before earning himself another shot at Jones and Light heavyweight gold. This time, ‘The Mauler’ came up against a more polished Jones, as he finished him in the third round.

It is uncertain how many fights are on Gustafsson’s current UFC contract, but the Swede looking to earn himself one last run at UFC gold before the book on his MMA career closes. 

Nonetheless, Rothwell will be looking to go and prove he still has something to offer within the heavyweight division. 

Do you think Ben Rothwell will crash the return party of Alexander Gustafsson?

Report: Alexander Gustafsson To Make HW Return Vs. Ben Rothwell

A heavyweight showdown between former UFC title challenger Alexander Gustafsson and Ben Rothwell is targeted for May 21. The news of the targeted matchup was first reported by Frontkick. Gustafsson will make his heavyweight return after nearly two years away from the sport. He lost fought against former heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum at UFC Fight […]

Continue Reading Report: Alexander Gustafsson To Make HW Return Vs. Ben Rothwell at MMA News.

A heavyweight showdown between former UFC title challenger Alexander Gustafsson and Ben Rothwell is targeted for May 21.

The news of the targeted matchup was first reported by Frontkick.

Gustafsson will make his heavyweight return after nearly two years away from the sport. He lost fought against former heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum at UFC Fight Island 3 via first-round submission.

Gustafsson announced his retirement from MMA following back-to-back losses at light heavyweight against Jon Jones and Anthony Smith. He quickly walked back on his previous retirement plans for a move to heavyweight.

Gustafsson also teased a potential move back to light heavyweight in 2021, but his planned fight against Paul Craig was called off due to an undisclosed injury.

Rothwell has won three of his last five fights but most recently got knocked out by Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC Vegas 42. Before that, he had picked up impressive wins over the likes of Stefan Struve and Ovince St. Preux.

Gustafsson made his UFC debut at light heavyweight at UFC 105, earning a first-round knockout over Jared Hamman. He would go on a run of six-straight wins before a controversial loss to Jones at UFC 165 for the 205-pound belt.

Despite the setback, Gustafsson remained in the light heavyweight title picture and would eventually earn a rematch with Jones at UFC 232. This time, it was a less competitive fight as Jones finished him in the third round.

It’s unclear how many fights Gustafsson has on his current UFC contract, but he’s looking to potentially earn one last run at a UFC title before his career comes to a close. As for Rothwell, he’s looking to prove that he remains a dangerous contender in the division.

What are your thoughts on Alexander Gustafsson vs. Ben Rothwell?

Continue Reading Report: Alexander Gustafsson To Make HW Return Vs. Ben Rothwell at MMA News.

Gustafsson: Chimaev Has The Potential To Enter The GOAT Conversation

Three-time UFC light heavyweight title challenger Alexander Gustafsson believes Khamzat Chimaev has all the tools necessary to enter the GOAT debate in the future.

Not many fighters have made as much of an impact in just four fights in the UFC as C…

Alexander Gustafsson, Khamzat Chimaev

Three-time UFC light heavyweight title challenger Alexander Gustafsson believes Khamzat Chimaev has all the tools necessary to enter the GOAT debate in the future.

Not many fighters have made as much of an impact in just four fights in the UFC as Chimaev has. After breaking a modern record for the fastest turnaround in-between wins on Fight Island in 2020, which came through dominant victories over John Phillips and Rhys McKee in the space of just 10 days, “Borz” added a third only 56 days after his debut by viciously knocking out middleweight veteran Gerald Meerschaert.

To show just how high the UFC was on him following that, he was set to face top contender Leon Edwards. Due to COVID-19, that bout was booked and canceled three times. After overcoming his rough bout of the virus last year, Chimaev returned to the Octagon at UFC 267 in October.

Bringing his hype train back on track in style, Chimaev controlled, took down, and choked out ranked contender Li Jingliang inside one round in Abu Dhabi. The performance certainly sent a message to those who doubted his championship credentials, a message he’ll look to send again when he returns to action this year.

While some will point out he’s yet to face a top-10 opponent, fans and pundits can only base opinions on what they’ve seen, and that’s a newcomer notching up a perfect 4-0 record, with four first-round finishes, one against an established middleweight name and one over a top-15 welterweight, all while barely being touched at all by his opponents.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise UFC play-by-play voice Jon Anik named the continuing rise of “Borz” as his biggest question heading into 2022. But one man close to Chimaev believes he already has the answers.

In an interview with ESPN MMA, Gustafsson, a teammate of the rising star over at the Allstars Training Center in Stockholm, Sweden, spoke highly of Chimaev. When asked whether his potential is as high as a future place in the GOAT conversation, “The Mauler” said that from what he’s seen in training and in the UFC, the 27-year-old has all the tools to reach that point.

“That’s the level of potential (possible GOAT status), one hundred percent. He does all the things that if you do it right from the start, if he keeps doing what he’s doing now, he will be one of those guys one day, I’m one hundred percent sure of it. It is crazy when you say it, because Kamaru Usman is pound-for-pound the best guy out there right now, and I love the guy, but I’ve been sparring with so many guys, at heavyweight, light heavyweight, middleweight, I’ve been sparring welterweights, this guy (Chimaev) just puts guys away on the mat, in the training sessions. This guy hits (with) too much precision, too much power.”

Gustafsson Believes Chimaev Would Put Usman To Sleep

If Chimaev is to break into the group of contenders for that throne, which includes stars like Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, and Khabib Nurmagomedov, he’ll certainly have to reach the top of the welterweight mountain in the coming months or years. If he’s to do that, he’ll likely have to go through Kamaru Usman.

While that seems a daunting task and one many may not give the Chechen-born Swede a massive chance of accomplishing, Gustafsson believes Chimaev would put “The Nigerian Nightmare” to sleep.

“I think he’d put Kamaru Usman to sleep, honestly. I think if he just touches his chin, it’s a big chance that Kamaru Usman goes to sleep. I like Kamaru Usman, he’s a great champ and he’s just like, been breaking records. It’s a pleasure to see him fight. He’s very good, technical, I love his jab and his wrestling. You can see why he’s top.

“But I just can’t see him taking Khamzat’s punches. I can’t see him taking his combinations. When it comes to wrestling… It would probably be one of the biggest fights in UFC history when it comes to that part. To see the technical side of the fight. I love Usman as a champ, but I think (Khamzat) would put him to sleep.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYL8h4XgBwP/

Gustafsson’s theory may be tested as soon as the end of 2022. While Usman is likely to defend his gold against Edwards next, recent reports suggest Chimaev’s fifth Octagon outing will be coming against former title challenger Gilbert Burns at UFC 273.

Given Burns’ place in the division, it stands to reason that clash will be a title eliminator. If “Borz” emerges victorious, we could be seeing him opposite Usman before the year is out.

Do you think Khamzat Chimaev can find enough success in the UFC to join the GOAT debate?

Continue Reading Gustafsson: Chimaev Has The Potential To Enter The GOAT Conversation at MMA News.

Gustafsson: Chimaev Has Knocked Teammates Out With Jabs In Training

Three-time UFC light heavyweight title challenger Alexander Gustafsson has revealed just how much power rising welterweight star Khamzat Chimaev has in his hands.

It’s safe to say that not many prospects are as highly touted and talked about as Chi…

Alexander Gustafsson, Gustafsson & Khamzat Chimaev

Three-time UFC light heavyweight title challenger Alexander Gustafsson has revealed just how much power rising welterweight star Khamzat Chimaev has in his hands.

It’s safe to say that not many prospects are as highly touted and talked about as Chimaev. It’s probably the case that in just four UFC outings, he’s already broken through the prospect status and emerged as legitimate contender at 170 pounds. That’s an incredible feat given he’s fought just once in the past year.

In 2020, “Borz” established his name in emphatic fashion, recording three wins in just 66 days. In the space of just 10, he brutally dominated John Phillips and Rhys McKee on Fight Island. A couple of months later, he slept middleweight veteran Gerald Meerschaert.

After a battle with COVID-19 stalled his rise, Chimaev picked up where he left off when he made his return last October at UFC 267. Against ranked contender Li Jingliang, the Chechen-born Swede re-railed his hype train by choking out “The Leech” inside the opening frame.

Gustafsson Says Chimaev “Hits Like A Light Heavyweight”

Chimaev’s potential seems to be through the roof. The promotion is evidently high on him, play-by-play lead Jon Anik highlighted him as the biggest question heading into 2022, and many believe he’s just one win away from a shot at Kamaru Usman’s welterweight gold.

The #11-ranked contender’s hype is undoubtedly mostly down to his vicious and controlling wrestling game, which has seen him rag-doll three of his four opponents in the UFC to date. However, Chimaev’s KO of Meerschaert gave a glimpse of his striking abilities, something his teammate Gustafsson believes is just as dangerous as his ground game.

Speaking during a recent interview with ESPN MMA, “The Mauler,” who trains with Chimaev at Stockholm’s Allstars Training Center, suggested “Borz” hits as hard as a 205lber. Proving context to his training partner’s power, Gustafsson revealed Chimaev has actually knocked people out with his jabs in the gym.

“His striking… He hits like a light heavyweight. He hits hard. He’s very explosive. He boxes very fast with his hands, and with speed comes power and good precision,” said Gustafsson. “I’ve seen this guy knock people out with a jab in training. So, you need to keep your guard up when you spar with this guy.”

If Chimaev is as well-rounded as Gustafsson suggests, a claim that’s hard to argue against given what we’ve seen from the Chechen-born Swede in the Octagon so far, it’s certainly a scary prospect for the rest of the welterweight division.

While the rising star’s next opponent is yet to be announced, recent reports suggest he’ll be facing top-five contender Gilbert Burns in what will likely be a title eliminator. That matchup is apparently slated for UFC 273 on April 9. For those who still doubt Chimaev’s title credentials, an impressive performance against “Durinho” should convert them into believers.

Given what we’ve heard from Gustafsson, perhaps Chimaev can knock Burns and Usman out in 2022 and secure his place on the welterweight throne. His teammates are certainly high on him, but it remains to be seen if he can prove them right against the elite at 170 pounds.

Do you think Khamzat Chimaev has what it takes to knock Kamaru Usman out?

Continue Reading Gustafsson: Chimaev Has Knocked Teammates Out With Jabs In Training at MMA News.

Alexander Gustafsson: “I’m Not Done Yet”

Alexander Gustafsson says he isn’t done fighting just yet.

Gustafsson has not fought since he suffered a submission loss to Fabricio Werdum in his heavyweight debut back in July of 2020. The loss was his third straight. He was booked to return this…

Alexander Gustafsson

Alexander Gustafsson says he isn’t done fighting just yet.

Gustafsson has not fought since he suffered a submission loss to Fabricio Werdum in his heavyweight debut back in July of 2020. The loss was his third straight. He was booked to return this past September against Paul Craig, but a week before the event, the Swede was forced out of the bout.

Since then, there has been little talk of Gustafsson’s future, but the three-time title challenger says he will still fight again.

“Let’s see what is going on. We’re talking to the UFC a lot. I wanna fight. I wanna fight early this year, and basically take it from there,” Gustafsson said to ESPN. “I wanna make up for the Werdum fight. I feel like I didn’t really get into that fight… I feel like I need to do stuff, take a fight, and take one fight at a time. I wanna fight early this year to just get in there and have fun. Take one win at a time.”

In his career, Alexander Gustafsson has accomplished a lot as he fought for UFC gold three times. However, he lost twice to Jon Jones and once to Daniel Cormier. Yet, in the first fight against Jones, it was very competitive and some even think the Swede won, the same can be said about the Cormier fight.

He also has beaten top fighters like Glover Teixeira, Jan Blachowicz, Shogun Rua, and Jimi Manuwa among others. Yet, he still thinks he needs to do more in his career, which is why he wants to fight again.

“I’m probably in the middle, in the between somewhere. I’m very happy about my career. But I feel like I’m not done yet, you know? I’m still writing the book. I have to keep going in there and doing my thing,” Gustafsson explained. “That’s what I miss doing… I really miss getting back to the Octagon and fight. That’s what I’m gonna do, basically; go back and do my thing.”

When and who Gustafsson will fight in his return is uncertain, but the Swede is focused on making a return and snapping his losing skid.

Who would you like to see Alexander Gustafsson fight in his return?

Continue Reading Alexander Gustafsson: “I’m Not Done Yet” at MMA News.