Retired professional mixed martial artist Alexander Gustafsson is said to be itching to make a return to the sport, with reports linking him with a potential swoop to UFC.
The Swedish, who famously called it quits after his humiliating loss to Anthony Smith at UFC Stockholm, is on the verge of making his Octagon return.
Gustafsson was left shocked on the night as he got submitted by Anthony Smith at UFC Stockholm. Scheduled for four rounds, the Swedish was knocked out in the final round, leaving him gnashing his teeth on the ground in disbelief.
The 32-year-old will still be kicking himself for losing such a game – one he was confident he already had under his belt even before the start.
Following the embarrassing defeat, Gustaffson spontaneously announced his desire to retire from the sport.
The MMA world was hit with shock at the news at the time.
However, there have been rumors all over the media in recent weeks that the Swedish is considering a return from retirement – a scenario we rarely see.
Now, the martial artist has confirmed these rumors to mmaviking.com, revealing he is already in advanced talks with UFC about a potential return. He also mentioned that he and the promotion have been “going back and forth” in their negotiations.
Few weeks after his impromptu retirement in June, Alexander Gustafsson confessed he still felt this spark in his hands. He described it as a little tingle lingering in his fingers, prompting his decision to return to the sport.
Speaking in an interview with mmaviking.com, the martial artist said, “It came quite fast,” referencing his retirement decision. “I was home for a couple of days, and I had itching in my hands and wanted to get back and train.”
The Swede bantered, “I’m about 240-245 lbs. I’m a heavyweight right now”. “I’ve had a good time with family and friends. It has been a good two and a half months”.
The “big guy” already has a potential rival in mind, if he does make this return eventually. “A fight against Luke Rockhold would be a great way to come back. He is a tough guy, a legend”, he said.
We will keep our fingers crossed and watch how this unfolds. Can Gustafsson return to winning ways on his return? Time will tell!
Written by:Arum Victor
