UFC Icon Alexander Gustafsson Teases Comeback: “The Mauler” Not Done Yet
Remember when Alexander Gustafsson nearly dethroned Jon Jones in that epic 2013 battle? Well, fight fans, “The Mauler” might not be done after all.
The Swedish legend, who’s been relatively quiet since his 2020 submission loss to Fabricio Werdum, recently dropped some interesting hints about potentially returning to the octagon. And let me tell you, this has got the MMA community buzzing!
The Viking Warrior’s Fighting Spirit
At 37 years old, most fighters would be content riding into the sunset after such an illustrious career. But not Gustafsson. Despite going 0-4 in his last four UFC appearances, the three-time UFC title challenger seems to have that competitive fire still burning inside.
“I still train every day,” Gustafsson reportedly shared. “The body feels good, and I’ve been thinking about giving it one more run. I’m not officially retired, and the passion is still there.”
Insert image of Alexander Gustafsson training here
A Legacy Worth Remembering
For those newer fans who might not appreciate just how great Gustafsson was in his prime, let me refresh your memory. This is the man who:
- Pushed Jon Jones to his absolute limit in what many consider the greatest light heavyweight title fight ever
- Gave Daniel Cormier one of his toughest tests at 205 pounds
- Became a national hero in Sweden and helped grow MMA throughout Europe
- Collected 18 professional wins with 11 knockouts
The towering Swede was never just another contender – he was a legitimate superstar who changed the face of European MMA.
What Would a Gustafsson Return Look Like?
If Gustafsson does decide to come back, the landscape has changed significantly since his heyday. The UFC light heavyweight division has new blood, and his brief heavyweight experiment didn’t go as planned.
| Potential Division | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Light Heavyweight | Familiar territory, legacy division | Difficult weight cut at his age |
| Heavyweight | No weight cutting needed | Size disadvantage against top guys |
I personally think a return at 205 makes the most sense. A legend vs. legend matchup against someone like Shogun Rua or a test against a rising contender would generate serious interest.
The Fan Reaction
Since this news broke, my social media has been flooded with fans expressing both excitement and concern. The hardcore supporters want to see their hero get a proper send-off with a win, while others worry about his recent losing streak.
One thing’s certain – a Gustafsson fight week still moves the needle. Few Europeans have ever commanded the respect and attention that “The Mauler” does when he steps into the cage.
Should He Return?
This is the million-dollar question. Combat sports are unforgiving, especially to aging warriors. But who am I to tell a legend when it’s time? Gustafsson knows his body and mind better than anyone.
If he does come back, I hope the UFC gives him an appropriate matchup – someone who makes sense from both competitive and legacy standpoints. No throwing him to the wolves against the division’s killers.
What’s Your Take, Brevard County Fight Fans?
Would you be excited to see Alexander Gustafsson step into the octagon one more time? Who would you match him up against? Drop your thoughts in the comments – I’d love to know what our local MMA community thinks about this potential comeback story.
Until then, keep your eyes peeled for more updates on “The Mauler” and all your MMA news right here!
[og_img] UFC legend Alexander Gustafsson shared thoughts on a possible return. Source link