Alexander Gustafsson - One Of The Greatest Light Heavyweights Of All Time - Retired Today

UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson v Smith

After once again suffering a devastating loss in his home of Stockholm, Sweden, via a rear naked choke applied by Anthony “Lionheart” Smith, Alexander Gustafsson threw his gloves in the center of the octagon and decided to call it a career.

It’s unfortunate that “The Mauler” isn’t going out on a high note, especially given the nature of his career – never seeing championship glory – but Gus will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the greatest light heavyweights of all time. From his WARS with Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier to his victories versus Glover Teixeira, Jimi Manuwa, Matt Hamill, Shogun Rua, and so many more, there have genuinely been few in the history of the sport to accomplish as much as he has.

If this is really the end for Gus, it sucks, but I get it. He’s been complaining about injuries for a while, his rematch with Jon Jones didn’t go the way he would’ve liked, and he ain’t getting any younger or closer to title contention after tonight. He’s only 32, though, and this is mixed martial arts, so maybe he’ll be back. Maybe he just needs some time off. Regardless, hell of a career, and well wishes in retirement!