Alexander Gustafsson declares light-heavyweight “my division” ahead of UFC London, doesn’t regret heavyweight debut

After two years on the sidelines, ‘The Mauler’ is prepared to return to the division he made himself a star in.

The storied career of Alexander Gustafsson gave the UFC many highlights, from knockouts to all-time great title clashes. The Swede, from 2013 to 2018, would fight in three title fights, twice against Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier, respectively. Though he never became champion, Gustafsson still became a mainstay of the 205lb division.

A disappointing loss to Anthony Smith in 2019 saw Gustafsson retire, laying his gloves down in his home of Sweden. This proved to be short-lived, however. Former UFC champ Fabricio Werdum was set to welcome Gustafsson to the heavyweight division in 2020, in a bout most favoured the returning Swede to win. A quick submission loss on Fight Island left the future looking uncertain for Gustafsson, but we now know what is next in store.

Trying to reintroduce himself to the modern light-heavyweight landscape, Gustafsson will take on contender Nikita Krylov at UFC London. During the media day earlier in the week, he spoke on why he’s decided to return to 205lbs.

“It’s my division, so [I’m] feeling good to be back,” said Gustafsson. “My body feels good and that’s it. It’s my division.”

When asked if he regrets his lone heavyweight appearance, he said, “Not at all. A fight’s a fight. I felt the heavyweight division, and I was feeling very comfortable in the heavyweight division, but I’ve always been in the light-heavyweight division. That’s my division. So, I’m back. I felt strong as a heavyweight. The fight ended up as it did, but I felt strong. I felt fast for being a heavyweight, and also I’m a pretty big light-heavyweight, so it was good. But the light-heavyweight division has always been there, it’s always where I’ve been fighting, competing.”

“I feel great to be back. I’m excited to be back, and it’s been a while.“

The former title challenger seems confident that he can pick up his first win since 2017, but he will have to turn back a dangerous finisher in Krylov to do so.

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Do you think Gustafsson can make a splash in the light-heavyweight division? Will he put on a signature performance at the stacked UFC London card? Let us know in the comments!