UFC Stockholm did not go as planned for Alexander Gustafsson.
After being submitted by Anthony Smith in the main event of UFC Stockholm, Gustafsson announced that he would retire from MMA.
In his post-fight interview Gustafsson declared, “The show is over, guys” then proceeded to lay in gloves down in the Octagon as a symbolic gesture of his retirement.
"The show is over, guys."
Thank you, @AlexTheMauler. #UFCStockholm pic.twitter.com/aKcr73fAFn
— UFC (@ufc) June 1, 2019
Gutafsson’s retirement comes one fight removed from facing Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title in December.
Throughout his career Gustafsson compiled an 18-6 record, and provided Jon Jones with the most competitive fight of his MMA career at UFC 165 in September 2013.
Despite his impressive record Gustafsson was 0-3 in title fights, including his two losses to Jones and a split-decision loss to Daniel Cormier at UFC 192 in October 2015.
Full Fight Report from Cole Henry
Fight recap via Cole Henry:
Alexander Gustafsson vs. Anthony Smith (Light-heavyweight)
Favorite: Gustafsson -230
Round 1: Smith scores with an overhand right to break the ice. Smith is forcing Gus to move a lot, and he can’t get his back away from the cage. Gus is throwing lots of kicks, mostly teep and low kicks. Gus connects with a right hand, and then another! Smith returns a left as the round ends. (10-9 Smith) Slow round until the end. Gus took his time doing anything while Smith was a bit more active and aggressive. Round 2 should be good.
Round 2: Smith is working to cut off the cage. Gus seems content to land jabs and straights from a distance while avoiding the big shots from Smith. Smith connects with a big left hook! Gus is moving forward a lot more in the round, it’s a positional battle on the feet so far. We’re seeing lots of defense from Gus, as well as movement and volume. Smith resorted to lots of pot shots in the second round, but he connected with several. (10-9 Gus)
Round 3: We see a big exchange to start the round! Smith connects with a swinging left hook, but Gus walks through it! Smith gives him a smile and keeps moving forward. Gus lands a jab to the body; he really has great speed and movement for a fighter his size. We’re seeing lots of double jabs from Gus, lots of straight shots. Gus scores with a clean jab, Smith grabs a hook though and scores with an elbow as they separate. Gus connects with a hard kick to the midsection and Smith is hurt! Gus grabs a body lock and trips Smith to the mat! He lands a few shots before the bell rings. (10-9 Gus)
Round 4: They clinch early and Smith trips Gus down to the mat! It was a poorly timed throw by Gus that led to the trip! Smith takes the back and sets two hooks. Gus is doing a good job of working out of the position, but Smith flattens him out to take away all the progress! He sinks in a rear naked choke and Gus taps! Wow, the crowd is silenced!
Result: Anthony Smith def. Alexander Gustafsson via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) Round 4, 2:38
Leave a Reply