Alexander Gustafsson Releases Statement Following UFC on ESPN 14 Defeat

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Alexander Gustafsson seems to be taking his latest defeat in stride.

The Swede made his heavyweight debut at UFC on ESPN 14 on Saturday, but it was a short-lived effort, as he was submitted by Fabricio Werdum via armbar 2:30 into the opening stanza at the Flash Forum in Abu Dhabi. Unlike his last promotional appearance, when “The Mauler” laid down his gloves in the Octagon following a loss to Anthony Smith, this there was no mention of retirement.

“It’s sucks to lose but I’m alive and healthy,” Gustafsson wrote. “It’s a sport, a sport that I love! Thanks Werdum for a great fight and the [UFC] for the opportunity! Now let’s celebrate my brother and teammate kamza borz!!! He’s coming for everyone, be ready.”

It’s sucks to lose but I’m alive and healthy it’s a sport, a sport that I love! Thanks Werdum for a great fight and the @ufc for the opportunity! Now let’s celebrate my brother and teammate kamza borz!!! He’s coming for everyone, be ready

— Alexander Gustafsson (@AlexTheMauler) July 26, 2020

In the last portion of his statement, Gustafsson references Allstars Training Center teammate Khamzat Chimaev, who won for the second time in 10 days with a dominant first-round TKO of Rhys McKee in a featured welterweight clash.

Gustafsson, meanwhile, has lost three straight fights within the Las Vegas-based promotion – all via knockout or submission.