Alexander Gustafsson Resumes Training, Won’t Rule Out UFC Return

Alexander Gustafsson has resumed training and hasn’t closed the door on a return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The Swedish standout continues to work at his longtime home, the Allstars Training Center in Stockholm, Sweden. While Gustafsson has primarily resumed training to stay in shape and close to the sport he loves, the former two-time UFC title challenger isn’t opposed to competing again.

“I’m going to be here much more now and focus a little bit on myself and my own training and mainly get back in shape. I don’t think about the competing part so much. If it comes, it comes, so time will tell," he told Frontkick Online.

“I’m focusing on myself and getting back in shape, and also I love this game. I love to train and be around the guys and do some grappling, do some wrestling, hit some pads and do some light sparring. I’ve been doing this my whole career, so I’m glad to be back and do what I love to do.”

Gustafsson last fought in July 2022, when he suffered a first-round knockout loss against Nikita Krylov at UFC Fight Night 208 following a two-year hiatus. Gustafsson has lost four straight fights dating back to a title bout defeat against Jon Jones at UFC 232 in 2018. “The Mauler” confirmed that he remains under contract with the Las Vegas-based promotion.

“If a fight is on the table, let’s talk about that and see how it feels and take it from there,” Gustafsson said. “I have the contract with the UFC. I have been with the UFC since 2009, so it’s been a while. I’m still in the business. I’m still under contract. If I fight, it would be in the UFC.”