Alexander Gustafsson out of retirement, two heavyweight opponents discussed for UFC’s July 25 event
Alexander Gustafsson is coming out of retirement, but in a new weight class.
A three-time UFC title challenger at light heavyweight, Gustafsson is making his comeback in the heavyweight division. After a year away from the octagon, multiple sources say Gustafsson has two names being discussed as his next opponent.
According to Combate, Gustaffson could return to face former heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum on July 25. The event will take place at UFC’s Fight Island.
According to MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Ovince Saint Preux is another potential candidate.
Gustafsson called it quits in his home country of Sweden, moments after a fourth-round submission loss to Anthony Smith at UFC on ESPN+ 11 in June 2019. In December 2018, he lost by third-round TKO in a rematch with light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones at UFC 232.
This is will be the 33 year old’s 17th fight inside the octagon
The title shot came after back-to-back wins against Glover Teixeira and Jan Blachowicz.
Werdum makes a quick turnaround following his return to the octagon after serving an 18-month suspension from the United States Anti-Doping Agency [USADA]. He lost by split decision to Aleksei Oleinik at UFC 249 on May 9.
The 42-year-old is currently on a two-fight skid.
Saint Preux came up short is his UFC debut with a unanimous decision loss to Ben Rothwell at UFC on ESPN+ 29 on May 13. Previously at light heavyweight, Saint Preux choked out Michal Oleksiejczuk in the second round at UFC on ESPN+ 18.
