Following
his disappointing loss to Anthony Smith at UFC Fight Night 153 in Stockholm, Alexander Gustafsson dropped his gloves to the mat and told the crowd, "The show is over." The incredibly talented lightweight contender confirmed his retirement during the UFC Fight Night post show.
"Yeah, I am. I'm done," Gustafsson confirmed. The No. 2 ranked contender prior to the fight, Gustafsson — coming off a title loss to Jon Jones — was asked why he was choosing to retire now.
"I don't do this for the money. I do this because I want to be the best and beat the best. If i can't do that then it is what it is," Gustafsson said, likely referring to his three career title fight losses.
"It feels like I don't have it in me anymore, to be honest," he added.
"I just have a feeling it's time now. I don't want to be a journey man. I don't want to do this because I'm getting paid. I just want to do this because I love it. I want to be at the top."
Gustaffson admitted he had thoughts about retiring from the sport following his third title fight, which he lost to Jon Jones at UFC 232 in December. However, it sounds like he was willing to try and make another run, starting with Smith. His loss at UFC Stockholm this weekend was seemingly the final straw.
"When I lost my third title fight and I just felt -- well, and then -- you know, it's the top guys, but in my mind, I thought like, I can rebuild. I can start with Smith and take it from there," he said.
"But I lost this time. It is what it is. i had a great journey. I have everything in my life because of the sport, because of the UFC and I'm thankful. It's been a great journey."
Gustafsson seemed pretty sure that he'd stay retired, adding that he wants to spend some time with his kids and that he's working on some side projects.
"So, let's see what the next chapter will be," he said.
Here's how light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who twice beat Gustafsson, reacted to the announcement.