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Alexander Gustafsson Claims He’s ‘Here to Stay,’ Holds Off on Commitment to Heavyweight

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Like so many retirements in MMA, Alexander Gustafsson’s was short-lived.

“The Mauler” laid his gloves in the Octagon following a fourth-round submission loss to Anthony Smith in the UFC Fight Night 153 headliner on June 1, 2019. Considering that he was just 32 years old at the time, there was plenty of skepticism regarding the announcement. Gustafsson, however, seemed to be sincere in his intentions.