Shortly after he was defeated by Anthony Smith in the UFC Stockholm main event, Alexander Gustafsson surprised onlookers by announcing his retirement from MMA.
“What can I say… The show is over guy,” Gustafsson said in the Octagon, placing his gloves on the canvas.
“It feels like I don’t have in me anymore to be honest,” he added post-fight, explaining his decision. “It feels like I do mistakes I shouldn’t do. I just feel like, I just have the feeling like it is the time now. I don’t want to be a journeyman, I don’t want to do this because I am getting paid. I just want to do this because I love it and I want to be at the top.”
As it turns out, Alexander Gustafsson wasn’t the only fighter to retire after UFC Stockholm. German fighter Nick Hein, who was stopped by Frank Camacho on the card, also announced the end of his fighting career after the event.
“20 years of judo sport (600 fights), of which 10 J in the national team.
1 Decade MMA, 5 years in the UFC.
I’m ready for the next chapter.
Thank you all.
I’m looking forward to the future.
20 years of Judo. Ten years in the national team.
One decade of MMA, 5 years in the UFC.
I am ready for the next chapter.
Thanks to everyone.
I am looking for the future.” – Nick Hein on Facebook.
After #UFCStockholm, Nick Hein also decided to call it a day and has retired from MMA. pic.twitter.com/vWvFuxdocR
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) June 2, 2019
Nick Hein retires on a three-fight losing streak. Much like Alexander Gustafsson in Sweden, he’ll be remembered as one of the most successful fighters from his country, and trailblazer for the German MMA scene.
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 6/2/2019.