On Saturday, in the main event of UFC Stockholm, three-time UFC light heavyweight title challenger Alexander Gustafsson was submitted by Anthony Smith. In the moments after this defeat, the towering Swedish fighter surprised viewers by announcing his retirement from mixed martial arts competition.
“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.”
Unsurprisingly, this announcement from Alexander Gustafsson generated immediate reactions from the stars of the MMA community, most of whom praised him for his incredible career.
Gustafsson’s announcement also got the attention of reigning UFC light heavyweight champ Jon Jones, arguably his greatest rival, who made a few quick comments on the topic on Twitter.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) June 1, 2019
Jon Jones began by sharing a clip of this announcement from Alexander Gustafsson.
Honestly I don’t believe you but if you’re serious, thank you for everything. You held the division to a standard and made us better. Go kick ass with that Family.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) June 1, 2019
“Honestly I don’t believe you,” he wrote in a second Tweet, expressing his doubt about the Swede’s retirement plans. “But if you’re serious, thank you for everything. You held the division to a standard and made us better. Go kick ass with that Family.”
Let the good times roll https://t.co/dDosOECte1
— BONY (@JonnyBones) June 1, 2019
“Let the good times roll,” Jones concluded, sharing a famous photo taken right after his first war with Alexander Gustafsson.
What do you think of these comments from Jon Jones? Do you think Alexander Gustafsson will stick to his retirement plans?
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 5/31/2019.