GFL’s Alexander Gustafsson explains why he left UFC – ‘I don’t have the real fire anymore’

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Alexander Gustafsson is one of the many veteran UFC fighters opting to compete for upstart promotion Global Fight League (GFL).

Fans who have been following the sport for many than a couple years generally know and love “The Mauler,” most famous for taking Jon Jones to the brink in their 2013 title fight. He came close to the title on more than one occasion and was an elite Light Heavyweight for the better part of the 2010s, defeating men like Glover Teixeira and Jan Blachowicz before their eventual title runs.

Unfortunately, the Swedish fighter has struggled mightily in recent years. He’s lost four straight fights, and though those defeats came to very strong opposition, it was clear from his in-cage performance that Gustafsson wasn’t at his best anymore.

Somewhat surprisingly, Gustafsson agrees. In a recent interview with Sveacasino.se, the 38 year old confesses that he no longer sees himself as a UFC level fighter and has lost some of his competitive drive and fire. However, he views fighting under the GFL banner as reasonable and less of a responsibility.

“I see myself as an elite athlete but I feel it’s the time for the new generation,” Gustafsson explains (via Sports Illustrated). I feel like I’m not in my top game anymore. It was a while ago. In my opinion, the fighters who fight for the UFC need to be on their top level. It is the best level of fighting in the UFC. I’m not there anymore. I’m still training. I’m still doing my best in training, and I have a couple of fights left in me. But I’m not at the UFC level anymore. That’s how I feel. I’m real to myself.”

He continued, “My team is real to me. We have been discussing this for a long time. I don’t have the real fire anymore or the hunger. It was a decision to make and I believe we made the right decision. I could have done another UFC fight, of course, but I feel a little bit of the pressure because you’re fighting for the best organization in the world. You need to deliver. I’m not competing to accept a loss. I feel I’m not able to deliver like I did many years before.”

Fans have largely been skeptical and critical of GFL’s roster, which seems to exclusively consist of former UFC fighters whose best days are well behind them. However, if known athletes like Gustafsson are happy to compete for them, perhaps they can carve out a niche as the “legend’s league” fight fans have often proposed.

It’s better than watching our heroes of yesteryear get demolished by the latest 24 year old prospect off Contenders Series.

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Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.