Alexander Gustafsson Calls Out Luke Rockhold for Surprise UFC Comeback

Alexander Gustafsson, one of the trailblazers in the UFC lightweight division announced his retirement in front of Swede fans after his loss to Anthony Smith. Since then we have not heard much about the Swede fighter. However, in a recent interview with MMA Viking, the former number 1 title contender gave a hint on his UFC return.

Gustafsson  claimed: “I’m talking with the UFC, we are going back and forth”.

Gustafsson was on a losing streak when he announced retirement. After Jones came back he defended his title against Gustafsson. It was a much-anticipated fight considering Gustafsson beat Jon Jones on the scorecards of many fans. However, in the rematch Jones dominated Gustafsson. Going into Anthony Smith’s fight, Gustafsson was already thinking about hanging the gloves and he did the same after the loss to Smith. However, he looked phenomenal in that fight even with the loss. Hence the majority of the MMA community were not on the same page with Gustafsson on retirement. Well, it seems after a layoff for a meaningful period the Mauler wants to come back too. He explained how he feels post-retirement and said:
“Ït came quite fast. I was home for a couple of days, and I had itching in my hands and wanted to get back and train.”I just want to train and get in shape. let’s see how it goes”

If Gustafsson does come back then there are some interesting opponents for him in the lightweight division. And the former middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold is certainly one of them. Talking about his potential opponents Gustafsson brought up the name of Rockhold who recently had a loss on his Lightweight debut.

“(I) would love a fight. A fight against Luke would be a great way to come back. He is a tough guy, a legend.”

Luke Rockhold might be the best option out there for Gustafsson. After his loss on his light heavyweight debut, Rockhold needs a partner to dance with too. Rockhold has not made any statement whether he wants to continue fighting at light heavyweight or take retirement. However, a fight against Alexander Gustafsson would surely get Luke Rockhold’s attention.