A. Gustafsson claims to be better at UFC Stockholm. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
The Swede Alexander Gustafson exuded confidence about a victory in his duel against Anthony Smith at UFC Stockholm, which takes place next Saturday (1), in Sweden. In a recent interview with 'Combate', the former challenger for the UFC light heavyweight (up to 93kg) belt said that he considers himself better than his opponent in every possible way as the fight unfolds.
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“It’s going to be quite a fight. I can say that, but I see myself as much better in everything. If he chooses to stop and exchange blows with me, I will knock him out. If he wants to take it to the ground, I'll submit him. Either way, I will win,” said the Swede.
Interestingly, both athletes are coming off defeats to the current division champion, Jon Jones. Gustafsson faced 'Bones' in the fight that represented the American's return to the Octagon, in December 2018, after more than a year away due to problems with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). On that occasion, Jon beat Alexander by knockout and returned to reign in the division, winning the vacant belt left by Daniel Cormier, who was part of the group of heavyweight fighters (up to 120,2kg.) and, today, appears as champion.
Anthony Smith, in turn, marked Jones' first title defense after his new phase in Ultimate. In March of this year, the compatriots fought a five-round duel, in which Jones once again showed his superiority and emerged victorious in the judges' unanimous decision. Regarding the same fight, Gustafsson was asked if he could establish any strategy based on Smith's performance against Jon. The Swede, however, was direct in saying 'no'.
“I saw the fight, but he only took five rounds and didn't do much. I don't think we saw the real Anthony Smith in that fight”, said Alexander, who highlighted some qualities of his next opponent. “He comes in hard and hits hard. He didn't really do that in the Jones fight. It’s not a fight I watched a lot and I didn’t take much away from it”, concluded the fighter.
Currently, Gustafsson, 32 years old, is second in the light heavyweight division, behind only Daniel Cormier, who, despite no longer playing in the category, remains on the list. In his record, the Swede has 23 fights, with 18 wins and five losses.
Anthony Smith, on the other hand, has more fights on his list. At 30 years old, the athlete has already played 45 times, achieving 31 triumphs and 14 setbacks.
UFC Stockholm fight program
MAIN CARD (14pm Brasília time):
Light Heavyweight: Alexander Gustafson x Anthony Smith
Light heavyweight: Jimi Manuwa x Aleksandar rakic
Feather weight: mawan amirkhani x Chris Fishgold
Lightweight: Damir Hadzović x Christos Giagos
Featherweight: Daniel Teymur x Sung Bin Jo
PRELIMINARY CARD (11 p.m. Brasília time):
Welterweight: Sergey Khandozhko vs. Rostem Akman
Bantamweight: Tonya Evinger x Lina Lansberg
Lightweight: Stevie Ray x Leo Santos
Lightweight: Nick Hein x Frank Camacho
Bantamweight: Bea Malecki x Duda Cowboyzinha
Light heavyweight: Darko Stosic x Devin Clark
Lightweight: Joel alvarez x Danilo Belluardo
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