Gustafsson guarantees: 'I never lost my motivation'

Gustafsson (photo) says he has not lost motivation after recent defeats. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

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Twice challenging for the light heavyweight belt, Alexander Gustafson He didn't let it get him down because he ended up almost on both occasions. And the person who guarantees this is the fighter himself. In an interview with the American MMAJunkie, he commented on the bitter feeling after the defeats.

“I never lost my motivation. I don't know why people keep telling me this. I had two defeats. I lost my fight at the finish line against Cormier. People cry. It's a big blow and it hits you hard, but people don't understand the thoughts and feelings you have when you train so hard for something and miss out on the little details,” said Alexander.

Gustafsson hasn't won since March 2014, when he knocked out Jimi Manuwa. Since then, he has been knocked out by Anthony Johnson and surpassed by points per Daniel Cormier, in his most recent presentation. After the defeats, the Swede challenged the opinion of people who don't experience the day-to-day life of a professional fighter.

“People don’t understand that. You say a few things and people already say: 'He's going to retire'. No. You don't understand, man. You haven't been in that position, you have no idea what it's like. So, for me, of course it reduces motivation, but this is what I love to do”, he concluded.

Alexander Gustafson, 29 years old, has eight wins and four setbacks in the UFC, and has already beaten names like Mauritius Shogun, Jimi Manuwa and Thiago Silva. He challenged for the belt on two occasions – against Jon Jones e Daniel Cormier -, but was defeated by decision in both.

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