“Chicken Pasta in Fight week Hasn’t Happened in 15 Years” – Alexander Gustafsson Ahead of UFC Return

Swedish MMA fighter Alexander Gustafsson is all set to make his return to the Octagon next month. Here, ‘The Mauler’ will make his Heavyweight bow against a veteran fighter in Fabricio Werdum. Ahead of his comeback, the 12-year Light Heavyweight veteran spilled the beans on what he hopes will happen when he takes to the scales on July 24 at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. 

Alexander Gustafsson comments on fighting at Heavyweight

In a chat with MaulerBet.com, the Swedish fighter hinted at the move making sense to him. This is because he views himself as a big 205-pound fighter. Furthermore, ‘The Mauler’ reveals he has had to cut weight to make the contractual limit ahead of light Heavyweight contests. He reasoned that the quick putting together of the fight is why he made the move, but adds that it was one he would have made, regardless. 

He said, “Since the fight got finalized just now, with 6-7 weeks to go I wouldn’t have been able to make LHW anyway. But regardless, I would’ve made to move to HW to try it out. It’s a new challenge to put it simply. For me to be able to down a chicken pasta in fight week hasn’t happened in 15 years.”

Next, ‘The Mauler’ opened up on his walk-around weight. “My walk around weight is at about 236-238lbs and at the time of the fight I think I’ll be around 231-233lbs.”

Fighters at Heavyweight aren’t required to cut weight as they just have to be under 265 pounds. However, Gustafsson doesn’t see the need to bulk up. This is because he wants to stay at a weight he calls the sweet spot and performs at his best. Finally, ‘The Mauler’ talks about how he will not be plagued by injuries as a result of tough weight cuts over the last dozen years. 

Furthermore, he is looking forward to the challenges in a new division. ‘The Mauler’ has lost consecutive fights to Jon Jones and Anthony Smith. Meanwhile, Werdum who returned to fighting at UFC 249 is on a 2 fight skid of his own. (with Alexander Volkov and Aleksei Oleinik)

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“You Can’t Proud For Missing Weight”-Paul Felder