Gustafsson retires after submission loss to Smith
Marc RaimondiESPN
Anthony Smith’s place among the many elite mild heavyweights on this planet is safe.
“Lionheart” went into Alexander Gustafsson’s hometown and completed him by way of rear-naked choke submission at 2:38 of the fourth spherical Saturday in the primary occasion of UFC Stockholm. It was the largest win of Smith’s 11-year profession and arguably his greatest efficiency.
Afterward, Gustafsson took his gloves off and left them within the Octagon.
“The present is over, guys,” Gustafsson mentioned.
He confirmed after the combat that he’ll retire.
“It looks like I haven’t got it in me anymore, to be sincere,” Gustafsson mentioned. “It looks like I do errors that I should not, so I simply have the sensation it is the time now. I do not need be a journeyman. I do not wish to do that as a result of I am getting paid. I simply wish to do that as a result of I find it irresistible and I wish to be on the high.”
Smith managed nearly all of the combat. He received the higher of the primary two rounds with a sequence of laborious left hooks. Gustafsson appeared content material to remain on the surface and look ahead to the motion to come back to him.
Within the third spherical, Gustafsson discovered his rhythm. The leg kicks he had been throwing started including up, he landed a tough jab that received Smith’s consideration after which damage Smith with a physique kick earlier than touchdown a takedown.
1 — Of 11 mild heavyweights to win 10-plus fights
1 — Solely fighter in UFC historical past to land 100-plus strikes in two title fights and lose each (Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier)
four — Combat of the Evening bonuses in his UFC profession
9 — Knockdowns in mild heavyweight fights, 4th-most in division historical past
— Finishes with profession report of 18-6 (10-6 in UFC)
Smith mentioned he broke his left hand earlier within the bout and was making an attempt to work round it. He mentioned within the fourth spherical he began to regulate.
“I made a decision to determine it out,” Smith mentioned. “I attempted to throw a few laborious physique photographs after that. I felt [my hand] swelling in my glove. I believe somewhat of it was panic.”
Smith took Gustafsson’s again in a wild scramble after a Gustafsson takedown try failed within the fourth spherical. He managed to flatten Gustafsson out, land floor and pound and cinch in a rear-naked choke for the end. Smith reminded everybody afterward that he was a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.
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Alexander Gustafsson explains why he is retiring after UFC Combat Evening: Gustafsson vs. Smith. For extra UFC on ESPN+, enroll right here http://plus.espn.com/ufc.
Smith (31-14), like Gustafsson, was coming off a loss in a title combat to Jon Jones. This was the Nebraska native’s 12th profession submission win. Smith, 30, has probably the most finishes within the mild heavyweight division since 2018 with 4. He’ll maintain his top-five rating.
Gustafsson (18-6) has misplaced two straight and 4 of his final six, however all of his opponents have been the perfect within the division. He has fought thrice for the UFC mild heavyweight title and gave Jones the hardest combat of his profession in 2013.
Jones took to social media after Saturday’s combat ended.
Actually I do not consider you however in the event you’re critical, thanks for all the pieces. You held the division to an ordinary and made us higher. Go kick ass with that Household.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 1, 2019
“[I’ll miss] that feeling of getting your hand raised,” Gustafsson mentioned. “It is laborious to clarify with phrases, it’s a must to do it to know the sensation of a ‘W.’ That is what drives me … being there and [winning]. You are the king of the world. No one can cease you. It does not matter what examine you get in your hand. It does not matter what individuals say or speak. It is you and you are the f—ing king of the world once you’re standing there.”
Gustafsson has been the very best Swedish fighter within the UFC and the promotion’s high draw within the nation.
“I am very disenchanted,” Gustafsson mentioned. “It occurred once more, I misplaced in my own residence. You realize what, it is a sport; it is laborious. You do it since you find it irresistible.
“I by no means did this for the cash or something like that,” he added later. “I did it as a result of I wish to be the very best, and if I can not be the very best, then it’s what it’s. Now, I am going to concentrate on my children, I personal a gymnasium and have a few different initiatives happening. Let’s have a look at what’s the subsequent chapter.”
