Alexander Gustafsson is one of the best known fighters in mixed martial arts today since his rise up the rankings of the UFC's light-heavyweight division resulted in a title shot against Jon Jones where the Swede put in a stunning display to give the champ his toughest test in the Octagon to date.
On the back of that performance against Jones, many called for an immediate rematch, but instead the 'The Mauler' was made to wait while Glover Teixeira and then Daniel Cormier had their crack at Jon Jones. Both challengers were unsuccessful, and in the meantime Gustafsson dispatched of Jimi Manuwa and was then handed a fight with Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson to determine the number one contender for the title.
Johnson absolutely stunned the Stockholm crowd when he demolished Gustafsson in the first round, and now the man who many believed was best placed to become the new light-heavyweight champion has revealed just how low he felt after that defeat, and how he seriously considered quitting the sport.
It has definitely been my most difficult period in life so far. I was completely serious about quitting MMA. I don't care really about the title, it was that it happened in front of my home crowd. My cousins ??were in place. It just took it too hard. I didn't have the will to continue. I was really close to quitting. But I have received so much love from fans, loved ones and my team. I had to bite the sour apple and now I have a new fight that made me very motivated. If I had not wanted to do this anymore, I would have stopped. But I want to continue. There is no doubt about it. No one is forcing me. I'm not doing this for money, but to be the best in the world.
Gustafsson is already slated to fight Glover Teixeira at UFC Fight Night 69 in Berlin on June 20, where he will be hoping that he can get back in the picture for a shot at the championship at 205.
via MMAmania.com
