Alexander Gustafsson vows to "wipe the mat" with Daniel Cormier

The 3rd of October 2015 the Swedish MMA superstar Alexander Gustafsson got his 2nd shot at UFC gold. After losing a closely contested decision against Jon Jones on his first try to claim the light heavyweight title, he then challenged Daniel Cormier for the title at UFC 192 in Houston, Texas.

Gustafsson got into another war, this time with “DC”, but once again lost in a razor thin split decision.

“A split decision against Alex on half speed – I could have taken it to a whole different level” Gustafsson said about his performance against Cormier when he appeared on the latest episode of Viaplay Fight Week. “I could have used the boxing i showed against Thiago Silva in Stockholm the 1st time, and against Glover [Teixeira] the 2nd time in Globe Arena. I can do so much more – but for some reason I was at half distance and ate his little uppercuts and hooks.”

Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson – Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Third time’s the charm?

Gustafsson is on a 2-fight winning streak and had an impressive performance against the aforementioned Teixeira at UFC Fight Night 109 in Stockholm this year. Even though the Swede is ranked #1, most signs point towards #2-ranked Volkan “No Time” Oezdemir as the next title contender.

“The Mauler” has said that he is aiming for the winner of the potential matchup, if it actually comes to fruition. Gustafsson is supremely confident that he will get the belt in his 3rd try, regardless of who is the victor, Cormier or Oezdemir. He hopes that “DC” wins because he knows that he can “wipe the mat” with him.

“I want to avenge my loss to DC for sure. I know that I can beat him – I put on a shit performance last time. I was able to fight like that even with the capacity I was fighting at. I know I have so much more to give, next time we face off I will wipe the mat with him – simple as that.” Gustafsson said.

“I dont think that Volkan is ready for “DC” at all. If he were to win because of a lucky shot, like he did vs. Jimi [Manuwa] for example, that’s not an issue. I will beat him too.