Alexander Gustafsson is back in the gym, eyeing UFC 229 return

Swedish light heavyweight contender Alexander Gustafsson was briefly expected to battle Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 227 earlier this month. Unfortunately, this plan was derailed when both he and Oezdemir sustained pre-fight injuries.

Now, Alexander Gustafsson is healthy again. He’s back in the gym, training alongside monsters like Jimi Manuwa, Ilir Latifi, Reza Madadi and Hector Lombard, and he’s ready to return to the Octagon.

“I had some problems before my fight. I got injured, but I am here and training,” Gustafsson told MMA Viking at Stockholm’s AllStars Training Center. “Shit happens. I have been having issues with my back thigh, but I feel good.”

In terms of settings for his long-awaited return to the cage, Gustafsson is eyeing UFC 229, which goes down on October 6 in Las Vegas. The card, which is headlined by a lightweight title fight between champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and challenger Conor McGregor, is likely to be the biggest of the year.

“I’m looking forward to my next fight,” Gustafsson said. “I’ll fight anyone.”

“Hopefully the 6th of October. I am ready.”

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Alexander Gustafsson has not fought since May of 2017, when he authored a highlight-reel knockout victory in a rousing fight with Glover Teixeira. His next most recent fight occured all the way back in September of 2016, when he defeated Poland’s Jan Blachowicz by unanimous decision. The Swedish contender is currently a strong 18-4 in sum.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 8/26/2018.