Gustafsson: I slipped and hit my head on corner post on Thursday | UFC News

Alexander Gustafsson (15-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) was scheduled to face Gegard Mousasi (33-3-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) in the main event of UFC on FUEL TV 9, which takes place in Gustafsson’s home nation of Sweden this Saturday. However, in one of his final practices, a freak accident caused a cut over his left eye.

Gustafsson posted a image of the cut and description of what happened on his personal website. Here is what “The Mauler” had to say:

To all of you who are wondering I will tell you what happened:

During Thursday’s (March 28) class, as we ran wrestling drills, I lost my balance and pitched forward, hitting my eyebrow on a corner post in a very unfortunate way. Immediately after it happened, I went to the hospital and got three stitches. I was quite prepared to compete, until the doctors called and told me that the cut will not have time to heal in time before the fight.

It is of course extremely sad when training camp has gone very well. Except for the eyebrow, I am in my best shape and completely ready for the fight. It is also sad for my opponent, Gegard Mousasi, who has also been training long and hard for this match.

I and my team have done everything we can to get set up and compete despite the cut. It is unfortunately not in our hands anymore.

I am extremely sorry for this and I feel for Gegard Mousasi. The next step now is that I sit down with the team and plan the future.

Thanks again for all your support!

Stepping in for Gustafsson will be promotional newcomer and fellow Swede Ilir Latifi (7-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC).