Alexander Gustafsson appears to be one and done at heavyweight.
The former light heavyweight title contender, who holds knockout wins over the likes of Jan Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira, just to name a few, will make his return to the Octagon for a 205-pound throwdown opposite streaking division slugger Paul Craig on Sept. 4 in London.
That’s according to a report from Front Kick.
Gustafsson (18-7) briefly retired from MMA after his submission loss to Anthony Smith back in June 2019, his second straight at 205 pounds. “The Mauler” later attempted to make a new and improved run in the heavyweight division opposite Fabricio Werdum; however, “Vai Cavalo” was having none of it.
A loss to Craig would be the Swede’s third straight.
As for the resurgent “Bearjew” (15-4-1), he’s won three straight and four of his last five, including last month’s violent finish over Jamahal Hill. The 33 year-old Scot sits just outside the Top 10 but could improve his position with a big win over Gustafsson, who will likely rejoin the UFC rankings following his MMA return.
The Sept. 4 event is expected to feature a middleweight main event between Darren Till and Derek Brunson. Elsewhere on the card, Khalil Rountree throws leather with Modestas Bukauskas, while Charles Jourdain gets to work against Lerone Murphy.