VIDEO | Gustafsson Comments on Safe Win Over Blachowicz

Last night, in the co-main event of the UFC’s trip to Hamburg, Germany, Alexander Gustafsson rebounded from a two-fight losing streak by decisioning Poland’s Jan Blachowicz. Despite being known as a striker, Gustafsson relied primarily on his wrestling to defeat Blachowicz, which has earned him a bit of criticism from fans and fellow fighters alike.

In a backstage interview posted to the UFC’s official YouTube channel, Gustafsson discussed his win over Blachowicz, and the uncharacteristic game plan he used to achieve that win.

“He’s a tough opponent,” Gustafsson said of Blachowicz, who he shared a beer with post-fight. “My punches couldn’t really connect when I threw them, so it was a tough time for me to find my range. I think I’ve been away a little bit too long from the competing, but my takedowns worked and I secured the fight by decision.” 

“The most important thing to me was the W; to win, nothing else. Basically, I knew he would come in hard in the first couple of rounds, so I just took it from there. You have to be ready for everything; every situation that occurs. My punches didn’t connect and he was hitting me in the exchanges so I was just securing the win by taking him down.”

“I’m just going to enjoy this win for a day or two,” Gustafsson said of his plans from here. “Then I’m going to sit down with my team and see what’s best for me. Of course, I’m just looking forward. I’m looking to beat the best guys in the world.” 

“I’m going to rest for a couple of days, then get back to work. Go back to the office and try to improve my game. There’s always something I need to improve. I want to be as complete as possible.” 

How do you think Gustafsson looked in Hamburg? How do you think he fares in rematches with Jon Jones, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, and Daniel Cormier, all of whom he’s lost to before? Sound off, PENN nation!