Alexander Gustafsson Opens Up About UFC Exit, New Chapter With GFL

Alexander Gustafsson, the former UFC light heavyweight title contender, has candidly reflected on his decision to leave the UFC and continue his fighting career in a new direction. After a storied 15-year journey in MMA's biggest league, Gustafsson revealed that he no longer has the same motivation and hunger that once fueled his rise to elite status in the sport.

The 38-year-old Swede, who famously battled Jon Jones for the UFC title and is a UFC Hall of Famer, admitted that his time at the top of the UFC was behind him. While Gustafsson remains an elite athlete in his eyes, he feels the new generation of fighters are now dominating the sport. His decision to leave the UFC came after realizing that he was no longer at his best and could no longer compete at the highest level with the sport's finest fighters.

"I see myself as an elite athlete but I feel it’s the time for the new generation," Gustafsson shared during an interview with Sveacasino.se. "I’m not at my top game anymore. It was a while ago. The UFC level demands the best, and I’m not there anymore." While admitting that his passion for the sport has diminished, Gustafsson expressed that he still has fights left in him, and he’s excited about the opportunity to challenge himself in a new environment with the Global Fight League (GFL).

The Swedish fighter, who has a long list of memorable moments, made it clear that while he feels he's no longer at UFC's level, he's not done competing just yet. Gustafsson joined the GFL draft for its inaugural season in 2025, where he was selected by Team London, marking the beginning of his new chapter. "I feel good about it," he stated, acknowledging the challenges of competing at the highest level as a 38-year-old with a family and years of training behind him. "It’s not just about fighting. The pressure from training camps is intense." Gustafsson aims to make the most of his remaining time in the sport before hanging up his gloves for good.