Alexander Gustafsson releases first statement after UFC on ESPN 14 loss to Fabricio Werdum

Alexander Gustafsson’s return from retirement did not go as expected.

Coming back from a 13-month layoff, the former 205-pound title contender booked his first fight as a heavyweight while taking on a past champion and one-time training partner in Fabricio Werdum.

Unfortunately for Gustafsson, an early takedown from Werdum eventually led to an armbar submission that stopped the fight in the first round. It was obviously a disappointing outing for the three-time light heavyweight title challenger, who admitted prior to the event that he regretted his prior retirement announcement.

This time around, he took a moment to gather his words before releasing a statement following the conclusion of UFC on ESPN 14.

“It sucks to lose but I’m alive and healthy,” Gustafsson wrote on Twitter. “It’s a sport, a sport that I love! Thanks Werdum for a great fight and the UFC for the opportunity!”

It’s sucks to lose but I’m alive and healthy it’s a sport, a sport that I love! Thanks Werdum for a great fight and the @ufc for the opportunity! Now let’s celebrate my brother and teammate kamza borz!!! He’s coming for everyone, be ready

— Alexander Gustafsson (@AlexTheMauler) July 26, 2020

While he seems to be in good spirits, Gustafsson definitely has some decisions to make once he’s ready to fight again.

He’s suffered three losses in a row overall with the first two coming against Jon Jones and Anthony Smith in consecutive fights.

The matchup with Werdum took place at heavyweight with Gustafsson tipping the scales at 240 pounds during the weigh-ins. It remains to be seen if he will give it another go at heavyweight or return to 205 pounds where he spent the majority of his career.

The one thing that seems certain is Gustafsson will fight again as he looks to bounce back from his loss to Werdum on Saturday night.