Alexander Gustafsson (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Immediately after being submitted by Anthony Smith at UFC Stockholm, Alexander Gustafsson announced he’s retiring, and the Swedish star expanded on that decision during the post-fight presser.

Gustafsson, who was coming off a stoppage loss to Jon Jones in December, tapped out to a fourth round, rear-naked-choke from Smith. After announcing the “show is over” in the Octagon, Gustafsson reported the following while talking to the media (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“So it’s been a great journey,” the longtime, light-heavyweight contender said. “But now I lost to Anthony, too, so it feels like I don’t have it in me anymore. It feels like a confirmation to me.”

“I don’t do this for the money. I do this because I want to beat the best, and be the best. If I can’t do that, it is what it is. I don’t want to be a journeyman. I don’t want to do this because I get paid. I want to do this because I love it, and I want to be at the top.”

The 32-year-old Gustafsson retires from MMA having gone 18-6 during his pro-career.