UFC Stockholm: What’s Next for the Losers

UFC Stockholm: What’s Next for the Losers

By James Heaney

Another European Fight Night delivered this weekend in Stockholm as the curtain came down on the careers of some of the biggest stars. So what’s next for those who didn’t win on Saturday night?

Gustafsson: nearly 12 years ago, Alexander Gustafsson started his pro MMA career with a Rear Naked Choke win. Fast forward to Saturday night and that same submission closed what has been an impressive and inspiring career. Often lauded for his impact on the European MMA scene, Gustafsson deserves the worldwide acclaim he has received since emotionally placing down his gloves on Saturday night. He pushed two of the best to ever do it, to be the best they can be and the fights with Jones and DC will live long in the memory. If this is it for Gus…thank you.

Manuwa: knock-outs as vicious as the head kick Manuwa received on Saturday often get people questioning what’s next. The Poster Boy has now dropped his last 4 fights, 3 of those by KO. As with his stablemate Gustafsson, it’s now confirmed that this is it for Manuwa. He leaves MMA with a highly respectable 17-6 record and memories of fights ending with highlight reel knockouts. Manuwa has also done so much to build MMA in England and many local fans will be sad to see him join Bisping and Pickett in leaving the sport. Hopefully he stays involved with MMA, sharing his experience and coaching future contenders.

Fishgold: Chris Fishgold went 1-2 in the UFC as he was on the wrong end of a Performance of the Night earning submission from Makwan Amirkhani. Potential next opponents include Nad Narimani in an all English match up, or the loser of Chas Kelly v Jordan Griffin scheduled for the end of June.

Hadzovic: Damir was muted by Giagos throughout the fight, with an overall sense of being frustrated he couldn’t put anything together against an experienced opponent. Hadzovic had won his previous two but is now 3-3 in the UFC. As for what’s next, Jessin Ayari or Jon Tuck, both looking to recover from a Loss could be options.