Fabricio Werdum welcomed ex-UFC light heavyweight title challenger Alexander Gustafsson to the heavyweight division with a first-round submission win via armbar.
The curiosity factor for Alexander Gustafsson’s heavyweight debut at UFC Fight Island 3 was high, to say the least. Long have many MMA fans believed that Jon Jones, the Swede’s chief rival and troubled light heavyweight champion, should move up in weight. Gustafsson beating him to the punch, and coming out of retirement to do so, had fan interest piqued. Even more so given Gustafsson was facing former heavyweight champ Fabricio Werdum for his first foray in the weight class.
A big performance from “The Mauler” could give birth to an instant contender. But would a bad one send him back into retirement, or down to 205lbs again?
The first round began with a big leg kick from Werdum. Gustafsson dodged a hook from Werdum and connected on a nice combination inside the pocket. Gustafsson stuffed a takedown attempt from Werdum, but after a scramble, Werdum takes the back, transitions to an armbar, and after some patience, gets the submission! Over in half a round.
Vai Cavalo! 🇧🇷@FabricioWerdum submits Gus in RD 1!
📺 The card finishes next on @ESPN / E+ pic.twitter.com/5O336mRWBW
— UFC (@ufc) July 26, 2020
Obviously not the return the formerly retired Gustafsson was looking for — but a return to form for ex-champ Werdum.
Official Result: Fabricio Werdum def. Alexander Gustafsson by submission (armbar), Round 1, 2:30
