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Headlining on his home turf, Gustafsson suffered the first KO loss of his career when he was pounded out by Anthony Johnson in the first round at UFC on Fox 14 in January. With a lack bankable contenders at 205 pounds, Gustafsson challenged newly minted champion Cormier at UFC 192 in October, losing a split decision.
"I do not want to be a journeyman," said Gustafsson. "I do not want to be a fighter that people should beat to get a title fight. I do not want to be in fights where people see me as an obstacle on the road. I want to be the man challenging. I'm not satisfied with being ranked second and third. I'm such a self-critic, that I find it hard to give myself credit for something.
"Sure, it was a good fight against DC. It was a good fight against Jones, but I didn't win. So that is not a good fight. It is not enough that I've put Sweden on the map. I've heard a hundred times how good that was. I appreciate what people say to me and that they give me credit. But for my personally, it's not enough. I want to go all the way."
One of the faces of European MMA, it doesn't sound like UFC brass are worried about Gustafsson moving forward.
"We'll see what the future looks like now," Gustafsson said. "I spoke to [UFC president]Dana White and [UFC CEO] Lorenzo Fertitta on Friday. 'Big plans', was all they said. We'll see what they have to offer. I am 28 and I see myself involved with this a few more years. I want to go some more years."
LINK: Morning Report: No 'journeyman,' Alexander Gustafsson says Dana White and UFC have 'big plans' for his future - MMA Fighting