Alexander Gustafsson's return from retirement and move to heavyweight did not go as he planned this weekend at UFC Fight Island 3.
The former light heavyweight title challenger missed over a year of action, and it showed. Upon his entry to the UFC's heavyweight division, he was welcomed by an equally struggling ex-UFC Heavyweight Champion in #14Fabricio Werdum. He was also welcomed by an armbar within just a couple of minutes.
Vai Cavalo! ----@FabricioWerdum submits Gus in RD 1!
— UFC (@ufc) July 26, 2020
-- The card finishes next on @ESPN / E+ pic.twitter.com/5O336mRWBW
Gustafsson has now lost three consecutive fights, while Werdum picked up his first victory since 2017.
#7 Carla Esparza traditionally wins via unanimous decision when she does win, and that was no different over the previously unbeaten #8 Marina Rodriguez. The decision was a controversial one, with media scores split down the middle, and 60 percent of fans selecting Rodriguez to win at press time.
Also on the show, Pannie Kianzad defeated #13 Bethe Correia via unanimous decision. There was a particularly hilarious moment with Correia mistook the ten second warning bell as the round timer and got lit up as a result.
BETHE CORREIA THOUGHT THE ROUND WAS OVER -- #UFCFightIsland pic.twitter.com/NGFqQ2ZOQV
— UFC (@ufc) July 25, 2020
See our full coverage of UFC Fight Island 3 at this link.
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