• UFC Sweden

White: Gustafsson 'the worst pulled fight ever'

ESPN staff
April 3, 2013
ESPN UFC Podcast: Gutted-afsson

UFC president Dana White has slammed the Swedish Mixed Martial Arts Federation (SMMAF), labelling the decision to pull Alexander Gustafsson from Saturday's fight "the worst decision I have ever seen to pull a fight".

Gustafsson had been scheduled to headline UFC Sweden in his home country against Gegard Mousasi. A win for either man would have propelled him towards the title mix in the light-heavyweight division.

However, Gustafsson suffered a cut above his eye earlier this week and was forced out of the bout on medical orders. The little-known Ilir Latifi has stepped in at late notice.

"This pic was taken of Gustafsson today and you can't even see the cut!!!" White tweeted alongside an image of the Swede's laceration.

"Worst decision I have EVER seen to pull fight."

Gustafsson was understandably gutted to miss a big chance not only to fight in front of his own country but to potentially book a UFC title shot. He told MMANytt.se that the cut happened while wrestling and expressed his genuine disappointment.

"I am extremely sorry for this and I feel [for] Gegard Mousasi." Gustafsson said. "I also suffer with the fans who have been looking forward to this event and this match."

UFC Sweden takes place on April 6 and will now have a three-round main event. The co-main event sees Ross Pearson meet Ryan Couture.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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