Thursday 1 September 2016 19:57, UK
Alexander Gustafsson has opened up about the difficulties of rebounding from three crushing defeats.
The Swedish light-heavyweight appeared likely to end Europe's generation-long wait for a UFC championship in 2013 but a downturn in fortunes allowed Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Joanna Jedrzejczyk to relegate him into the shadows.
Gustafsson lost razor-thin decisions in world title fights against Jon Jones then Daniel Cormier, and was brutally knocked out in his home country by top contender Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson. Moving past the disappointment of those reputation-shattering results has allowed the Swede to end his near-year hiatus.
You try to see the positives in everything. I tried to stay positive and see the good things
"It's tough coming off a loss but you keep learning, you keep ticking," he exclusively told Sky Sports. "You try to see the positives in everything.
"I tried to stay positive and see the good things coming off of two [consecutive] losses.
"I picked up the good things and learned from the bad. I've been training the whole time, trying to develop my game. I've stayed busy. I'm trying to do better with every detail, trying to better myself.
"I see myself as a much better fighter today with new skills."
Gustafsson is still just 29-years-old and is rated as the No 2 contender at light-heavyweight, behind current champion Cormier and top contender Johnson, ahead of his next fight against unranked Jan Blachowicz.
He wanted a short-notice rematch against Cormier at UFC 200 - "Yes, I was serious, absolutely" - as he strives to not be defined by high-stakes defeats.
"I'm not thinking of Cormier or Jon Jones or anybody," he said. "You haven't seen my best performance yet, I have a lot more to show."
