Daniel Cormier congratulates Alexander Gustafsson following his retirement at the UFC

Alexander Gustafsson, the long-time heavyweight of the UFC, has called this career, retiring in the Octagon at the UFC on ESPN + 11 Saturday in Stockholm, Sweden. Many fighters have not been long in praising the Swedish fighter, including the current 205-pound UFC champion, Jon Jones, but none has been as moving as the current UFC heavyweight champion, Daniel Cormier.

"Alex, you'll be forever one of the greatest players in my career. We agreed, we quarreled and bickered, but eventually you made me better. You have improved the sport. You are a warrior and we will really miss you! Cormier wrote in an article posted on Instagram on Sunday.

"I understand motivational changes and for you, now is your family. I say now that you are starting to really live the good life. Congratulations for this beautiful career my man! You are a hammer! See you later."

Gustafsson presented UFC on ESPN + 11 in front of his native audience in a fierce battle against Anthony Smith. Although the two fought for most of the fight, Gustafsson finally succumbed to a throttle in the back in the middle of the fourth round.

The defeat put his career at 18-6. Gustafsson's career spans more than ten years, but despite being at the top of the 205-pound category for years, he has never been able to wear gold around his neck. He has fought for the title three times, losing once against Cormier and twice against Jones.

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After defeat against Smith in Sweden, Gustafsson put his gloves on the ground and told his fans: "The series is over, guys."

He then added, "I fought because I want to be the best and if I can not be the best, then that's what it is. Now, I will focus on my children. I have a gym and I have a few other projects going on. Let's see what remains to be done next. I've built the life I wanted, so let's see what's next chapter. "