Despite bogus reports, Alexander Gustafsson remains at Alliance MMA

Alexander Gustafsson has seen his skills set grow since joining the Alliance Training Center in Chula Vista, California following his loss to Phil Davis. The team is home to mixed martial arts (MMA) standouts Dominick Cruz, Michael Chandler, Phil Davis, and Brandon Vera and is arguably the best gym in the Southern California MMA scene.

Yesterday (Oct. 3, 2013), news broke courtesy of Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet that Gustafsson planned to part ways with Alliance and hold his training camps in Sweden from now on. He apparently felt that the costs of training in the United States were too great, especially when he has to leave his family and dogs for months at a time.

They also stated training camp issues with Davis as a reason. According to the report, Davis didn't help Gustafsson much in his preparation for Jon Jones and they have been growing more and more distant in the gym.

Kimura.se spoke with Gustasfsson's head coach, Andreas Michael, about the light heavyweight's decision to leave his long time camp and only train in Sweden. Micheal quickly shot down the rumors, stating that Gustafsson's comments were misinterpreted and that he plans to stay with the Chula Vista camp.

Yesterday was interviewed on Swedish UFC fighter Alexander Gustafsson by the Times where it appeared that Alex was eager to have their next training camp in Sweden. This statement led to more sides speculated that the collaboration between Alex (and Allstars Gym) and Alliance MMA had ended. It was speculated also that the reason behind the "breakup" would have been a match between Alex and Phil Davis was in the offing.

All these rumors denied, however, by Alex's head coach Andreas Michael , who in an exclusive interview with Kimura.se says that the media only has Alex comments and interpreted it wrong in order to "sell" the news. Andreas says that the partnership between the Alliance and Alex / Allstar Fitness that it will continue cooperation for a long time to come. Thoughts on finishing the fine relationship that the two clubs have between them does not exist and has never existed.

Rumors of a bout between Davis and Alex is also not telling Andrew, it is just something the media created out of thin air. Alex and Davis will only meet in a possible title match, or if both get millions in salary for a match against each other, says Andreas.

Gustafsson is still going through the mental anguish of losing a very close fight, so if he did say he was thinking about Alliance, it was likely his emotions speaking. He's been on such a tear since joining the SoCal camp that it wouldn't make sense for his career.

However, one aspect that was likely very true is the way he views Davis. They are currently sitting at the top of the light heavyweight division, so it can't be the most comfortable situation in the gym when both are vying for the same title. If and when they rematch, there will need to be a separation in training.