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Alexander Gustafsson returns with punishing victory over Jan Blachowicz

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:14 p.m. ET

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Damon Martin

It had been 11 months since Alexander Gustafsson last stepped into the Octagon following a heartbreaking loss to light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier in October 2015.

While Gustafsson hasn't faced defeat very often during his career, the loss to Cormier marked his second in a row after a stunning first-round knockout courtesy of Anthony "Rumble" Johnson early last year.

The time off allowed Gustafsson to heal up some nagging injuries and get his mind right before returning and while he had a rough start against Jan Blachowicz on Saturday in Germany, he ultimate got the job done after three rounds.

Blachowicz didn't show up to just be a speed bump for Gustafsson on his road back to the title as the Polish fighter tagged the No. 2-ranked light heavyweight with several hard shots early in the opening round.

With a mouse forming under his eye, Gustafsson adjusted his game plan late in round one and decided to put Blachowicz on the mat, where he completely took over the fight.

Gustafsson punished Blachowicz with a series of short elbows and punches, especially in the second round where he opened up his opponent as blood started trickling down his face from the damage sustained.

Gustafsson continued his assault throughout the final 10 minutes and Blachowicz clearly had no answer for the ground-and-pound attack while he was simply trapped on the mat with no hope to get up again.

When the fight was over, all three judges agreed with 30-27 scorecards as Gustafsson picks up his first win in the UFC since knocking out Jimi Manuwa in March 2014.

Gustafsson now re-enters the title picture following his latest win while he hopes to get a second shot at either reigning champion Daniel Cormier or even another crack at interim titleholder Jon Jones.

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