The perennial light heavyweight contender Alexander Gustafsson challenged for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 165 in 2013 against Jon Jones, however, “The Mauler,” ultimately lost via unanimous decision. It was the greatest light heavyweight fight of all time as Gustafsson came closer to beating Jones than any of his other opponents and the promotion booked an immediate rematch.
Unfortunately, Alexander Gustafsson suffered a knee injury and subsequent withdrawal from the rematch. He has been campaigning for a rematch ever since the first fight, so it was no surprise to hear that he still would like to see Jones back in action despite his recent failed drug tests.
‘The Mauler’ got another chance to score the gold against Daniel Cormier at UFC 192, yet Gustafsson ended up with another close decision loss. Cormier is holding a title since then, Gustafsson said he wants a title shot, but “DC” is busy prepping for a heavyweight title fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 226 in July.
Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show recently, Gustafsson expressed his feeling that light heavyweight division is in limbo as DC moved to heavyweight: (Quotes Via MMAFighting)
“Fighting him and beating him, that’s bigger than taking the belt right now, that’s how I feel,” Gustafsson told the Joe Rogan podcast. “Look at what he did to DC. And DC is tough. He finished DC. That’s just insane.”
“I’m telling you, that guy is such a beast,” Gustafsson continued. “It’s so stupid because he’s the best guy, pound-for-pound out there. He’s done things nobody else has done. He’s just a beast and still, shit just comes up all the time. He doesn’t even need that steroid. He doesn’t need that shit in him. He’s still the best guy out there.”
Last summer, Jones knocked out Cormier in a rematch at UFC 214. Jones failed a drug test, though, and ultimately the result was overturned to a no-contest, later Cormier reinstated as champion.
Gustafsson last fought in May 2017, where he knocked out Glover Teixeira in the fifth round.
Do you think Gustafsson will ever get his rematch with Jon Jones?
