Morning Report: Daniel Cormier next for winner of Alexander Gustafsson vs. light heavyweight champion

Despite light heavyweight champion Jon Jonesrecent offer to help, it seems UFC matchmaker Joe Silva still has a job. With UFC president Dana White confirming that Alexander Gustafsson will now face the winner of Jones’ upcoming title bout with Glover Teixeira, fans were left wondering where Daniel Cormier figures in. Responding to a fan on Twitter, White made it known that ‘DC’ will now face the winner of Gustafsson vs. the light heavyweight champion following UFC 172 in April.

@FantasyMoneyMan u will see him against the winner of Jones/Glover vs Gus

— Dana White (@danawhite) March 9, 2014

Should Jones defeat Teixeira Apr. 26 in Baltimore, Gustafsson would be handed his much ballyhooed rematch of 2013’s ‘Fight of the Year.’ Jones earned a narrow unanimous decision victory against Gustafsson in September at UFC 165 and fans have clamored to see the pair go again ever since. Cormier, who recently dispatched newcomer Patrick Cummins at UFC 170, is still looking to build his resume at 205.

Without much a claim at a light heavyweight title shot, Cormier said Saturday that Gustafsson being next in line shouldn’t be a surprise. Additionally, Cormier plans to remain active rather than wait on a title shot, not likely until 2015. Doing a bit of matchmaking of his own, Cormier says he wouldn’t be opposed to facing the winner of UFC 172’s co-main event between Phil Davis and Anthony Johnson for the No. 1 contender spot.

@ShaneBranscome: @dc_mma what’s next? Wait for title shot or fight?” Fight

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) March 9, 2014

@MAGNET_69: @dc_mma would you face winner of Phil vs Anthony? For # 1 title contender ?” yes

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) March 9, 2014

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5 MUST-READ STORIES

T-Wood. Can Tyron Woodley live up to the hype after hounding Dana White to fight Carlos Condit?

‘Complete struggle.’ While he says he and Jon Jones could at least be cordial, Chael Sonnen says it was impossible working with Wanderlei Silva for TUF Brazil.

Fortunes changed for five. Dave Meltzer explains how Alexander Gustafsson, Jimi Manuwa, Brad Pickett, Gunnar Nelson and Luke Barnatt move on from UFC Fight Night: London.

Big Boss. Lorenzo Fertitta on learning from the WWE, UFC’s TV product, fighter pay and more.

GSP in UFC 171. Georges St-Pierre says he’s taking Johny Hendricks over Robbie Lawler this weekend.

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MEDIA STEW

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Countdown to UFC 171: Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler.

Star-divide

Highlights from RFA 13.

Star-divide

Dana White’s post-fight scrum.

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Post-fight interview, highlights and Jones callout from Alexander Gustafsson.

Star-divide

Relive the magic from Hendo vs. Shogun I.

Star-divide

Just listen to the impact of this KO. Skip to 9:00

(HT to r/MMA)

Star-divide

Long watches.

UFC Fight Night 37 post-fight press conference video

Forrest Griffin, Conor McGregor, Ross Pearson & Joanne Calderwood: UFN 38 London Q&A Pt 1 of 3

Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana scrum: Mayweather on Maidana deserving fight, Age

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TWEETS

As always, make sure to check out our ‘Pros react’ piece for instant reaction from UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs. Manuwa.

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Victory lap.

Thanks for all the support London had a great evening!!!!! U are amazing!!! Thanks again!!!! @UFC_UK #UFCLondon @ufc

— Alexander Gustafsson (@AlexTheMauler) March 9, 2014

Big shoutout and thx to team @blackzilians they pushed me hard for this fight were going to the top nonstop

Michael Johnson (@FollowTheMenace) March 8, 2014

Thank you to everyone for all the support. Was happy to get the 3 rnds in and come away with the victory in my new weight class 💪👍

— Brad Pickett (@One_Punch) March 9, 2014

@GunniNelson did an unbelievable job @ufc London today.. The boy has everything that takes 😉 @HalliNelson I’m proud pic.twitter.com/4YQ9iYdzbB

— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) March 8, 2014

Last night was Amazing… Me and Alex alexthemauler fought here in London in front 16000 people in… http://t.co/MAmO3do9kn

Ilir Latifi (@Latifimma) March 9, 2014

Big thanks to my opponent @MatsNilssonMMA a gentleman & V talented guy. congratulations on joining the UFC you’ll be a FORCE here I’m sure.

— Bigslow (@LukeBarnatt) March 9, 2014

I am a Jesus soldier.

Igor Araujo (@igoraraujojj) March 9, 2014

Impressive victory for @LouGaudinotUFC ! 1st round submission! #tigerschulmanns #tsmma #ufclondon pic.twitter.com/JCr16cr6C3

— Tiger Schulmann’s (@TigerSchulmanns) March 8, 2014

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Better luck next time.

Thanks to all the fans for their support. Was a great crowd at the 02. My first loss and I learnt a lot. Thanks to my team and family also.

— jimi manuwa (@POSTERBOYJM) March 9, 2014

Loved every minute of it thanks for the support

— Neil 2 Tap Seery (@NeilSeeryMMA) March 8, 2014

Not the best day of my life. It’s all in God’s hand. Thanks to everyone who supported me! @ufc @ufc_uk

Omari Akhmedov (@OMARI_MMA) March 9, 2014

Hat’s off to @LukeBarnatt , the better man tonight.

Mats Nilsson (@MatsNilssonMMA) March 8, 2014

Me and forest. Brothers reunited pic.twitter.com/MG61MNiAs3

Bradley Scott (@Bradleyscott89) March 9, 2014

Thanks for the massive support! #UFCLondon was rockin’ last night! Sat in the sun now having food then the long drive home

Danny Mitchell (@DannyAranha) March 9, 2014

Totally gutted good luck to @LouGaudinotUFC in the future.

Phil Harris ufc (@Philharrismma) March 8, 2014

I’m absolutely devastated that I can’t fight tonight guys but I’ll be back and thank you for all the support it means a lot!

— Davey Grant (@DaveyGrantMMA) March 8, 2014

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Congrats.

Thanks for all the support! Love you guys! Merci pour le soutien! Jvous kiffe!

— Cyrille Diabaté (@CyrilleDiabate) March 9, 2014

Jus wanna say Thank you to my family,friends, & fans. I’m Officially Retiring from Professional Fighting today!

Jay Hieron (@Jayhieron) March 7, 2014

CONGRATULATIONS to Chan Sung ‘The Korean Zombie’ Jung on tying the knot this past weekend! #UFCLove pic.twitter.com/EOmsLbOSWO

— UFC Asia (@UFC_Asia) March 10, 2014

My first post-fight interview. They need work but this one was a good start thanks to my friend Louis. http://t.co/F4gzcZ9B92

Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) March 9, 2014

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Sent just a minute apart.

I see DC congratulating Alexander and making comments about waiting his turn now.. I wonder if they’re afraid to fight each other?

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) March 9, 2014

People who don’t like to think are quick to call me afraid. Think about it, I’m asking for the meanest of the two

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) March 9, 2014

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Fun.

@dc_mma hahaha hell! I was about to tell you my gp and still have my way with you! That’s how confident I.am!!

Rashad Evans (@SugaRashadEvans) March 9, 2014

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Nice.

My GF surprised me with this sweet new comforter. I’m thrilled. Thanks babe #Barf pic.twitter.com/OFgsglbmhk

Joseph Benavidez (@JoeJitsu) March 8, 2014

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced this weekend (Mar. 7-9 2014)

cancelled Nah-Shon Burrell vs. War Machine at Bellator 112

cancelled Sam Oropeza vs. Joe Riggs at Bellator 112

cancelled Jesse Juarez vs. Andrey Koreshkov at Bellator 112


Star-divide

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Da Headbanger.

What We NOW Know About UFC Fight Night 38 Main Card… And What Should NOW Be Done.

Another UFC event has passed… and there was actually more finishes than decisions! Considering the inordinate amount of decisions as of late, this was incredibly refreshing. Wait… you want the actual details of who fought and won? Well, I suppose that is why I type these things up so you win.

Alexander Gustafsson had very little trouble with dispatching an overmatched Jimi Manuwa and setting up a rematch of epic proportions. More details on that in a bit. Though the co-main event was a major stinker, the rest of the main card went as expected and produced some good action. In a change of scenery though, there doesn’t seem to be a single controversy from the event. If you really want one I’ll have to either make up something. But I just deal in facts, not opinions (wink). Though what to do with Gustafsson is obvious, there are more questions for the rest of the card. I’ll fill ya in though.

Check out the rest of the post here.

Star-divide

Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.

Despite light heavyweight champion Jon Jonesrecent offer to help, it seems UFC matchmaker Joe Silva still has a job. With UFC president Dana White confirming that Alexander Gustafsson will now face the winner of Jones’ upcoming title bout with Glover Teixeira, fans were left wondering where Daniel Cormier figures in. Responding to a fan on Twitter, White made it known that ‘DC’ will now face the winner of Gustafsson vs. the light heavyweight champion following UFC 172 in April.

Should Jones defeat Teixeira Apr. 26 in Baltimore, Gustafsson would be handed his much ballyhooed rematch of 2013’s ‘Fight of the Year.’ Jones earned a narrow unanimous decision victory against Gustafsson in September at UFC 165 and fans have clamored to see the pair go again ever since. Cormier, who recently dispatched newcomer Patrick Cummins at UFC 170, is still looking to build his resume at 205.

Without much a claim at a light heavyweight title shot, Cormier said Saturday that Gustafsson being next in line shouldn’t be a surprise. Additionally, Cormier plans to remain active rather than wait on a title shot, not likely until 2015. Doing a bit of matchmaking of his own, Cormier says he wouldn’t be opposed to facing the winner of UFC 172’s co-main event between Phil Davis and Anthony Johnson for the No. 1 contender spot.

Star-divide

5 MUST-READ STORIES

T-Wood. Can Tyron Woodley live up to the hype after hounding Dana White to fight Carlos Condit?

‘Complete struggle.’ While he says he and Jon Jones could at least be cordial, Chael Sonnen says it was impossible working with Wanderlei Silva for TUF Brazil.

Fortunes changed for five. Dave Meltzer explains how Alexander Gustafsson, Jimi Manuwa, Brad Pickett, Gunnar Nelson and Luke Barnatt move on from UFC Fight Night: London.

Big Boss. Lorenzo Fertitta on learning from the WWE, UFC’s TV product, fighter pay and more.

GSP in UFC 171. Georges St-Pierre says he’s taking Johny Hendricks over Robbie Lawler this weekend.

Star-divide

MEDIA STEW

Star-divide

Countdown to UFC 171: Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler.

Star-divide

Highlights from RFA 13.

Star-divide

Dana White’s post-fight scrum.

Star-divide

Post-fight interview, highlights and Jones callout from Alexander Gustafsson.

Star-divide

Relive the magic from Hendo vs. Shogun I.

Star-divide

Just listen to the impact of this KO. Skip to 9:00

(HT to r/MMA)

Star-divide

Long watches.

UFC Fight Night 37 post-fight press conference video

Forrest Griffin, Conor McGregor, Ross Pearson & Joanne Calderwood: UFN 38 London Q&A Pt 1 of 3

Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana scrum: Mayweather on Maidana deserving fight, Age

Star-divide

TWEETS

As always, make sure to check out our ‘Pros react’ piece for instant reaction from UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs. Manuwa.

Star-divide

Victory lap.

Star-divide

Better luck next time.

Star-divide

Congrats.

Star-divide

Sent just a minute apart.

Star-divide

Fun.

Star-divide

Nice.

Star-divide

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced this weekend (Mar. 7-9 2014)

cancelled Nah-Shon Burrell vs. War Machine at Bellator 112

cancelled Sam Oropeza vs. Joe Riggs at Bellator 112

cancelled Jesse Juarez vs. Andrey Koreshkov at Bellator 112


Star-divide

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Da Headbanger.

What We NOW Know About UFC Fight Night 38 Main Card… And What Should NOW Be Done.

Another UFC event has passed… and there was actually more finishes than decisions! Considering the inordinate amount of decisions as of late, this was incredibly refreshing. Wait… you want the actual details of who fought and won? Well, I suppose that is why I type these things up so you win.

Alexander Gustafsson had very little trouble with dispatching an overmatched Jimi Manuwa and setting up a rematch of epic proportions. More details on that in a bit. Though the co-main event was a major stinker, the rest of the main card went as expected and produced some good action. In a change of scenery though, there doesn’t seem to be a single controversy from the event. If you really want one I’ll have to either make up something. But I just deal in facts, not opinions (wink). Though what to do with Gustafsson is obvious, there are more questions for the rest of the card. I’ll fill ya in though.

Check out the rest of the post here.

Star-divide

Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.