Former light heavyweight title contender Alexander Gustafsson has begun actively campaigning for a non-title fight with former champion Rashad Evans.
Speaking with MMAFighting.com’s Ariel Helwani, the Swede discussed his revolving door of potential opponents, saying, “Well, the [Anthony] Johnson fight didn’t go as planned. I really wanted that fight. Of course, I want that belt, that’s my goal, but I won’t stay and wait for that. I want to stay active, so I hope to get a fight before this year has ended or early next year.”
A fight between Gustafsson and surging striker Anthony “Rumble” Johnson was a done deal for UFC on Fox 13 according to UFC President Dana White, per Helwani. However, Johnson has found himself suspended indefinitely following allegations of domestic violence.
The initial fight with Johnson has a story of its own, too. Gustafsson initially planned to face light heavyweight champion Jon Jones in a rematch of their 2013 barnburner, but he was forced to withdraw from the fight due to injury and was replaced by Daniel Cormier.
With Jones and Johnson both off the table, Gustafsson apparently has his eyes set on Johnson’s teammate (and longtime Jones rival) Rashad Evans, saying he is “absolutely” interested in a fight with Evans when asked by European UFC commentator Andy Friedlander on Friday, per Helwani.
Evans is currently recovering from knee surgery that forced a late withdrawal from his UFC 170 fight opposite Daniel Cormier (he would infamously be replaced by Patrick Cummins). His recovery was expected to take six to eight months, which means a November or December return for Evans is realistic.
If Gustafsson is targeting a return to the cage later this year or in early 2015, he has numerous potential landing spots. Jones and Cormier will face off for the belt at UFC 182 on January 3, 2015. Having Gustafsson compete at the event would be a solid way to generate early exposure for a second Gustafsson title fight.
Keep an eye on Bleacher Report for more details on the fight should it come to pass.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com