Alexander Gustafsson believes Jon Jones is ‘the best fighter in the world.’
Alexander Gustafsson and Jon Jones shared many unpleasantries in the lead-up to their championship rematch at UFC 232, but the two light heavyweights were nothing but hugs and compliments after the dust had settled on Dec. 29.
Jones, who returned to the Octagon after a 15-month suspension, finished Gustafsson in the third round to claim the vacant light heavyweight title, becoming the first three-time UFC LHW champion in the promotion’s history.
Shortly after the bout, both men shared a moment in the Octagon, with Gustafsson telling ‘Bones’ he’s ‘the best fighter in the world.’
Check out the video, and transcript (h/t Jesse Holland of MMA Mania), below.
Absolute respect
Step into the Octagon for #UFC232 Thrill & Agony ?? https://t.co/mWNNT0eYqR pic.twitter.com/DvM4iJ8eQc
— UFC (@ufc) January 3, 2019
Jones: “I know you’re not going anywhere.”
Gustafsson: “I’m not going fucking anywhere. You were great. You’re the best in the world.”
Jones: “Thanks man. You’re a bad man.”
After his third failed attempt to capture the light heavyweight title, Gustafsson teased of a move up in weight, telling reporters at the UFC 232 post-fight press conference that the heavyweight division could be an interesting ‘alternative.’
Jones, who tested positive for trace amounts of steroids in the lead-up to UFC 232, could go on to defend his light heavyweight strap against Anthony Smith. The 31-year-old has no interest in moving up to heavyweight to challenge Daniel Cormier for the title.