A week after what Alexander Gustafsson described as the “worst time in my career,” the UFC light heavyweight is looking to reignite his chase for the title with a match against Lyoto Machida.
The Swedish fighter told MMA junkie that he would like to either be an injury replacement in the next title fight, or take on No. 1 contender Lyoto Machida.
Gustafsson is currently ranked No. 2 at 205 pounds, behind Machida and champion Jon Jones.
Machida recently defeated veteran Dan Henderson via split decision to earn the No. 1 spot, but the victory was hardly thrilling and, considering the fact that the Brazilian already had a shot at Jones in 2011, and lost, few are clamouring to see the rematch.
That gave rising prospect Gustafsson the chance to fight Jones next, who is currently due to defend his belt against UFC loud-mouth and division newcomer Chael Sonnen later this month. However, in a controversial decision, the Swede was prevented from fighting at UFC on Fuel 9 in his native country two weeks ago in a match that would have, potentially, leapfrogged him into a title shot.
That is if he had defeated Gegard Mousasi, who was making his UFC debut on the card. Mousasi is a former Strikeforce and Dream champion, but unfortunately for both men, Gustafsson suffered a cut to his eye a week before the fight and the Swedish MMA Federation refused to let him fight.
It was decision UFC president Dana White called the “worst decision ever to pull a fight,” and has led to an internal review of Sweden’s MMA sanctioning body. For Gustafsson, it threw his title aspirations into disarray.
Jones is widely considered the best talent of his generation and has been champion since 2011—destroying some of the sport’s biggest names. Gustafsson, who possesses a similar reach and “rangy” style of striking, is considered one of the best prospects to end his reign after others, including Machida, have failed.
Machida, who hasn’t fought since February, has said that he would rather stay active than wait for the outcome of the Jones/Sonnen match. With Gustafsson fully healthy and eager to get back into action also, that fight is a distinct possibility.
Jones and Sonnen are due to throw down on April 27 at UFC 159 in New Jersey.
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