Alexander Gustafsson’s road back to a light heavyweight title shot will go through Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
Gustafsson vs. Rogerio Nogueira will headline the UFC’s return to London, England on March 8, UFC president Dana White announced at the UFC Fight Night 30 post-fight press conference.
White said that should Gustafsson beat Nogueira, he’ll fight the winner of Jon Jones vs. Glover Teixeira for the UFC light heavyweight title in the future. White didn’t state which arena will host the event and where the card will air in the United States.
No date has been set for Jones vs. Teixeira.
“I’m super excited to fight in London,” Gustafsson said. “I’ve fought there before.
“We were supposed to fight way back, but we didn’t, but now I have the chance to fight him again. He’s a really good stand-up striker and a great opponent.”
Indeed Gustafsson and Nogueira were scheduled to fight in April 2012, however, Nogueira pulled out of the fight due to a knee injury and was replaced by Thiago Silva.
Gustafsson (15-2) most recently lost to Jones last month via unanimous decision at UFC 165 in what many consider to be the 2013 Fight of the Year. Nogueira (21-5) hasn’t fought since his February decision win over Rashad Evans at UFC 156. He was scheduled to fight Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 161 but pulled out due to a back injury.
The UFC’s event in London will mark the first of six trips to Europe in 2013. Ross Pearson vs. Melvin Guillard 2 will serve as the co-main event.
The promotion is planning on holding an event in Malmo, Sweden next year despite Gustafsson not being on the card.