Alexander Gustafsson nearly defeated Jon Jones last weekend at UFC 165, and he’s eager to get another crack at the light heavyweight champion.
The Swedish striker and the pound-for-pound great locked up in one of the greatest fights in MMA history last Saturday in Toronto, with Jones retaining his title at the battle’s conclusion. Despite being a heavy underdog coming into the fight, “The Mauler” took Jones to the brink of defeat during the five-round affair, nearly making good on his promise to “shock the world” at UFC 165.
Nevertheless, it was Jones who left Tornoto’s Air Canada Centre with the 205-pound title and the next step for both fighters remains uncertain. UFC President Dana White was open to the option of an immediate rematch when he spoke to the media at the post-fight press conference, but said making it happen would come down to all the “moving parts” involved falling into place.
On Wednesday night’s edition of UFC Tonight, Gustafsson revealed he has yet to receive word from the UFC regarding a rematch. The Team Alliance fighter told hosts Chael Sonnen and Kenny Florian he had a clean bill of health and was just waiting to here from the promotion about facing Jones again. While Gustafsson displayed disappointment in coming up short in quest for the title, he certainly believes his performance was strong enough to warrant another go at the light heavyweight crown.
On the other side of the equation, “Bones” doesn’t share the same opinion.
The most dominant champion in the history of the UFC light heavyweight division told UFC Tonight’s Ariel Helwani he believes he won the battle with Gustafsson convincingly on the judge’s scorecards. After re-watching the fight 10 times, the 26-year-old champion feels the win was clear-cut and his next title defense should come against the next fighter in line.
While it remains to be seen whether the rangy Swede will get the nod or if the UFC will tap Brazilian powerhouse Glover Teixeira to face Jones next, the one thing for certain is the young champion won’t be vacating the 205-pound division any time soon.
There has been talk of Jones moving up to the heavyweight division in the near future due to his dominance in the weight class. But with Gustafsson giving him all he could handle, and a handful of potential contenders waiting on deck, Jones’ stay in the light heavyweight fold became extended in the aftermath of UFC 165.
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