Jon Jones is primed for a quick turnaround after winning his title back at UFC 232 on December 29, 2018 by defeating Alexander Gustafsson (see it here), and if everything works out, “The Mauler” could be in for a quick return, as well.
Gustafsson took to social media to call for a fight against Corey Anderson at the upcoming UFC on ESPN+ 5 event on March 16, 2019 in London, England.
“Corey everyone else at the top is taken, I am eager to get right back inside the cage and you just had a good fight with my brother, so I think it’s the perfect time for us to throw down,” he said. “Let’s dance on the London card March 16th #ufclondon.”
As Gus mentioned, Corey is coming off an impressive win over Ilir Latifi, also at UFC 232, giving him his third straight victory inside the Octagon. Afterward, “Beastin’” called for a title fight against the aforementioned Jones, though that tilt looks like it will ultimately go to Anthony Smith at UFC 235 on March 2, 2019.
Prior to taking out Ilir, Anderson scored back-to-back wins over Glover Teixiera and Patrick Cummins, As for Gustafsson, his most recent defeat is his second to “Bones,” and the third times he’s come up short in a championship bout.
While a win over Anderson won’t get him an invite right back to the big dance, a win will be a start and temporarily stall a possible move to Heavyweight. Now that Volkan Oezdemir — who is the man we would’ve preferred for “The Mauler” — is booked to tango against Dominick Reyes in London, Anderson seems like a good plan B.
Unless you have a better idea?