Jon Jones believes Alexander Gustafsson is the perfect opponent to finally help him silence the critics.
The reigning UFC light heavyweight champ is quite possibly the greatest talent MMA has ever seen, leaving the once stacked 205-pound division in shambles.
Despite his exceptional all-around talent, many believe Jones’ Reed Richards-like reach and incredibly lanky frame are the primary reasons for his success.
While Jones boasts physical advantages over most of his opponents, he believes there is more to his game than mere physical stature.
Gustafsson, who is billed as slightly taller than Jones, could put that theory to the ultimate test.
During a MetroPCS online chat with UFC president Dana White and Chael Sonnen, Jones mentioned the rising Swedish star as someone he would be interested in facing in the near future.
I think [Gustafsson] is great. I can’t wait to fight him. A lot of people say the reason why I win is because I have long arms. When I fight Gustafsson, that will be behind me. So I can’t wait to prove all the critics wrong.
Gustafsson will have an opportunity to climb into the light heavyweight elite at UFC on FOX 5, where he’ll face former UFC champ Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
If Gustafsson wins impressively, there is a chance he could tiptoe into the title picture, depending on the outcome of the upcoming light heavyweight tilt between top contenders Dan Henderson and Lyoto Machida.
Meanwhile, Jones will face Sonnen in April 2013 after finishing his coaching duties on Season 17 of The Ultimate Fighter.
The jury is still out on the reasoning behind Jones’ fast track to success in the UFC.
Is it due to his many physical advantages, or does Jones simply possess a rare combination of world-class skills that have yet to be matched?
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