Procrastinating over having his shame tattooed into his arm over his January loss to Anthony Johnson, Alexander Gustafsson isn’t rethinking his method for record keeping.
Gustafsson has a good portion of his right tricep covered in small triangle tattoos, each one representing a fight. When he wins, they’re black. When he loses, they’re blank and when he loses to former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones they’re filled in half way.
“It’s going to happen,” Gustafsson said of the tattoo. “It’s very painful but I have to do it. It’s going to be empty and plain. That was a brutal loss but now I’m sitting here. It’s all over and I’m just feeling very motivated and I’m looking forward to the fight.”
Blank triangles and title shots don’t usually coincide but UFC president Dana White announced this week that Gustafsson will be the first to challenge light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier.
Gustafsson watched Cormier batter Johnson May 23 at UFC 187 to win the vacant light heavyweight title, seeing plenty of opportunities to exploit his future opponent.
“Tons of them,” said Gustafsson. “It was so frustrating to watch that fight, but it is what it is. Anthony did a great job winning over me. All credit to him. DC did a great job against Anthony. That’s MMA.”
Gustafsson admits he didn’t have much hope for stepping into a title shot, but believes he was simply the best option.
Fellow contender Ryan Bader has aggressively campaigned for the title shot, having won four straight fights dating back to 2013.
“I haven’t actually even been thinking that much about the belt,” said Gustafsson. “I haven’t seen myself in that position, really, because of my loss. But here I am now and I’m very thankful. I’m so happy and very excited. I can’t wish for more.
“I believe that the UFC wants to see me against DC. That’s so simple. They really want to see us fight. Also, a good job from my managers, too. They’ve been working hard for this opportunity and I’m very thankful for this so I can’t wait.”
No date has been set for the title bout, but Gustafsson says he’d prefer it take place after summer.
“The opponent is set and also, the belt. I’m just happy for that.”
5 MUST-READ STORIES
MMA Beat. The panel discusses the UFC’s new anti-doping policy, Jose Aldo’s recent comments, Dan Henderson’s future, and much more.
Rampage. Quinton Jackson seeks dismissal of injunction in Bellator lawsuit.
Jacare. With Luke Rockhold getting the next shot at UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, Ronaldo Souza’s manager says the only fight that makes sense for him is the winner of Lyoto Machida vs. Yoel Romero.
Less lifting, more money. UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson says he wants to be the co-main event under Weidman vs. Rockhold.
Cuts. Bellator releases eight fighters, including veterans Sokoudjou and Razak Al-Hassan.
MEDIA STEW
Dan Henderson talks memorable matchups.
MMA highlights from around the world.
GLORY 22 open workouts.
In Focus with Kimbo Slice.
TTTHS.
Pros pick Cain Velasquez vs. Fabricio Werdum.
Long watches.
TWEETS
Congrats.
#MyFightYourFight is now a New York Times best seller – thank you so much for the support… https://t.co/4PSobmdosx
— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) June 4, 2015
Congrats to one of my favorite power couples @sonnench and @BrittanySonnen on the birth of their first son! Kid will wrestle. #Thero
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) June 5, 2015
Give it up.
@TheWeighInMMA @ChrisWeidmanUFC @LukeRockhold people. EVERY FIGHT CANT END BY FINISH.
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) June 5, 2015
@TWooodley @TheWeighInMMA @ChrisWeidmanUFC who has jacare beat is the question.
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) June 5, 2015
@LukeRockhold @TheWeighInMMA @ChrisWeidmanUFC ive been at this all week Luke. These fans are idiots. Ive wasted enough breath for both of us
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) June 5, 2015
Beef.
Lol @AlexGarciaMMA! Ironic u say that considering the last time u won a fight u could barely split a decision. #RealTalk #UFC189 @DanaWhite
— Mike Quick Swick (@officialswick) June 4, 2015
Does anyone know where the Old Lion is?? @ufc @danawhite @Bridgestone @Venumfight #UFCTokyo pic.twitter.com/aR3SPFunBM
— Gegard Mousasi (@mousasi_mma) June 4, 2015
Checking in.
At the Mac Mansion. https://t.co/SDcOAcpauL pic.twitter.com/mZ8WRLIddw
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 5, 2015
He and Mark Munoz.
So looks like my journey with the @ufc is over. It all started 6 years ago when I walked into the… https://t.co/3JaSumLT6l
— Bigslow (@LukeBarnatt) June 4, 2015
Cowboy wins.
“@OsRyan: @Cowboycerrone Who’s your pick in the main event this weekend” There’s fights??
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) June 5, 2015
“@CuDi_Zoning: @Cowboycerrone what’s your favorite video game cowboy?” BattleTodes
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) June 5, 2015
“@Codeblue1974: when you attend @UFC events, do you have to pay for admission?” Yes. 10 years of pushing my body to the limits
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) June 5, 2015
Puppy Champion.
New puppy in the house #puppy #dog #nephew #adas #family #house #FamilyHouse http://t.co/Gse4oxQiI4 pic.twitter.com/mCUnvBcNey
— Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) June 4, 2015
This Week in Struggle.
Life is hard in the mine !! Don’t know why me having a regular job is such a big story?… https://t.co/m2Rv37rVyi
— TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) June 4, 2015
“@Kidrauhl_Eminem: you’re a kick boxer right why couldn’t you take the leg kick from anthony Pettis ??” That was to my soft ass liver
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) June 5, 2015
“@CoryBsoleil: @Cowboycerrone What are the chances of you taking another fight before RdA” According to @danawhite and @JJ 0%
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) June 4, 2015
Came home from Vegas to a ripped liner in my pool. Next thing u know this is what it looks like…. https://t.co/ZF7mXo3xjn
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) June 2, 2015
@danawhite @lorenzofertitta i want 2 say sorry for the stale performance. felt I did enough to win this contest, Hope I get another chance.
— STORMIN NORMAN PARKE (@norman_parke) June 1, 2015
In much need of a recovery session with @RennyRusselldc. My back was toasted up! #Graston pic.twitter.com/hrFsPdAZuA
— James Krause (@TheJamesKrause) June 2, 2015
You know you put on a couple pounds when your regular jeans turn into skinny jeans #fighterproblems
— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) June 2, 2015
Anyone know how legal this whole UFC USADA thing is? We aren’t employees. I’m all for drug testing but can you be tested without a job?
— Tom Lawlor (@FilthyTomLawlor) June 4, 2015
For all you internet tough guys. Find another page to troll. We all know you don’t want it. Shhhh
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) June 3, 2015
I wake up planning to eat healthy but then there is a burrito place right in front of my face calling my name and tempting me with its glory
— Paige VanZant (@PaigeVanzantUFC) May 31, 2015
Not every day of training is your best. Some days you just have to pick yourself up off th… https://t.co/ldkb48B2CM pic.twitter.com/I8S2eedqvl
— Jessamyn Duke (@jessamynduke) June 2, 2015
Hey @blenderbottle this has happened to me three times in the past month. Why can’t we buy lids by themselves? pic.twitter.com/Gp3785m3ZF
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) June 4, 2015
Damn junkies got in my car and stole some money change and fight shirts out my car
— Michael (@TeamRocBiggie) June 4, 2015
Omgggggg this witch at Walmart wouldn’t sell me beer cuz I didn’t have my ID..fk me lol
— tonya evinger (@tonyaevinger) June 4, 2015
Teaching the UFC HOF Forrest Griffin how to party hop…#NotHappening
Posted by Ovince St Preux on Monday, June 1, 2015
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (June 4 2015)
Hector Urbina out, Andrew Todhunter vs. Albert Tumenov at UFC 188
Matt Van Buren out, Jared Cannonier vs. Jonathan Wilson at UFC Fight Night: Saint Preux vs. Teixeira
Timothy Johnson vs. Jared Rosholt at UFC Fight Night: Saint Preux vs. Teixeira
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via MegaMax.
Which lightweight continues their climb on Saturday?
UFC Fight Night New Orleans goes down this Saturday and fight fans are only slightly interested in whether Dan Henderson can dig himself out of his 1-5 slump in his last 6 fights. While the card seems to be lacking important match ups, there is thankfully one that sticks out to me in deserving some notoriety.
Hometown hero and former featherweight contender, Dustin Poirier looks to break into the division’s upper echelon as he faces the dangerously underrated Hawaiian, Yancy Medeiros in a fight that could see the winner propelled into a fight that could lead to a spot in the rankings. Can Poirier please the hometown crowd or will Medeiros play spoiler to Poirier’s return home that has been five years in the making?
Who are the Fighters?
…
Check out the rest of the post here.
Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.