Alexander Gustafsson and Anthony Johnson will square off Saturday night in the main event of UFC on Fox 14 in Stockholm. It’s a must-watch card—not just because it’s free if you own a TV, but because there’s a lot on the line for both fighters.
Most notably, the winner will face Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title.
For Gustafsson, that means a rematch of his bout with Jones in September 2013, when he challenged Jones for five rounds in a way no fighter had before with the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship on the line.
While Jones came out on top, there was plenty of debate as to whether Gustafsson deserved better.
Jones has been rather dismissive of Gustafsson‘s rematch pleas, but he may be unable to ignore the Swedish fighter for long if he proves his worth against Johnson, as B/R’s Steven Rondina explains:
Jon Jones does not like Alexander Gustafsson, and he has almost reveled in leaving him twisting in the wind in regards to a title shot. The only thing Gustafsson can do to combat that? Leave no doubt that he is still the greatest threat to Jones’ belt. …
If Gustafsson can get through this fight unscathed, it will cement his place as both an elite talent and the top contender at 205 pounds. If there is any level of doubt, however, and should another fighter such as Rashad Evans or Phil Davis put on a particularly strong performance in the meantime, expect Jones to try and once again take a pass on a rematch.
Saturday’s event will take place at Stockholm’s Tele2 Arena, which Rondina points out is the second-largest venue in UFC history, behind only Toronto’s Rogers Centre. It will be a huge home crowd for Gustafsson, who can’t afford to lose.
This is his chance to remind UFC fans that he—not Daniel Cormier—is Jones’ greatest challenger.
As Gareth A. Davies of The Telegraph writes:
[A]n impressive performance will help [Gustafsson] win the hearts of those who this month felt let down by [Daniel] Cormier (for his defeat) and Jones (for his failed drugs test).
For Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, meanwhile, Saturday marks his first bout since being suspended by UFC in September amid allegations of domestic violence. UFC reinstated him in November after the civil case was dismissed. Since 2009, three women have accused Johnson of domestic violence (per Yahoo Sports).
Prior to his suspension, Johnson was in the midst of a resurgence at 205 pounds. Since moving up from 170 pounds to the light heavyweight division in 2012, he has gone 7-0.
“Johnson can punch and kick through a mountainside if it means he’ll get to the belt,” writes B/R’s Scott Harris. “He’s new to this level of competition, but far from unprepared. His power sees to that.”
If Johnson can defeat Gustafsson on Saturday, it would make an enormous statement. Even giving the Swede a run for his money would be a big step toward establishing his legitimacy.
If Gustafsson takes care of business? Jones better take notice.
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