Gustafsson (photo) doesn't think Cormier should fight for the belt right away. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
The name of Daniel Cormier has been rising in the world of MMA as a likely future challenger for the UFC light heavyweight title. After building a solid career at heavyweight, beating names like Antonio Pezão, Frank mir, Josh Barnett and Roy Nelson, the North American successfully dropped in weight and won quickly in his debut in the division, against Patrick Cummins, at UFC 170.
However, Cormier's record of success did not convince another contender for the title, Alexander Gustafson. For the Swede, the former heavyweight should face someone renowned in the division to dream of challenging the champion.
Gustafsson believes that if he wins his next fight, against Jimi Manuwa, next Saturday, he should have another opportunity to fight for the title. “I think he [Cormier] needs to have at least one fight against someone well ranked to start thinking about a title fight. I think I'm next in line if I beat Jimi”, said Gustafsson, in an interview with the YouTube channel “WHOATV”.
The Swede admitted he preferred to face the current champion, Jon Jones, who will defend his title in April against Glover Teixeira. Jones and Gustafsson faced each other in 2013, and, after a tight five-round fight, the American came out on top. “[I want to face] Jon Jones. I want to beat him. He’s the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world and I want to have what he has,” he said.
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