A. Gustafsson (photo) is currently #1 in the light heavyweight category. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
In September last year, it was up to the Swede Alexander Gustafson break the unbeatable aura that surrounded the light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. In a five-round battle at UFC 165, voted “Fight of the Year 2013”, Gustafsson punished his rival, but ended up defeated by the judges' decision. The result caused most fans and the specialized press to ask for an immediate rematch. Ultimate, however, asked the Swede to have one more fight before facing his tormentor again. Gustafsson did his part, beating Jimi Manuwa in the UFC London, and now, with the right to fight for the belt acquired, he believes that Jon Jones is doing everything to avoid it.
“To me, Jones is doing everything he can to not fight me. He doesn't want to fight me. So I think he's trying to mess things up. But fighting him is the only thing that makes sense to me now, if he beats Glover”, said Gustafsson, in an interview with the website “MMA Junkie”. Despite the charge against Jones, the Swede revealed that he would face another opponent if the champion is defeated by Glover Teixeira on April 26th and have the right to a rematch. “(In this case) I would probably fight someone else then. I'm a fighter and I want to fight. Basically, if Jones beats Teixeira, I want that title shot immediately. If he doesn't win, then I'll have to look at other possibilities. But I'll fight whoever they give me. That’s how I am,” he concluded.
At 27 years old, Alexander Gustasfsson has a record of 16 wins and just two losses as a professional – to Phil Davis e Jon Jones. The duel against Jones for the light heavyweight belt earned the Swede, along with his opponent, the title of “Fight of the Year” in practically all existing press vehicles and awards. Furthermore, at the “MMA Oscars”, Gustafsson was also awarded “International Athlete of the Year 2013”. The clash against the champion, and the growing rivalry between the duo, also earned “The Mauler”, as he is known, a place alongside Jones on the cover of the “EA Sports UFC” game, scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2014.
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