Jones gives in and rematch with Gustafsson is scheduled for UFC 178 in September

The first duel between Jones (left) and Gustafsson (right) was the “Fight of the Year 2013”. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

One of the biggest battles ever fought in the octagon will have its second chapter. After some controversies and a lot of distrust, the soap opera came to an end involving the long-awaited rematch between Jon Jones e Alexander Gustafson. After a meeting between the champion, his manager and Ultimate management this Thursday (05), it was officially announced that the rematch between the North American and the Swede for the light heavyweight title will take place at UFC 178, at next September 27th.

Despite the UFC's triumph, which made its desire to put Gustafsson and Jones face to face again prevail over the restrictions of the champion, who in turn preferred a duel against Daniel Cormier, the organization's original plans were changed. Initially, Jones x Gustafsson II would take place in edition 177, scheduled for August 30th, in Las Vegas (USA). Now, with the rivals facing each other at event number 178, in Toronto (Canada), the duel will be reissued on the same stage as the first clash between the pair, voted “Fight of the Year 2013”, at UFC 165.

In an interview given to the UFC's official website shortly after signing the contract, Jones denied that he had created obstacles to the completion of the agreement. “There was never any problem with the contract. I was traveling and finally arrived in Las Vegas to talk to Dana (White) and Lorenzo (Fertitta). We talked and on September 27th I will be fighting Gustafsson”, said the champion, who reiterated his preference for a duel with Cormier, but stated that he will face the Swede because it is the fight that the fans want to watch.

Who also commented on the officialization of the fight was the president of Ultimate Dana White. The leader highlighted the fact that the organization will promote the fight expected by the public and celebrated the presence of a big name like Daniel Cormier as the next fighter in line for the belt. “Obviously, Jon (Jones) is right. This is the fight the fans want to see. And the best thing about all of this is that we get Jones vs. Gustafsson. And if Jones beats Gustafsson, we'll have Jones vs. Cormier. Two great fights in the light heavyweight category with three of the most feared guys on the planet: the best pound-for-pound and champion Jon Jones and the number one and number two challengers”, he analyzed.

At 26, Jon Jones has a record of 20 wins and only one loss, by disqualification. The North American has seven consecutive title defenses, a record in the under-93 kg category, and is coming off a victory over the Brazilian Glover Teixeira last April. Already Alexander Gustafson, 27 years old, has a record of 16 wins and just two losses. After being defeated by Jones in September 2013, the Swede returned to the octagon in March of this year, in England, and knocked out Jimi Manuwa in the second round, once again guaranteeing the right to fight for the title against his tormentor.

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