The superfight between Alexander Gustafsson and Jon Jones is now set. Gustafsson has already done his part with February’s TKO of Jimi Manuwa in London and last night, Jones dispatched Glover Teixeira in Baltimore at UFC 172 to hold up his end in bringing the much anticipated rematch together.
“Alexander Gustafsson has the next shot at Jones” says Dan White at the post fight press conference to confirm any question of another fighter slipping ahead of The Mauler.
Jones dominated the Brazilian Teixeira from start to finish in a 5 round battle that had the American showing he was a better striker in the 25 minute affair. It was another UFC light heavyweight title defense for the champion Jones who had 50-45 on all score cards at the Maryland’s Baltimore Arena. The 34-year-old had his 20 fight winning streak stopped.
“I’m right here. Whenever you want, man. Wherever you want.” said The Mauler after his recent win, as he seeks a rematch in the close battle that took place at UFC 165. While no date has been set, the biggest fight of the year should go down later in 2014, depending on any injuries that Jones leaves Baltimore with.
Their first bout took place on September 21st last year at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. It was a legendary battle that many saw the Mauler as the winner. Gustafsson was the first fighter to take down the champion, and the first fighter to consistently outstrike Jones at distance. With 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 the Allstars Training Center fighter was only one round away from capturing gold.
The title defense was Bones’ seventh, setting a new record for the UFC light heavyweight division. Jones also added another record with his 14th fight in the light heavyweight division surpassing both Chuck Liddell and Rashad Evans for most bouts won in the Octagon.
Stay tuned for updates as they become available.
