Alexander Gustafsson and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira were booked to fight in early 2014, but it was Little Nog who was withdrew shortly after the fight announcement due to back injuries. While the light heavyweights have gone in different paths over the last two years, the fight finally makes sense again. “That could be a good fight” says Gustafsson when MMAViking.com asked bout the potential matchup. “I’m open minded.”
Hear Gustafsson Talk About Nogueira Matchup
Fresh off a win in Brazil over the weekend at UFC 198, the Black House fighter upset Patrick Cummins by scoring an impressive TKO in 4:52 of the first round. It put the former Pride fighter back on the winning track, after consecutive losses to Anthony Johnson in 2014 and Mauricio Rua in 2015. The 39 year old boxer could be an interesting matchup for the Swede.
The Allstars Training Center fighter is looking to rebound from his split decision loss to champion Daniel Cormier, and get back into the Octagon. “I don’t have a date or an opponent, but I am back and ready to take a fight.” says the Mauler about his intentions. Gustafsson got a Fight of the Night bonus for his latest effort in Houston last October, that was just one winning round away from capturing the title from the Olympic Wrestler.
The Swede eventually did fight on the London, England on March 8 of 2014, where he instead faced Jimi Manuwa, whom he stopped in the second round.
The fight may make sense with Gustafsson looking not necessarily for a fight to get him back in a title shot, and Nogueira still looking to show he can still hang with the best in the Octagon.
