Alexander Gustafsson (photo via Alex The Mauler / Instagram)

By FCF Staff

After months of speculation as to who Alexander Gustafsson would fight next, the UFC has announced that the light-heavyweight will face fellow contender, Anthony Johnson.

The bout will headline UFC on FOX 14 on January 24th, and will be hosted by the Tele2 Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. The arena is a 30,000 seat venue.

“This is going to be an epic event,” Gustafsson was quoted saying in the official announcement. “I want more than 30,000 fans to come and witness me win on January 24. Then I’m going to go and get the title! My journey back to the top starts now. ”

“This fight might be on his home turf, but I’m ready to go over to Sweden and prove that I’m the next in the line for the UFC light heavyweight title,” Johnson said. “I’m not intimidated by fighting in front of Alex’s hometown fans. I’m going to go in there and look for the knockout like I do in all of my fights. I can’t wait for this!”

The announcement comes not long after the UFC confirmed that it was returning Johnson to active status, following the news that a civil case against the fighter had been dropped.

Gustafsson (16-2) hasn’t competed since March, when he stopped Jimi Manuwa in the second round. The win secured Gustafsson a rematch with champion Jon Jones in October, but a knee injured forced the Swedish fighter to withdraw.

Gustafsson lost by unanimous decision to Jones in September, 2013.

Johnson (18-4) has worked his way into the #3 ranking position, due to an eight fight win streak that includes victories over Phil Davis and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

The UFC has also confirmed that the upcoming fight will serve as a title shot eliminator.