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Friday, Jun 06, 2014

Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson II Booked for September 27th

Jones and Gustafsson (right) face off (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

After much speculation and discussion, as to who Jon Jones would end up fighting next, the UFC has announced that the light-heavyweight champ will indeed rematch Alexander Gustafsson.

Jones publicly confirmed recently that his wish was to face the undefeated Daniel Cormier in his next title defence, despite the UFC’s plan to have him fight Gustafsson.

The renowned fighter met with UFC officials on Thursday, however, and then the promotion announced that Jones-Gustafsson II will take place September 27th. The bout will headlined UFC 178, which is expected to take place in Toronto, Ontario.

“I think Cormier is the tougher fighter, but the fans want to see me fight Gustafsson.  There was never an issue with taking the Gustafsson fight,” Jones was quoted saying in the official announcement.  “The issue was that my brother is getting married in July and I would have preferred a later date.  I didn’t want to go this early and I would have preferred to go later in October or November.  It is what it is.  We have a date now, Sept 27th.  This was a personal decision for me.  I will be at my brother’s wedding and have a proper training camp.”

Originally, the UFC was hoping to schedule Jones-Gustafsson for August 30th, which is a date the latter had agreed on.

“Obviously Jon is right, this if the fight the fans want to see,” UFC President Dana White added. “The great thing about this is, we get Jones vs Gustafsson, and if Jones beats Gustafsson, we get Jones vs Cormier.  Two great fights in the light heavyweight division with three of the baddest guys in the world: the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world and champion Jon Jones, and the number one and two contenders.”

Jones and Gustafsson engaged in one of the promotion’s greatest title fights to date last September, and Jones emerged with a unanimous decision win.

Since then, Gustafsson has stopped Jimi Manuwa to lock up a rematch, while Jones went on to decision contender Glover Teixeira.

 

posted by FCF Staff @ 11:36 am
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