Alexander Gustafsson’s Manager Says It’s Title Fight Or Nothing For ‘The Mauler’

No. 1-ranked UFC light heavyweight Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson has apparently been left in the dark in the confusing UFC 205-pound title picture after champion Jon Jones injured his knee in training, forcing him out of an awaited UFC 178 title fight with Daniel Cormier.

That fight only came about when Gustafsson was forced out of his ballyhooed rematch with Jones following their UFC 165 classic, oddly enough suffering the same exact injury as Jones (a torn meniscus).

When “Gus” learned of the news last night, he quickly stated that he wanted the fight that was originally his, and tonight, word comes that he’s sticking to his guns. Ariel Helwani of UFC Tonight said he talked to Gustafsson’s manager, and it’s title fight or bust for “The Mauler”:

“I spoke to his manager earlier this morning, and he told me this, and it’s pretty interesting what they’re saying because a lot of people are wondering what Alex is going to do, he’s going to be ready to fight come January. He said this, ‘He will do whatever he can to not get passed by. He will not accept any other fight than to be the next in line for the title against Jones.’”

It’s a bold demand from Gustafsson, who’s grown more and more brash in his trash talk since becoming the first man to put Jones in real danger last September, taking him down and battering him throughout the shocking early rounds of their historic match.

But Jones showed the heart of a true champion, weathering the storm to rock Gustafsson with a fourth round spinning back elbow that changed the tide of the fight. Gustafsson spent the rest of the bout nearly knocked out on his feet.

Regardless, an immediate rematch was discussed but never materialized, as Jones moved on to defeat Glover Teixeira at April 27’s UFC 172 from Baltimore. “Gus” had already demolished Jimi Manuwa at UFC Fight Night 37 in London, solidifying his blockbuster rematch.

Now, however, it appears that the Swedish superstar will have to wait for his next chance at gold, and it could be a long ways off.  From the sound of things, that’s just fine with him.

Photo: Tom Szczerbowski for USA TODAY Sports