Alexander Gustafsson not looking past Rua but says “I’ll take home the belt”

Alexander Gustafsson certainly doesn’t lack confidence. One of the few fighters left that causes at least a little bit of intrigue in a potential fight with Jon Jones has perhaps fired the first salvo in an attempt to enter the Jon Jones sweepstakes.

While speaking to Jon Anik on FUEL TV’s “UFC Ultimate Insider,” the Swede discussed his upcoming fight with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC on FOX 5. Gustafsson made it clear that he’s not looking past the former champion in any shape, form or fashion, but has put some thought into what would happen if he earned a shot at Jon Jones’ 205 title.

Considering hat Rua is 3-3 in his past six fights and looks nothing like the devastating finisher we grew to love, Gustafsson is well aware that Rua is in a “do or die” position and, at any time, the old “Shogun” can show up and shatter any dreams of a title fight for Gustafsson.

“Right now, it’s just ‘Shogun’ for me, nothing else,” Gustafsson said. “That’s my only focus. I don’t [overlook] any opponent. He’s absolutely the most dangerous opponent so far.”

With wins over Thiago Silva, Matt Hamill and James Te-Huna on his resume, it’s evident that Shogun will be a pretty big step up in competition. But the Swedish fighter isn’t too concerned with that as he figures that he’ll be ready for whatever Rua has for him. And after he wins, he figures that now is better than ever for a fight with Jon Jones.

“I want to fight the champ after this fight. That’s what I want to do,” he said before he began brimming with confidence at the prospect of beating the seemingly untouchable Jones. “My focus is on ‘Shogun’ 100 percent. But when I win the fight, I want to fight for the belt.

“”But when it comes to a title fight or if I will fight Jon Jones if he’s still a champ, I’ll be ready for it. I’ll take home the belt. No question about it.”