Alexander Gustafsson On Chael Sonnen Fiasco, Negotiating With ‘Bones’ & UFC 178 Title Rematch
Last week saw an absolute windfall of news (although not one that could beat this week’s Chael Sonnen drug test saga) surrounding UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ delay to sign a bout agreement for his long-awaited rematch with No. 1 contender Alexander Gustafsson.
Many felt “Bones” was ducking “The Mauler” after Gustafsson took him to the limit (and then some) at last September’s UFC 165. But after Jones agreed to face Gustafsson at UFC 178 on September 27 in Toronto, news came that the champion was simply trying to make the timing align with his brother’s wedding.
That seemed strange, because “Bones” wanted to fight undefeated No. 2 contender Daniel Cormier just days before. In any case, Gustafsson got the rematch he rightfully earned by starching previously undefeated Jimi Manuwa in the main event of UFC Fight Night 37 in March.
Sporting a strong Viking beard, “The Mauler” met up with MMA H.E.A.T. to discuss the ongoing negotiations with Jones, his upcoming title fight, and how Cormier figures into the suddenly crowded light heavyweight title picture.
Speaking from his native Sweden, Gustafsson also gives his reaction to the Chael Sonnen UFC 175 fiasco. Given the extremely convoluted nature of the whole situation, there was not much the always-calm ‘Mauler’ could say about the mess of a topic.
What he did touch on, however, was his legendary fight with Jones last year, and what changes he plans on making for their pivotal rematch this fall. Find out what “The Mauler” had to say in the telling interview above!
