Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson Rematch Set For UFC 178 On September 27

After a week of back-and-forth drama surrounding UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ next opponent, the dominant titleholder has finally signed on to rematch Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 178 on September 27, 2014 from the Air Canada Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

‘The Mauler’ famously took ‘Bones’ to the limit at UFC 165 in September 2013, a fight that took place in the very same arena. Gustafsson was thought to have earned his next shot at Jones by defeating Jimi Manuwa at March’s UFC Fight Night 37, but Jones recently said he wanted Daniel Cormier instead.

The booking was confirmed on UFC.com, as Jones spoke up after meeting with Dana White:

“There was never an issue with a contract.  I was traveling and finally got to Vegas and got to talk with Dana and Lorenzo.  We talked and September 27th, I’ll be fighting Gustafsson.

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 said.  

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.”

White was not surprisingly on hand to offer his excitement at the Jones vs. Gustafsson rematch, which may be the biggest fight the UFC has on the table:

“Obviously Jon is right, this if the fight the fans want to see.  The great thing about this is, we get Jones vs Gustafsson, and if Jones beast 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.”

Meanwhile, No. 2 Cormier took to Twitter to tell ‘Bones’ he is rooting for him:

Good luck @JonnyBones get er done! See u next year! DC

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) June 6, 2014

So the stage is set for MMA’s most awaited rematch. Who is your pick to come out on top with the belt?

Join us in the new LowKick MMA chat rooms to discuss Jones vs. Gustafsson II and this weekend’s UFC Fight Night 42 from Albuquerque!

Photo: Tom Szczerbowski for USA TODAY Sports