Previewing The Blockbuster UFC On FOX 14 Main Event
UFC On FOX 14 goes down this weekend (Saturday January 24th, 2015) in the Swedish capital city of Stockholm. The Tele2 Arena will play host to the event, which is being heavily anticipated by local and worldwide fans. The UFC On FOX 14 main event is a light-heavyweight title eliminator between Alexander Gustafsson and Anthony Johnson, and that’s the fight I’m focusing on today.
The battle for power in the light-heavyweight division is still a one horse race, as the champ Jon Jones reigns with a dominant fist. Daniel Cormier, undoubtedly Jones’ most hyped foe, was unable to dethrone the long-time boss, but “The Mauler” certainly came close. Indeed, the UFC On FOX 14 main event has its roots going back to September 2013, at UFC 165.
Gus and “Bones” fought in the most exciting 205-pound title bout ever, it was a five round slugfest, and one that many believed Gustafsson to have won. As it turned out, “The Mauler” was unfortunate to not get an instant rematch, but put in his work battering Jimi Manuwa early in 2014. He was then booked to face Jones again at UFC 178, before a knee injury meant that “DC” was drafted in as a replacement. The bout against Johnson may seem like a huge risk, but the fans certainly stand to gain in this one.
“Rumble” has returned with vengeance since rejoining the UFC last year, convincingly beating Phil Davis at UFC 172, and then smashing Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC On FOX 12. The great thing about this fight is that Gus’ skill and ability to keep up with the champion separates him from the rest of the contenders in the division, but power is a dangerous thing, and AJ has it in bundles.
Either man could easily have the tools to uproot Jones from his lofty spot in the division, and Gustafsson came very close to doing so, but the prospect of seeing him go up against such a heavy hitter as Johnson provides a fresh base for a title fight. We’ve seen Jones take out guys like Glover Teixeira and Rampage Jackson, but neither had the powerful presence or the pure knockout power that “Rumble” does. Let’s not forget about how awesome Jones vs Gustafsson 1 was, though.
A rematch between the two stars would be absolutely huge, perhaps the biggest since Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen 2, and it would no doubt sell out very quickly. Of course the path of each man relies on the result on Saturday, but could this be the last chance to take Jones out before he inevitably moves up to heavyweight? Gus has already had one crack, and if he loses to Johnson there’s no telling how long it will take him to regroup.
If Johnson beats Gus and then loses to Jones, there really wouldn’t be many reasons for the champ to stay at 205 pounds, especially not if Gustafsson is tied up elsewhere. The UFC On FOX 14 main event carries massive reward for the victor, but the loser may lose the opportunity to attempt a feat that no man has succeeded in; to beat Jon Jones.
The world will be watching as Gustafsson and Johnson prepare to do battle. One of the most anticipated fights of the year is nearly upon us, so stay tuned to LowKickMMA for more pre fight hype and coverage this fight week!
