UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones didn’t exactly endear himself to Alexander Gustafsson fans last night when he suggested the Swede should fight Daniel Cormier next.
“Why not give the winner of Alexander and DC the winner of myself and Glover??” wrote in the first of a series of posts back and forth with fans after Gustafsson’s second round TKO victory over Jimi Manuwa at UFC Fight Night 37 last night.
“Call me what you want but I can’t be the only person who thinks that makes perfect sense,” Jones continued. “I see DC congratulating Alexander and making comments about waiting his turn now. I wonder if they’re afraid to fight each other?
People who don’t like to think are quick to call me afraid.”
There is some merit to what Jones is saying. Gustafsson and Cormier appear to be the two major contenders for Jones’ belt at this moment, and with both having fought a non-top 10 fighter (Manuwa and Patrick Cummins respectively) last time out, this would unquestionably establish a definitive title challenger.
However, It’s also easy to understand why fans might be less than enamored with Jones’ attempt at matchmaking though.
Immediately after Gustafsson gave him the toughest fight of his career last year, a bout that ended with many believing that ‘The Mauler’ had done enough to earn a decision victory, Jones had indicated that he’d be willing to give him an immediate rematch.
In the cold light of day he changed his mind however, and stated that he wanted to fight Glover Teixeira next instead and assured fans he would then take on the rematch with Gustafsson next.
Last night’s posts could be taken as him going back on his word, or at least putting more obstacles in Gustafsson’s way before he gets the rematch people feel he’s earned.
The good news for Gustafsson, who called out Jones in the Octagon after the fight, is that UFC president Dana White has all but confirmed that their intention is to go ahead with the rematch if Jones defeats Teixeira.
“If Jones wins, we have a nasty rematch,” White stated, adding that if not then Gustafsson would take on Teixeira next.