Alexander Gustafsson is urging Jon Jones to sign the bout agreement. "The Mauler", who has already agreed on the Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson rematch, is still waiting for "Bones'" end of the bargain.
"The Mauler" spoke to MMAJunkie about his affirmation that he has decided to take on the Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson rematch, despite the lack of specifics about the date and venue.
"I agreed to the fight, but he hasn't agreed yet, so I'm waiting for that," Gustafsson said. "I'm still waiting for a time and venue."
Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson first fought in September 2013 at UFC 165. While "Bones" did come away with the razor-thin unanimous decision victory, it was a fight that many believed brought the champion to the brink of defeat. The match also garnered the 2013 Fight of The Year honors.
In a late 2013 interview, "The Mauler" in his heartbroken state, promised to take the title that almost went his way."
"I'd feel much better if I had the belt around my waist, but I will have it soon enough," he said.
Nearly a year after, Alexander Gustafsson believes that he is still the rightful number one contender for the much-coveted 205-pound title, despite Daniel Cormier's impressive win against MMA legend Dan Henderson.
"[Cormier] is a tough competitor, but I'm first in line," Gustafsson confidently declared.
UFC executives announced the Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson rematch on Monday, with August 30th at UFC 177 as the tentative date and Las Vegas or Sweden as possible venues. "The Mauler" immediately agreed, and rightfully so, sought for his opponent to immediately follow suit.
"That's something you sign every fight, and it's part of the job," he said. "You get a fight opportunity, and you agree on it, and then you sign a bout agreement. No less. It's a very easy thing to do."
