Jon Jones and Alex the Mauler Will Duke it Out at UFC 232 for the Light-Heavyweight Title… This Fight is Now Officially Booked…
Former three-time light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones will get yet another opportunity to reclaim his crown. He’s set to take on Swedish striker Alexander Gustafsson, in a rematch of one of the best 205 lb fights of all time. UFC 232 goes down in Las Vegas in December. This will see Daniel Cormier stripped of one of his two titles.
Jones and Gustafsson have a history. The pair fought back at UFC 165 in 2013. Gustafsson put the pressure on Jones as few fighters have managed in the Albuquerque native’s career. However, it did turn out that Jones had hardly even trained for this fight.
This signals a welcome return to action for both men. Obviously, Jones has had his USADA issues, but Gustafsson has also been out of action for a frustratingly long time. The light-heavyweight division is suddenly interesting again.
Breaking: Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson 2 is set for UFC 232 on Dec. 29 in Las Vegas. More: pic.twitter.com/sB49isFzFZ
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 10, 2018
Stripped
Daniel Cormier will be officially stripped of his light-heavyweight title as soon as these two men step into the octagon. ‘DC’ became the promotion’s second double champion after beating Stipe Miocic to claim the heavyweight strap. That division looks to be where he plays out the end of the career as he’ll defend his title for the first time against Derrick Lewis in November at UFC 230.
A fight against Brock Lesnar is also on the cards in the new year. However, if Jones wins – which is definitely not a given – then we could be set for DC v Jones III, with Bones getting a shot at becoming a double champion. The narrative has clearly already been written.
Elite
Gustafsson is as tough as anybody that Jones could realistically face. The Swede’s last outing was back in May 2017, when he beat Glover Teixeira in a dominant and masterful display of movement and striking. When he fought Jones back in 2013, he became the first man to take ‘Bones’ down and cut the former champion near his eye.
‘Bones’ called it the toughest fight of his career and it’s widely regarded as one of the greatest light-heavyweight MMA fights of all time. Ultimately Gustafsson would just fall short in his effort to regain the title. After months of small aggravated injuries, he’ll be happy to get back on track. It’s a baptism of fire for both men.
Retribution
This is a massive opportunity for Jones. He’s widely regarded by most people to be one of the greatest of all time. He’s truly the epitome of an elite MMA fighter, and if-if-if he can just keep his head above water then this could be one of the great comebacks of all time.
He has it all to prove though. Jones’s legacy will be tarnished after multiple drug test failures – deemed accidental – and you can absolutely guarantee Gustafsson will be mentioning this at the press conference. It’s a very tough fight for Jones, but we can’t wait.
Daniel Cormier will also be watching this one through narrowed eyes.
