UFC Prsident Dana White made mention of a potential Light Heavyweight battle between top contenders Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson and Alexander Gustafsson. Though Gustafsson was next in line for a title shot at UFC 178, an injury to the big Swede caused him to be replaced by Daniel Cormier against Champion Jon Jones. Now Jones and Cormier is destined for January 3rd due to a Jones injury, and Gustafsson thinks he is back in play for a title shot. Think again, oh viking!
The latest rumblings from the Gustafsson camp are not good, as they are talking about sitting out and not fighting until the title shot materializes. Gustafsson is in a bad situation, because a strong performance by Cormier could lead to calls for a re-match there, and should Cormier wrest the belt from Jones’ grasp, Jones has done enough as a champion to warrant an immediate re-match, which would just mean more waiting for Gustafsson.
Gustafsson already did a match while he waited, as he defeated Jim Manuwa. The main thing is that the proposed match-up with Johnson is against a fighter who is already in the top 5 of the weight class, unlike Manuwa, who was looking to step up and saw Gustafsson as a test.
Since famously being cut by the UFC after failing to make weight and then losing to Vitor Belfort at Middleweight, Johnson has been on a rampage, winning eight in a row against solid competition both at Light Heavyweight and at Heavyweight. Since returning to the UFC, he defeated Phil Davis and wiped out long time contender Rogerio Noguiera, and he has sent every signal that he is a serious contender in the division.
Gustafsson runs a big risk here either way. He should compete however, as it provides income and matches while he is in his prime. If he continues to win,t he rewards could be that much greater. But sitting and waiting for a January fight to happen means he will be on the shelf until June of 2015 at the very latest, and tat would mean two fights in two and a half years.
The arrival of Cormier and now of Johnson should be a message to Gustafsson that times change, and he must not get stuck in the past. 2013 Match of the Year is a nice feather in your cap, it is up to you whether you want it to be the pinnacle of your resume as well.
