Alexander Gustafsson Says He's Ready To Fight Jon Jones

[No More Sorrow]

Alexander Gustafsson punched his ticket to bigger and better things in the UFC Light Heavyweight division by punching Thiago Silva in the face -- hard enough and long enough to send the Brazilian to just his third career loss in the main event of UFC on FUEL TV 2 back on April 14 in Sweden.

From the post-fight press conference in Stockholm (via Sherdog.com):


"I [executed] my game plan, but I’m a finisher. It was my first decision [in the UFC], so I’m still learning. I want to fight the top five guys in the world in my division, but if [the UFC] were to give me a title shot, I would be more than ready if that day comes."


While the idea doesn't sound that crazy to our own Sergio Hernandez, it's unlikely to happen in 2012.

"The Mauler" is already being paired off with a "top five guy" in the 205-pound division, according to UFC President Dana White. And even if he wins his next fight, there's a pesky forty-something ex-champ with a big right hand who refuses to go away.


Last weekend's win pushed the lanky Swede to 14-1 overall with nine (T)KO and three submissions wins. In fact, Silva was just the second fighter to ever take Gustafsson to the judges' scorecards, but was nearly finished in the opening frame trying to make this thing a fight.

Glad that he's confident, but i wouldn't say he's ready for Jones JUST yet. Said it before, think Ryan Bader should be his next fight and he should work from there. No need to rush him at this point.

 

[The Cork]

He isn't ready, and I hate to say it but he's kind of boring.

Some people call what he does 'great movement', I call it running away.

 

[No More Sorrow]

Picked it up from watching Carlos Condit's fight with Diaz. :ARN:

 

[Dale]

Bones has 2 guys already lined up, so Gustafsson might actually be the 3rd guy providing he can impressively take apart two Top 5 guys and Jones obviously retain both times.

 

[Troy]

He says that he is still learning and then says he is ready for a title shot. I like the guy but he isn't ready for a title shot just yet plus Jones has enough opponents lined up for the rest of the year. Gustafsson versus Bader would be a good next fight for both guys.

 

[Slim]

I don't remember this guy at all so ... eh.

But yeah he needs to take his ticket and stand in line and earn his spot. He has one win over Silva... he needs to beat Bader and probably Lil Nog before being considered an actual threat.