Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira booked for UFC's return to London

[Dale]

Alexander Gustafsson's road back to a light heavyweight title shot will go through Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

Gustafsson vs. Rogerio Nogueira will headline the UFC's return to London, England on March 8, UFC president Dana White announced at the UFC Fight Night 30 post-fight press conference.

White said that should Gustafsson beat Nogueira, he'll fight the winner of Jon Jones vs. Glover Teixeira for the UFC light heavyweight title in the future. White didn't state which arena will host the event and where the card will air in the United States.
No date has been set for Jones vs. Teixeira.

"I'm super excited to fight in London," Gustafsson said. "I've fought there before.

"We were supposed to fight way back, but we didn't, but now I have the chance to fight him again. He's a really good stand-up striker and a great opponent."

Indeed Gustafsson and Nogueira were scheduled to fight in April 2012, however, Nogueira pulled out of the fight due to a knee injury and was replaced by Thiago Silva.

Gustafsson (15-2) most recently lost to Jones last month via unanimous decision at UFC 165 in what many consider to be the 2013 Fight of the Year. Nogueira (21-5) hasn't fought since his February decision win over Rashad Evans at UFC 156. He was scheduled to fight Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 161 but pulled out due to a back injury.

The UFC's event in London will mark the first of six trips to Europe in 2013. Ross Pearson vs. Melvin Guillard 2 will serve as the co-main event.

The promotion is planning on holding an event in Malmo, Sweden next year despite Gustafsson not being on the card.

Pretty big deal for the UK guys getting Gus coming off his last performance and I fully expect him to take this fight with ease. Obvious they want to Cormier after Gus it seems then.

 

[Deezy]

Re: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira booked for UFC's return to Lond

So what happens if Lil Nog wins? No shot for him? hate the way he does these pressers, he totally made Lil Nog look like a jobber.

 

[Embrace Thou Maryse]

Re: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira booked for UFC's return to Lond

Love to see Lil Nog beat Gus here just to make Dana look stupid and shut up all of Gus's fans still claiming that a close fight with Jones is the biggest screwjob in sports history.

 

[Dale]

Re: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira booked for UFC's return to Lond

Nog out of the fight already with a 'lingering back injury' and no replacement been made yet.

 

[Embrace Thou Maryse]

Re: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira booked for UFC's return to Lond

Lil Nogs back seems buggered.

Who for Gus now, Phil Davis rematch?

 

[Deezy]

Re: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira booked for UFC's return to Lond

Probably just throw some 5-10 ranked guy and trie pretend like it matters as usual....Wait for Rashad and say winner gets Jones or something.

 

[Slim]

Re: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira booked for UFC's return to Lond

Yeah its gonna most likely be either Phil Davis or Shad.

 

[Dale]

Re: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira booked for UFC's return to Lond

WRONG!

Jimi Manuwa is stepping in which is a massive, massive step up for him.

 

[Slim]

Re: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira booked for UFC's return to Lond

WHO? What in the world? So if Gus wins this fight then he is still the number 1 contender? Or what?

 

[Dale]

Re: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira booked for UFC's return to Lond

Well technically there isn't a next in line after Glover, but I was always under the impression that this fight was always going to be a tune up for Gus ready for his second encounter with Jones.

 

[Deezy]

Re: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira booked for UFC's return to Lond

So basically Gus gets a jobber like he was King Kong Bundy.

Would pop huge if he lost.

 

[Embrace Thou Maryse]

Re: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira booked for UFC's return to Lond

Yeah Dana and co. are basically just feeding Gus a win to keep his stock up for the Jones rematch, despite what Dana claims about Manuwa being a legend in the making because he's knocked out some cans in England.

 

[Slim]

Re: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira booked for UFC's return to Lond

So basically Gus gets a jobber like he was King Kong Bundy.

Would pop huge if he lost.

Pretty much feeling the exact same way.