Dana White: Jon Jones Will Fight Alexander Gustafsson This Fall
Jon Jones asked. And now Jon Jones has received.
In response to a fan's query on Wednesday morning, UFC President Dana White tweeted the news that the UFC light heavyweight champion will defend his title some time this fall against top contender Alexander Gustafsson (h/t Bloody Elbow):
"@pubisboy yup
— Dana White (@danawhite) June 13, 2013"
Jones himself dropped his own Twitter hint on Tuesday, noting that an announcement was forthcoming:
"Fight date announcement coming soon. Just spoke with the president. Stay tuned
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 12, 2013"
White had previously indicated that Lyoto Machida, not Gustafsson, would get the next shot at Jones. However, that decision was met with some disappointment, as Jones previously fought Machida, winning by chokeout in his second title defense, back in 2011. Jones and Gustafsson have never fought.
That disappointment was evidently shared by Jones, who in recent weeks has called for "The Mauler." Based on his tweet, White has heeded those calls.
Jones (18-1) defended his belt for the fifth consecutive time April 27 at UFC 159, scoring a first-round TKO of Chael Sonnen. Jones has said he wants to break Tito Ortiz's record for light heavyweight title defenses, and only then will he begin entertaining fights at heavyweight or cross-divisional superfights. A win over Gustafsson would give Jones the record.
Fans and pundits alike are clamoring for a massive bout between Jones and pound-for-pound king and middleweight champ Anderson Silva.
Gustafsson (15-1) is on an impressive six-fight win streak in the UFC, most recently notching a decision win over Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.
