MMA

Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson II set for Sept. 27

Jun 6, 2014, 4:45 AM | Updated: 4:45 am

The rematch is on.

Thursday night, the UFC officially announced UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones will put his belt on the line against Alexander Gustafsson in a rematch of their 2013 Fight of the Year.

Jones took to Twitter to express his excitement.

This announcement should come as a relief to Gustafsson, who had already signed on for the fight after news broke earlier this week that Jones wished to face Daniel Cormier, the man who recently called him out at UFC 173, instead.

To fans it looked like the 26-year-old champion was running away from a rematch with the only opponent to truly test him inside the cage. But according to Jones, it was never about not facing Gustafsson, he just wished to face the man he thought would give him the greater challenge.

“I think Cormier is the tougher fighter, but the fans want to see me fight Gustafsson,” said Jones. “There was never an issue with taking the Gustafsson fight.”

As for holding off on signing the contract to rematch Gustafsson, the champion said it was simply a matter of asking for a later date than the proposed Aug. 30 card.

“The issue was that my brother is getting married in July and I would have preferred a later date. I didn’t want to go this early and I would have preferred to go later in October or November,” said Jones. “It is what it is. We have a date now, September 27. This was a personal decision for me. I will be at my brother’s wedding and have a proper training camp.”

But as for Cormier, he’s just hoping Jones walks away with the belt so the two can finally settle their differences early next year.

As of now the Sept.27 card is scheduled for Toronto’s Air Canada Centre, which just so happens to be the very same venue Jones and Gustafsson met last September. Here’s hoping lightning strikes twice.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

MMA

Associated Press

Tyson Fury knocks out Deontay Wilder in 11th round thriller

Tyson Fury got up from two fourth-round knockdowns and stopped Deontay Wilder in the 11th round Saturday night, retaining his WBC title.

3 years ago

Conor McGregor sits while receiving attention for injury while fighting Dustin Poirier in a UFC 264...

Associated Press

Conor McGregor injures leg, Poirier wins UFC 264 showdown

Conor McGregor's leg and ankle buckled when he stepped back from a blow by Dustin Poirier that downed the former two-division UFC champion.

3 years ago

In this handout image provided by the UFC, Dustin Poirier reacts after his knockout victory over Co...

Associated Press

Dustin Poirier knocks out Conor McGregor in 2nd round at UFC 257

Dustin Poirier stopped Conor McGregor with a flurry of punches Sunday, avenging his loss to the Irish superstar with a knockout victory at UFC 257.

3 years ago

Associated Press

Usman, Volkanovski, Yan leave Fight Island with belts

Kamaru Usman retained his welterweight title with a smothering victory over short-notice challenger Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 on Sunday.

4 years ago

In this handout image provided by UFC, Dustin Poirier celebrates after his victory over Dan Hooker ...

Associated Press

Dustin Poirier wins decision over Dan Hooker in UFC thriller

Dustin Poirier won a thrilling unanimous decision over Dan Hooker on Saturday night after surviving a brutal second round.

4 years ago

Curtis Blaydes battles Alexander Volkov of Russia in their heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Ni...

Associated Press

Curtis Blaydes stifles Volkov in UFC heavyweight bout

UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes dominated Alexander Volkov with wrestling Saturday night, earning his fourth consecutive victory.

4 years ago

Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson II set for Sept. 27