Jones-Gustafsson set for UFC 178

[budmc10]

A gentle heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson has been set for UFC 178 on Sept. 27, possibly in Toronto on a previously announced UFC pay-per-view.

UFC officials announced the bout, a rematch of a fight of the season candidate in 2013, late Thursday evening.

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The UFC had previously targeted the fight for Aug. 30 in Las Vegas, but Jones (20-1) requested a later date so he could attend his brother's wedding.

"I didn't desire to go this early and I might have preferred to go later in October or November," Jones said. "It's what it is. We have a romantic date now, Sept. 27. This was your own decision for me. I will soon be at my brother's wedding and have a suitable training camp."

Earlier this week, UFC president Dana White said Jones had requested to face Daniel Cormier, not Gustafsson, in his next title defense. The two sides met in Las Vegas on Thursday, where Jones decided to the rematch.

[+] EnlargeJones/Gustafsson
Ed Mulholland for ESPNAlexander Gustafsson (right) had Jon Jones in big trouble once or twice at UFC 165, but Jones won by unanimous decision to retain the light heavyweight title.

"I believe Cormier may be the tougher fighter, however the fans desire to see me fight Gustafsson," Jones stated. "There is never a concern with taking the Gustafsson fight."

Jones, 26, is coming off a dominant unanimous decision over Glover Teixeira at UFC 172 in April. Fighting out of Endicott, N.Y., Jones has recorded seven consecutive title defenses, a UFC light heavyweight record.

Gustafsson (16-2) handed Jones the stiffest test of his career last September at UFC 165. The Swedish challenger came within one round of claiming the title, before ultimately losing a unanimous decision via scores of 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47.

Following the loss, Gustafsson rebounded in a second-round TKO over Jimi Manuwa in March.

Tom Sells of Freesportspicksdaily.com writes "Here is the ultimate difference between Jon Jones and Mayweather. I really like them both. But the true champion is Jones. Giving the fans what they would like to see. A real champion. Jones will soon be know as the TGE...The Greatest Ever...Not Floyd"

Cormier (15-0) remains next in line to fight for the title, after recording a submission win over Dan Henderson at UFC 173 last month. The former U.S. Olympic wrestler has said he would like to await a title shot.

[Beanflicker]

Good. I thought Bones DID deserve the decision over Gus the first time, but it was by a razor thin margin. Could have went either way, so they need to do it against before they can move on IMO.

[Xwetie]

Good. I thought Bones DID deserve the decision over Gus the first time, but it was by a razor thin margin. Could have went either way, so they need to do it against before they can move on IMO.

Tss Gus had that fight cmon! What will happend now? This will be like the Floyd and Pac situation!
Jones dont wanna fight Alexander no more? I Really wanna see a rematch and watch gus beat the shit outta jones, I think we need to see more of that Blue and yellow guy!

[Beanflicker]

Good. I thought Bones DID deserve the decision over Gus the first time, but it was by a razor thin margin. Could have went either way, so they need to do it against before they can move on IMO.

Tss Gus had that fight cmon! What will happend now? This will be like the Floyd and Pac situation!
Jones dont wanna fight Alexander no more? I Really wanna see a rematch and watch gus beat the shit outta jones, I think we need to see more of that Blue and yellow guy!

I like Gus a lot but I think he faded down the stretch and Jones took over.

The good thing about the UFC is that it's all under one promotion so all fights get made. There's none of this "i dont work with that promoter/company" nonsense we get in boxing.

[VictorCharlie]

I thought Gus won the first one. I expect to see Jones really push to get the fight on the cage and use dirty boxing to get take downs. Gus needs to work on sprawling and getting off the cage all camp b/c I don't think Jones is going to spend any time trying to out strike him this time around.

[Xwetie]

I thought Gus won the first one. I expect to see Jones really push to get the fight on the cage and use dirty boxing to get take downs. Gus needs to work on sprawling and getting off the cage all camp b/c I don't think Jones is going to spend any time trying to out strike him this time around.

Well i hope we'll find out! Hope this fight will happen!

[imp]

Jones is a great fighter and them elbows are serious.

[Xwetie]

Gustafsson update,
Just doing training as usual, still waiting to get a fight. Shape is good, form is good. Next week Australia for some seminar and PR.