Alexander Gustafsson eyeing title shot when he returns to the UFC
GettyImages Gustafsson insists he is first in line for a title shot when he returns
Following his devastating knockout win over Glover Teixeira in May, ‘The Mauler’ has been absent from the Octagon as a result of shoulder and collarbone surgery. The Swede insists that his injury troubles will soon be behind him, telling MMA Latest “They put in a titanium plate to keep my collarbone in place. "But that plate was taken out last week so I am back to training and slowly but surely getting better with all the rehab. I’m excited to be back in the Octagon soon.”
GettyImages Gustafsson knocked out Teixeira in Stockholm in May
And despite Volkan Oezdemir being set to fight Daniel Cormier for the light heavyweight championship at UFC 220, and Londoner Jimi Manuwa breathing down top contenders’ necks, Gustafsson is convinced it is he who once again deserves to fight for the title next summer. He added: “I’ll be back in the octagon in the beginning of the summer, right in time for the next title match. “My prior goal and my only interest is the title fight. If Volkan wins against DC he will probably be my next opponent.”
GettyImages The first of Gustafsson's back-to-back victories came against Jan Blachowicz
30-year-old Gustafsson also gave his thoughts on Jon Jones's recent failed drug test and its effect on the sport of MMA. “Disastrous is my first thought,” he says, “But for the sport, it is good that the truth is out. I wish Jon good luck in his rehab and he is one of the most talented fighters in the UFC.” Despite Jones’ future being extremely unclear at present, Gustafsson has not closed the door on potential rematches with Jones and current Cormier before he retires.
GettyImages Gustafsson hasn't ruled out a rematch win Jon Jones if he returns to the UFC
GettyImages 'The Mauler' wants a title shot on his return, potentially setting up a rematch with Daniel Cormier