Jon Jones is widely expected to fight Alexander Gustafsson on August 30 at UFC 177, in a rematch of one of the best title fights in UFC history. Gustafsson has already signed a deal to be part of that spectacle, but Jones has curiously been slow to do the same, fueling suspicion he might be ducking the challenger.
Cormier in line for Jones-Gustafsson winner?
Jones has a reputation for taking on difficult challenges, so it's unlikely he's avoiding a clash with Gustafsson, especially since he's beaten him once. More likely, new deals with the UFC for both Gustafsson and Jones are holding up the process.
"We just signed Gustafsson to a new deal, and Jones is getting a new deal, too. We're doing a new deal with him," UFC president Dana White said.
A name that will come up in association with these two very often going forward is that of Daniel Cormier, a fellow light heavyweight who is blazing up the division's rankings. He throttled Dan Henderson in his most recent fight this past Saturday, tossing the legend around like a rag doll. Cormier hasn't lost a round yet in the UFC, and has made no secret of his desire to face Jones.
He even went as far as to say he's rooting for Jones to beat Gustafsson in a rematch, which would make it more special for him when he wins the title. "I know we all praise Alexander Gustafsson for what he's done. He's a great fighter. It means a little bit more to beat a Jon Jones," Cormier said.
"Look at what Chris Weidman beating Anderson Silva did. If it had happened to anyone else I don't think it would have had the impact that it did. So I would prefer Jones to be the champion."
The "scared" narrative is one pushed mostly by Jones detractors, and even Gus doesn't agree with it. Last month he addressed those rumors saying, "I don't think Jones is scared or he's trying to run or anything like that.
"He just knows that I'm a really bad matchup and he knows that we will fight one day. He knows that, but he's trying to avoid it as long as he can."
That day should be August 30, unless "Bones" wants his critics to be in full throat.
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